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.
The photography programme is divided into two stand-alone accredited modules.
- Non-Formal Award in Photography: In this module, students acquire key competencies, such as the ability to capture high-quality photos in various focusing, depth of field, shutter speed, and lighting. Students also 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.
The Award in Youth Leadership programme is designed to help young people develop their leadership potential. This programme, run in collaboration with Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, enables participants to explore the meaning of leadership and various leadership styles, improve their communication skills, and understand the importance of strategic planning and active citizenship.
All sessions are interactive, featuring a variety of activities and discussions that help participants develop their skills in an engaging, practical way. Through a structured curriculum, the programme provides young people with valuable opportunities meant to strengthen their leadership skills and encourage more active participation in society.
The JA Malta Foundation programme provides students with hands-on experience that bridges the gap between theory and practice in business. In this programme, students learn to develop business ideas from concept to reality and discover firsthand how a company operates. 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.
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 Euroscola Programme brings together students aged 16 to 18 from all EU Member States to experience the role of a Member of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. During the programme, students engage in debates, vote on key issues, and obtain a firsthand insight into the European Parliament. Twenty-four participants were selected after a selection process organised at school, which included multiple-choice and open-ended questions. Travel and accommodation arrangements for Strasbourg are organised by the school.
The Philosophy Club offers students the opportunity to harness the power of collective inquiry, fostering thought-provoking discussions. Students engage in debates, prepare presentations 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. 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 unlocking new dimensions of understanding.
The Spanish-Speaking Club is open to all those interested in Hispanic cultures or the Spanish language. Once a week, various aspects of the Spanish language and its diverse cultures around the world are explored. The Department of Spanish organises 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. Club Hispanohablante sincerely appreciates the Spanish Embassy for kindly providing the club with resources.
The objective of this club is to establish an immersive environment where educators and students of all proficiency levels can engage with the Spanish language and share their cultural knowledge.
The Department of German has successfully run the German Club for the past five years, offering students opportunities to engage in activities beyond the traditional classroom experience.
As a proud member of the PASCH initiative, the club now also plays a key role in preparing students for the annual project Talk ohne Grenzen. This project, which has recently become a yearly commitment, brings together students from across Europe to present a collaborative talk show in Berlin. GCHSS students are invited to join the German Club, where language learning becomes both dynamic and enjoyable through meaningful cultural exchange and creative participation.
The GCHSS Chaplaincy welcomes students into a supportive environment that nurtures both their personal and spiritual growth. Alongside meeting the school community’s spiritual needs, it offers monthly extracurricular events, meetings, and a Youth Hub where students can unwind between lessons in a relaxed, inclusive space. Equipped with a games room featuring air hockey, billiards, and table soccer, the Chaplaincy also provides opportunities for fun and social interaction.
This group plays an active role in organising school-based events and cultural outings, while its mission is to explore how to embody Jesus’ teachings and the Faith in a positive, youthful way.
Through these activities, students are encouraged to deepen their relationships with one another and with God, gaining a clearer understanding of themselves, their capabilities, and how to pursue their true life’s calling.
The horticulture field was established by the Biology Department, with the help of ancillary staff, to provide Biology students with the resources needed for their coursework. This has become a living laboratory where students and staff members, sharing a passion for nature and agriculture, can meet, learn about plant biology, and lend a hand in growing and harvesting a variety of crops. Students develop skills in horticulture, gardening, landscaping, as well as lifelong social skills such as teamwork, responsibility and ownership. Students interested in gardening and horticulture should contact the Department of Biology.
The European Parliament Ambassador School Programme (EPAS) aims to raise students’ awareness of European parliamentary democracy, the role of the European Parliament, and core European values. It empowers students from diverse backgrounds to actively engage in democratic processes at the EU level.
At the end of each scholastic year, the activities carried out by participating schools are evaluated. Upon successful completion of the programme, students receive official certificates during a ceremony organised by the European Parliament Liaison Office. This event is often attended by Members of the European Parliament and other stakeholders. Participating students may be offered the opportunity to join Euroscola and other activities organised by the European Parliament.
The Model European Parliament Programme provides a unique opportunity for young people aged 16 to 19 from post-secondary institutions across Malta and Gozo to actively participate in a simulation of the European Parliament.
During the sessions, run by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, participants learn about parliamentary procedures and engage in stimulating debates that help them develop important skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork.