PASCH
PASCH stands for the “Schools: Partners for the Future” initiative. It is a global network of around 1,500 schools that place a strong emphasis on the German language. Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School is the only post-secondary institution in Malta that forms part of this network, having officially joined the PASCH initiative in May 2022 as an extension of the existing network.
Benefits of PASCH are:
Support in terms of staff development and educational resources
Scholarships for both students and teachers to study the German language and culture
Opportunities for international networking
Participation in projects abroad
Scholarships for Students & Teachers
In the summer of 2022, our student Kathleen Flask was awarded a scholarship to attend a German language programme in Hinterzarten, located in the picturesque region of the High Black Forest. She spent three enriching weeks there, fully immersed in the German language and culture. During her stay, she had the valuable opportunity to develop all four core language skills in German as a Foreign Language.
One of the highlights of this experience was meeting fellow students from across the globe, creating friendships and cultural exchanges that made her time there truly unforgettable. The international atmosphere and engaging learning environment left a lasting impression on her.
In addition to the academic and social benefits, Kathleen also successfully sat for and passed the Goethe-Institut B2 examination, marking a significant milestone in her language-learning journey. This remarkable experience not only boosted her confidence and proficiency in German but also deepened her appreciation for intercultural understanding.
In the summer of 2024, our student Maya Bugeja Lucas received a scholarship to participate in a German language programme held in Bamberg, a charming and historic town in northern Bavaria. She spent three rewarding weeks there, fully engaged in improving her German language skills through a variety of immersive learning experiences.
The course brought together students from many different countries, giving her the opportunity to build international friendships and exchange cultural perspectives—an experience she found both enriching and unforgettable. While in Bamberg, Maya also successfully completed the Goethe-Institut B1 examination, an important achievement that reflects her progress and dedication. This unique opportunity not only strengthened her linguistic abilities but also boosted her confidence in using the German language and broadened her understanding of German culture and life in a meaningful and lasting way.
Professional Development for Teachers
Ms Claudette Bonnici had the opportunity to attend a two-week course during the summer of 2024 in Berlin. Such professional development opportunities are invaluable for educators, as they allow us to stay current with the latest teaching methodologies and innovations in language education. They also provide a platform to connect with fellow teachers from around the world, fostering an exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices. Through collaboration and exposure to diverse perspectives, we not only enhance our own teaching strategies but also enrich the learning experience we offer our students.
Ms Ritianne Curmi and Ms Claudette Bonnici had the opportunity to attend a one‑day seminar in October 2024 in Rome, alongside other Italian teachers of German. The focus of the seminar was twofold: exploring the application of Artificial Intelligence in foreign‑language teaching, and learning about the “Destinazione Deutsch” programme.
“Destinazione Deutsch” is an initiative by the Goethe‑Institut aimed at promoting German language learning in Italian schools. It offers a virtual journey through Germany, accessible via smartphone or tablet and designed for learners of varying levels. Participants explore four themed “routes” filled with interactive games, videos, and cultural insights led by an avatar or a personalized path.
In the evening, the group was honoured with an invitation to the German Ambassador’s residence in Rome, where they had the chance to engage in informal discussions and networking within a diplomatic setting.
Projects & Activities
The first activity held was Jugend debattiert, where students who chose to take part had to debate the motion: “Sollen Handys an der Schule verboten werden?” (Should mobile phones be banned at school?).
Two students, Kelly Falzon and Hoda Jaf, won the debate and were supposed to travel to Brussels the following May to take part in an international event with other students learning German from across Europe.
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project could not proceed as planned. However, an online event was held instead, giving students the opportunity to present and practise what they had prepared. Despite the change in format, it was still a valuable and enjoyable experience for them.
A group of 2nd yr students taking German took part in the international competition Ja, zu Vielfalt, which promotes the value of diversity. As part of the competition, they had to create a video that creatively represented this important theme.
The project turned out to be a fun, adventurous, and enriching experience. Not only did the students get the chance to practise and improve their German skills, but they also worked together as a team, using their creativity to bring their message to life. They thoroughly enjoyed the process and were fully engaged every step of the way.
The competition was truly international, with participants from over 150 countries. We were proud and excited to learn that our students placed 10th overall — a remarkable achievement that reflects both their hard work and enthusiasm.
In April 2023, Talk ohne Grenzen took place in Hamburg. A group of five students, accompanied by the Subject Coordinator of German, Ms Ritianne Curmi, and the Head of Department of Systems of Knowledge, Mr George Gauci, flew to Hamburg to meet other students learning German from different European countries and to present their talk show, which focused on the topic of bullying – Mobbing unter Jugendlichen. In addition to their talk show, they had the opportunity to participate in various workshops held in mixed international groups, where they collaborated to design and present new workshop ideas. The programme also included cultural activities, allowing the group to explore Hamburg and visit iconic landmarks such as the Elbphilharmonie.
This enriching experience not only boosted the students’ confidence but also deepened their interest and motivation to continue learning German, as they experienced firsthand the power of language in connecting with others and expressing important social issues.
In 2025, Talk ohne Grenzen took place in Berlin. A group of five students, accompanied by the Subject Coordinator of German, Ms Ritianne Curmi, and Ms Claudette Bonnici, teacher of German, travelled to the German capital to meet fellow students learning German from across Europe and to present their talk show on the timely topic of Arbeit 4.0 – the future of work. The students delivered a highly successful performance, impressing both the audience and the organisers with their creativity and insight. Our students made not only our school proud but also represented Malta with excellence, showcasing the very best our country has to offer.
They were truly special students who managed to win the hearts of their peers from Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium, and Italy, forming strong bonds through their enthusiasm, openness, and team spirit. In addition to their talk show, the students took part in international workshops, collaborated on innovative projects, and immersed themselves in Berlin’s rich cultural scene, gaining valuable experiences that further enhanced their motivation to continue learning German.