Life on Campus
At GCHSS, we believe in offering a comprehensive education that extends beyond traditional academic subjects. Alongside our subjects, we offer a diverse range of enrichment activities and host various events throughout the year — all aimed at enhancing our students’ learning journey and personal development.
Below is a list of recent opportunities and events available at our school. Click on each item to learn more.
This programme is divided into two stand-alone accredited modules.
- Non-Formal Award in Photography
Key competencies acquired include the ability to capture high-quality photos in various focusing, depth of field, shutter speed, and lighting. Additionally, students will develop skills in recognising the essential attributes of quality photos, maintaining an organised portfolio, and collaborating on scenarios, identifying the optimal lens for different shots, and mastering concepts such as planning, designing, and executing exhibitions.
- Non-Formal Award in Advanced Photography and Photo Editing
This module explores themes including nature and portrait photography, studio techniques and equipment, and advanced photo editing. Learners displaying enthusiasm and talent will be encouraged to pursue further educational opportunities in the field at higher education institutions.
This programme provides students with a hands-on experience that bridges the gap between the theoretical and practical implications of business. In this programme, students learn how to develop a business idea from concept to reality and discover first-hand how a company functions. Student participants elect a board of directors from among their peers, raise share capital, and market and finance a product or service of their own choice. This programme is delivered in conjunction with JAYE Malta.
The Department of Physical Education offers students the use of two gymnasia for volleyball, basketball, badminton, handball, rounders and dodgeball.
The school premises include a seven-a-side football pitch, an outdoor basketball court, a table tennis room, and a fitness room equipped with weights and gym equipment. These facilities are available for students to use during breaks or for free lessons. During break time, the department organises football, basketball, volleyball, and table tennis leagues. It is also possible to use the facilities for dance practice.
Throughout the year, GCHSS promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship through a variety of sports activities and friendly tournaments. These activities include football, basketball, handball, volleyball, and more, and take place both on and off campus in collaboration with other sixth forms.
Students interested in sports and fitness are to contact the teachers from the Department of Physical Education.
The horticulture field was established by the Biology Department, with the indispensable help of ancillary staff, to provide Biology students with the resources needed for their coursework. It has since grown and become a living laboratory, a place where students and staff members, who have a passion for nature and agriculture, can meet, learn about plant biology in an informal setting, lend a hand with growing and harvesting crops, and offer suggestions.
Students are allowed to develop skills in horticulture, gardening, and landscaping, as well as life-long social skills such as teamwork, responsibility and ownership.
Students interested in gardening and horticulture should contact the teachers from the Department of Biology.
In addition to welcoming students at the school, the GCHSS Chaplaincy offers students the opportunity to participate in monthly extracurricular events and meetings. It provides a casual space to unwind and relax between lessons and during breaks. Everyone is welcome to visit the Youth Hub and take part in activities organised throughout the year. This group lends a hand in organising many school-based events and cultural outings.
The mission of this group is to explore how we can embody Jesus’ teachings and the Faith in a positive, youthful way. Through these meetings and activities, members are empowered to deepen their relationships with one another and with God. Consequently, students will gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their capabilities, and how to pursue their true life’s calling.
The Philosophy Club offers students the opportunity to harness the power of collective inquiry, creating an environment where they engage in thought-provoking discussions. Students prepare presentations, engage in debates, and relate discussions to current events.
The club’s commitment to open-mindedness and critical thinking encourages students to challenge ideas, broaden their perspectives, and develop strong communication skills. GCHSS students are invited to join the Philosophy Club and form part of a community passionate about the shared pursuit of truth, where dialogue is the key to unlock new dimensions of understanding.
The Development of Creative Events is an extracurricular initiative designed to introduce students to the art and cultural event management field. Through this program, participants will acquire essential skills in digital marketing, public relations, communication, and event operations.
Students will be able to organise an activity based on the acquired knowledge. Additionally, they may choose to participate in the activity as voluntary work associated with the Systems of Knowledge project. Ultimately, the goal is to cultivate creativity, teamwork, and practical skills, preparing students for future endeavours in event management and cultural projects.
The Spanish-Speaking Club is open to all those interested in Hispanic cultures and/or the Spanish language.
Once a week, we explore various aspects of the Spanish language and its diverse cultures around the world. The Department of Spanish organizes entertaining activities such as film or short video viewings, language games, typical food tasting, arts and crafts workshops, music and dance appreciation and encounters with native speakers who live or work in Malta. We are very grateful to the Spanish Embassy for kindly providing us with some of the club’s resources.
We aim to create a space of immersion where teachers and students of any level can interact in Spanish and share their cultural knowledge. For those willing to give a new language a try, we welcome you as well!
The Department of German has been running the German Club for the last three years. Students are encouraged to participate in activities that deviate from the typical lesson activities.
The club offers students the opportunity to watch films in German, engage in board games, and discuss German songs and singers. Special mention should be given to the biennial PASCH Project Talk ohne Grenzen. Since students will be performing the talk show in Hamburg in April, they will be concentrating on Talk ohne Grenzen 2025 over the next academic year.
The German Club is also preparing to start a podcast. GCHSS students are invited to join the German Club, where learning the language becomes more fun and engaging.
The GCHSS Drama Troupe is a platform for exploring, developing, and organising theatre and performance activities within a safe and supportive environment. In line with the school’s ethos of providing a holistic education to students, the Drama Troupe adds value to the educational experience at Higher Secondary through both formal and non-formal learning.
The Drama Troupe produces activities such as Drama Day and the GCHSS Soirée. It also collaborates with other subject departments to organise educational drama activities intended to enhance learning experiences in specific subjects.
Students interested in the Drama Troupe are to contact teachers from the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies.
The PlaKard Project organises music sessions covering a mixture of genres. This project is based on the philosophy that everyone can be a musician, encouraging students to practice and take the initiative with various musical styles and rhythms. Not everybody may be musically gifted, but those who would like to try it out are given a chance! Jamming sessions are held frequently during breaks in various spots on campus.
Students interested in participating in the PlaKard Project and jamming sessions are to contact the GCHSS chaplaincy.
GCHSS is an Erasmus+ accredited institution that has been awarded funds to enable students to travel abroad to various partner countries within the Erasmus+ network. Such mobilities enhance student experiences in terms of intercultural awareness and adaptability, foster a better understanding of different educational experiences, and provide a wider network of peers in other countries.
In 2024, for the second consecutive year, Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School organised a Christmas Village in aid of id-Dar tal-Providenza. This year’s event was a remarkable success, with the school proudly presenting a donation of €10,500 to support this esteemed cause.
Beyond giving back during this special time of year, the Christmas Village fosters a strong sense of belonging, commitment, and responsibility within our school community. It was heartening to see staff, students, and parents working together toward a shared goal.
As a school, we warmly welcome prospective students to join our community and participate in this exciting initiative in the upcoming academic year. Together, we can continue to build a positive and inclusive environment where everyone contributes and grows.
The GCHSS annual soirée provides our students with a platform to showcase their artistic talents, incorporating theatre, music, dance, drama, and art. The activity typically takes place over three performances in the third week of January, highlighting the artistic flair of our school community.
Past performances include Rock the Rhapsody, Teen Beach, Little Women and Summer Lovin’. Auditions for acting, backstage, and other duties usually take place in October and are open to all GCHSS students.
GCHSS is dedicated to preparing students for life beyond post-secondary education through various career guidance initiatives. Throughout the year, the Guidance and Counselling Team, in collaboration with subject departments, organised informative career talks and job orientation visits featuring guest speakers from various sectors, including business, accounting, information technology, environmental studies, law, digital arts, philosophy, engineering, content creation, and social media. Students also gained insight into the admission requirements for the University of Malta through a session with representatives from the university.
Freshers’ Days at GCHSS is an annual event at the start of the scholastic year, welcoming new students with engaging activities, orientation sessions, and opportunities to connect with fellow students and staff.
Parents’ Day is an occasion where parents and guardians are invited to visit our school and engage with teachers and the school community. It is a valuable and highly sought-after opportunity for meaningful interactions among parents, students, and all staff members.
On Graduation Day, students celebrate their academic achievements and bid farewell to their years at GCHSS in a formal ceremony that marks the transition to the next phase of their lives.
The GCHSS Open Day provides prospective students and their families with an opportunity to explore the school facilities, meet staff members, and learn about the courses and programmes on offer.
It is an event that helps students make informed decisions about their educational journey.
Walks and hikes are usually organised during the Christmas and Easter recesses. These encourage students and staff to engage in physical fitness, embrace outdoor activities, while providing opportunities for reflection and relaxation in the countryside.
Library Week is held at the beginning of the second term each year. During this week, a theme is chosen, and various activities are organised around it. In addition to displaying books and presenting their film adaptations, the library collaborates with different subject departments and guest speakers to conduct activities and discussions.
Wellbeing Week centres around student wellbeing and mental health. This week is packed with interactive activities and informative talks delivered by professionals in the field. A wide range of topics, including drug misuse, eating disorders, mental health, nutrition, exercise, volunteering, mindfulness, and emotional regulation are discussed. The organisation of wellbeing week is a collaborative effort between the school counselor, the guidance team, and the senior management team of the school