Senior School Specialised Subjects

Sports

At St. Michael Foundation, we recognise the significance of a well-rounded education that includes a strong focus on physical activity and sports, and aim to promote physical fitness, teamwork and a love for sports among our students.

In Years 7 and 8, our Sports Programme offers three weekly lessons, primarily focusing on general fitness and coordination, athletics and team games. These activities have been carefully selected to engage students in enjoyable and energetic development, allowing them to expand on essential physical skills and developing a sense of fair-play, while building a strong camaraderie with their peers.

As students progress to Years 9, 10, and 11, the Sports Programme continues with two weekly lessons, which mainly focus on team games. During this stage, students have the option to take the highly popular PE sec course, which includes two practical lessons and two theory lessons per week. This course leads up to an O-level qualification in Physical Education, offering students a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding and expertise in the field.

We organise an annual Sports Day which promotes physical activity and school spirit among students. Additionally, we participate in various inter-school activities organised by the Malta Students Sports Federation (MSSF). Our school teams, comprising boys and girls of all ages, have achieved great success in athletics, swimming, football, handball, basketball, and water polo, showcasing the dedication and talent of our students.

Beyond the regular school hours, our After School Sports Programme has gained tremendous popularity among students. It provides a diverse range of activities, including athletics, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, football, and handball. These one-hour sessions take place daily, encouraging students to pursue their passions and further develop their skills in their favourite sports or just learn and experience a new activity.

Michael Molzahn
Physical Education Department

Dance

At St. Michael Foundation, dance is an integral part of our vibrant arts programme. Our students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of dance through our comprehensive curriculum. Modern dance is a theatrical and energetic style often seen in musical productions which includes jazz, lyrical, and contemporary elements in its examination syllabus. Through this dance form, students develop the ability to communicate expressively and artistically through movement while building a strong technique.

Throughout the year, we come together to celebrate our passion for dance with a spectacular annual school concert and Prize Day, where our talented dancers showcase their hard work and dedication. For those who wish to pursue dance at a higher level, we also offer Dance Club during breaks, providing an opportunity for continued growth and collaboration. Moreover, students can choose Dance Sec in Y9 to advance their dance journey and discover new possibilities in the art form. At St. Michael Foundation, dance is more than just movement; it’s an expression of creativity, discipline, and lifelong passion.

Claire Cassola
Dance Department

Music

The programme brings together a variety of creative skills and necessary tools for students to value music as an educational art form. The music sessions are designed to cover an array of different musical and artistic strands through fun and engaging activities. From a creative aspect, students are encouraged to explore collaborative music-making with the use of tuned and untuned percussion instruments and to develop a sound awareness of ensemble singing. Performances are central towards ongoing development and include both informal settings within the classroom as well as formal productions by means of a large-scale concert. These concerts allow students to unlock their individual and creative expression, boost confidence, build on collaborative work, enhance memory skills and develop knowledge and an appreciation towards live performance.

Outside the weekly music lesson, students have an opportunity to audition and form part of the Singing Club. This group brings together a carefully selected vocal ensemble of talented individuals who are committed to work towards new repertoire with focus on voice quality and performance. In addition, those talented musicians who play an instrument are encouraged to share their knowledge and skill with their peers at any point in the scholastic year. This serves as a remarkable experience for both the young instrumentalist as well as the audience.

Giselle Grima
Performing Arts Department

Ballet

Ballet not only cultivates physical strength, flexibility, and grace but also promotes excellent posture and body awareness among students. It enhances discipline, focus and concentration, whilst encouraging creativity, confidence and self-expression. Ballet students are prepared for an international Cecchetti exam and also take part in several performances throughout the year.

Anne Gatt
Ballet Department

Art

At St. Michael Foundation, the Visual Arts department strives to provide an exciting and attractive opportunity for our students to nurture and further develop their creative abilities. Whether our students are interested in painting, drawing, sculpture or any other form of visual art, our classes offer a supportive and engaging environment where they can express their imagination, develop their artistic skills and explore an alternative way to understand the world around them.

In the first two years, students are encouraged to appreciate and understand the foundations of visual art by exploring the various elements of art. We believe that our students should be enriched with a good cultural foundation and thus, we integrate our practice within an art historical context.

In the upper years, students have the opportunity to choose Art as an option. At this level, they are primarily allowed to express their creative ideas through Visual Arts. Through the process of creating art, students learn to analyse and interpret various themes, make technical decisions, and evaluate their work. These skills are not only valuable in Art, but also in many other areas of life, including problem-solving, decision-making, and communication. At this level, our programme is primarily structured around SEC syllabus, which includes work from observation and imaginative works, and compiling a good portfolio of works to serve as their initial showcase of artworks.

We believe that visual art is essential to holistic education, thus we are always venturing to organise extra-curricular projects. Some of the most popular include helping in backstage preparation for school concerts, decorating the school with paintings and murals, participating in various competitions and national programmes and collaborating with various local and foreign artists.

Art at St. Michael Foundation has always been an important pillar and an asset in the long list of achievements that our community is known to have accomplished throughout the years.

Lewis Zammit
Arts Department

Drama

Studying Theatre at St. Micael Foundation is a gateway to a diverse range of skills that enhance both artistic and personal life. This dynamic specialised subject blends physical performance and theoretical knowledge, helping students explore the art of expression, body movement and vocal techniques. As students delve into the world of theatre, they will gain a deeper awareness of themselves, building self-confidence, creativity and problem-solving prowess.

Our hands-on curriculum covers everything from text-based and devised performances to puppetry, physical theatre and the intricate crafts of set and costume design. Students will also learn about technical aspects, such as lighting, sound, make-up and script-writing. Beyond the stage, the course explores theatre history, with fascinating insights into Elizabethan and Shakespearean drama, Greek Theatre and Commedia dell’Arte, alongside essential health and safety practices.

More than just acting, drama equips students with vital 21st-century skills like communication, presentation, and creativity, making it a fantastic foundation for any career path.

Computing

Studying Computing at St. Michael Foundation offers students the opportunity to work in various technical environments, including computer system repair, analysis, design, and the commissioning of new systems. The curriculum covers essential skills such as game design and the use of microcontrollers like Arduino. Students will learn Python, enabling them to design and write computer applications, as well as gain knowledge in databases, and systems analysis and design.

With a foundation in Computing, students can pursue careers in programming, gaming, advertising, graphic design, website development, engineering, research science, and database management. Given its popularity, Computing is a competitive field, and many Sixth Forms in Malta require a Grade 3 pass or better for advanced courses. For those with a passion for technology and problem-solving, Computing is an excellent choice that opens doors to numerous exciting career paths.

Graphic Design

Graphic Design engages students in a creative process that fosters independent learning, critical reflection and inquisitive minds. The programme empowers students to take creative risks and experiment with diverse ideas, processes and techniques. Through this exploration, students acquire and refine technical skills across various media and materials, enhancing their imaginative and intuitive capabilities in art, craft, and design.

The curriculum also emphasises understanding art within historical, contemporary, and cultural contexts, promoting awareness of diverse roles in the creative and cultural industries. This specialised subject is ideal for students aspiring for careers in media, advertising, communication and various design fields, including printed media, fashion, jewellery, and theatre/TV set design. Additionally, it provides a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing architecture.

PSCD

At St. Michael School, we believe that life-long success transcends academic achievement, which is why Personal, Social, and Career Development (PSCD) is a crucial component of our educational approach. PSCD is an integral cog in the developmental wheel, nurturing the socio-emotional and spiritual dimensions of our students. It provides a holistic framework that extends beyond traditional classroom instruction, encompassing a wide array of activities designed to foster emotional intelligence, social skills, and career readiness. Through PSCD, students gain the tools to navigate complex life situations, build healthy relationships and make informed choices. These experiences are woven into the fabric of daily school life, ensuring that our students are not only well-rounded individuals but also equipped to thrive in their personal and professional lives.