Life on Campus
The GCHSS annual soirée is one of the most anticipated events in our school calendar, celebrating the creativity, dedication, and artistic talent of our school community. Bringing together theatre, music, dance, drama, and visual arts, the soirée provides students with a unique opportunity to express themselves, develop confidence, and showcase their abilities before a live audience.
Auditions for acting, backstage, and other duties are typically held in the first term and are open to all GCHSS students, regardless of previous experience. The soirée itself is usually staged during the second term and is always a highlight for participants and audiences alike. Over the years, GCHSS has presented a number of productions, including Rock the Rhapsody, Teen Beach, Little Women, Summer Lovin’, and Mamma Mia.
The PlaKard Project organises music sessions across a variety of genres and styles, offering students the opportunity to engage with music in an informal and inclusive environment. The project is built on the belief that everyone has the potential to be a musician, encouraging students to practise, experiment, and explore different rhythms and musical styles.
Regardless of prior musical experience, all interested students are given the opportunity to develop their confidence, creativity, and appreciation for music. Jamming sessions are held during breaks in various areas around the campus, creating a relaxed space where students can connect, collaborate, and share their musical talents.
Throughout the scholastic year, GCHSS promotes physical fitness, sportsmanship, and teamwork through a variety of sports activities and friendly tournaments. These activities provide students with opportunities to remain active, develop discipline, and build strong team spirit while enjoying healthy competition.
The sports programme includes football, basketball, handball, volleyball, and other activities take place both on and off campus and in collaboration with other sixth forms. Through participation in these events, students are encouraged to enhance their physical well-being, improve their communication and leadership skills, and foster positive relationships with their peers. These activities contribute to a balanced educational experience by promoting personal growth, teamwork, and a healthy lifestyle.
The Drama Troupe provides 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 offering a holistic education, the Drama Troupe enriches the educational experience at Higher through both formal and non-formal learning opportunities.
The Drama Troupe organises and produces a variety of activities, including Drama Day and the soirée, which give students the opportunity to showcase their talents and engage in artistic expression. It also collaborates with other subject departments to deliver drama-based activities that enhance learning experiences and bring subject content to life in an engaging and interactive manner.
Students interested in joining the Drama Troupe are encouraged to contact the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies for further information.
Students interested in practising translation are invited to take part in the Juvenes Translatores Competition, organised by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Translation.
This annual online contest is open to 17-year-old students from all EU countries and gives participants the opportunity to translate between any pair of the 24 official EU languages. To support students in their preparation, training sessions on translation techniques are offered, helping them strengthen their linguistic and analytical skills ahead of the competition, which is usually held in November.
All participants receive a Certificate of Participation, while the best translation from each EU country is awarded a special prize.
At the beginning of the scholastic year, academics from the University of Malta’s Institute of Linguistics and Language Technology visit our school to deliver an information session about the Linguistics Olympiad in Malta. During this session, students are given linguistic games and puzzles similar to those featured in the Olympiad, and the solutions are discussed together. No prior knowledge of linguistics or languages is required, as even the most challenging problems rely mainly on logical thinking, patience, and a willingness to think outside the box.
In preparation for a local competition against students from other Sixth Forms, interested students are coached by staff from the University of Malta together with two of our teachers from the Department of English. The winning team then participates in the International Linguistics Olympiad, which is held abroad.
The Guidance and Counselling Team at GCHSS is dedicated to preparing students for life beyond post-secondary education through a comprehensive programme of career guidance initiatives.
Throughout the year, in collaboration with various subject departments, the team coordinates several informative career talks featuring guest speakers from a wide range of sectors, including computing and information technology, law, engineering, accounting, environmental science and marketing.
Students are also provided with guidance on admission requirements for the University of Malta and other tertiary education institutions, enabling them to plan their academic journey more effectively and make informed choices about further studies.
In addition, the Guidance and Counselling Team organises a number of job orientation visits. Last year, students were given the opportunity to gain a practical exposure through a visit to a radio studio and a hands-on session in translation, terminology, and interpreting laboratories.
GCHSS is an Erasmus+ accredited institution and has been awarded funds to enable students to travel abroad to various partner countries within the Erasmus+ network. These mobility opportunities form part of the school’s commitment to broadening students’ educational experiences and encouraging international collaboration.
Participation in such mobilities enhances students’ personal and academic development by increasing intercultural awareness, adaptability, and independence. It also fosters a deeper understanding of different educational systems and cultural perspectives, while providing students with the opportunity to build meaningful connections and expand their network of peers across different countries.
Well-being Days focus on promoting student well-being and raising awareness about the importance of mental health. Events are held throughout the year and provide students with opportunities to reflect on their personal well-being, develop healthy coping strategies, and gain practical knowledge to support a balanced lifestyle.
Each event includes a variety of activities, workshops, and talks delivered by professionals and experts in their respective fields. A wide range of topics is explored, including drug misuse, eating disorders, mental health, nutrition, mindfulness, exercise, volunteering, and emotional regulation.
The organisation of these events is a collaborative effort between the counsellor, the guidance team, and the school administration.
Walks and hikes are usually organised during school holidays as part of the school’s commitment to promoting physical and mental well-being. These activities encourage students and staff to engage in physical fitness, embrace outdoor activities, and enjoy opportunities for reflection, relaxation, and social interaction.
Our school community gathers to celebrate the festive season through a joyful and meaningful Christmas activity. This initiative encourages students to embrace important values like generosity, empathy, and consideration for others. Past events were highly successful, with the school proudly donating over €15,000 to support this esteemed cause over the last years.
Christmas events offer a range of enjoyable activities. Attendees can have fun taking photos at a lively photobooth, while students and staff can buy creative Christmas cards designed by our art students. Karaoke moments bring excitement, with students and teachers joining in eagerly to entertain everyone. Moreover, the PE teachers organise fun games that encourage everyone to get involved and foster a warm, festive atmosphere.
GCHSS organises a number of events to strengthen links among the school, its students, prospective students, and their families.
The Open Day offers prospective students and their families the chance to explore the school’s facilities, meet staff, and learn about the courses and programmes on offer, helping them make informed decisions about their educational journey.
At the start of the scholastic year, Freshers’ Days welcome new students through orientation sessions, engaging activities, and opportunities to connect with fellow students and staff, helping them settle into school life.
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 opportunity for meaningful interaction among parents, students, and staff.
Graduation Day is a special occasion during which students celebrate their academic achievements and mark the successful completion of their studies at GCHSS. Through a formal ceremony, students bid farewell to their years at the school and celebrate this important milestone as they prepare to embark on the next phase of their academic, professional, and personal journeys.
