Volume 3
Number 4
01 December 2023
Dwardu’s Scoops ST EDWARD’S COLLEGE NEWSLETTER
Language acquisition over time St Edward’s College is currently hosting an exhibition of students’ works. While this may seem
obvious in a college, the display is unique in a particular way. It unifies what the students learn in a particular subject across different age groups. Int his case, the subject is the English language. The exhibition was the brainchild of Ms Mary Moore, Head of the Department of English at the College, and one with vast experience in the profession. The exhibition is aimed at giving a little insight into how each year group progresses over the years. When aggregated, the work shows a timeline progression of the acquisition of language skills over time. It enables students to aspire to new heights as well as appreciate their own progress. Teachers too, come out of the classroom cocoon and frame their operations in the wider context. These different perspectives enable a contextual consolidation which is a solid basis for, in this case, linguistic construction. The exhibition is essentially a timeline of the acquisition of a language. From the basic word and verbs to the more elaborate sentence structures and eventually to the expression of complex thoughts and ideas and finally even on to different forms of literary expression, the gradual accumulation of dexterity in the use of language may not be an ability either easily acquired or even noticed. The exhibition clearly shows that each year group depends on Continues on Pg 17
New sports
Waste not
Sicilian Ad-
at college
Page 16
ventures
Pages 5 & 7
Page 8-13 1
Volume 3
Number 4
The heart of the matter By Stephanie Wilkinson
Our Year 8 students recently delved into the intricate study of the human body through hands-
on dissections. Guided by their curiosity, these students navigated the labyrinthine chambers and vessels of the heart, peeling back layers to learn about the structure and function. This engaging activity was a sequel to their prior exploration of the breathing system, where the intricacies of the lungs were unveiled. Through these dissections, our budding scientists not only gained a deeper understanding of the body's inner workings but also cultivated invaluable skills of observation, analysis, and teamwork. These snapshots capture their enthusiasm and dedication, showcasing their journey to comprehend the marvels of the human body and fostering a
deep passion for scientific discovery.
2
1 December 2023
The blood of life By Jan Fiorentino Year 7Y
Every Friday I normally start playing as soon as I get home from school . This is something I would be looking forward to after a full week of homework. But Friday of last week was a little different. My mother, as soon as I got home, informed me that we needed to go to the Gwardamangia transfusion center. I complained but I had to follow orders. As soon as we arrived my mother had to present her identity card and register, she was weighed, her temperature was measured, and her haemoglobin levels (forms part of red blood cells) were checked to find out the level of iron in her blood. To calculate haemoglobin, a blood drop from the finger is obtained. She was also told to drink water. Finally, my mom entered a different room where a doctor ques-
tioned her repeatedly. Then she was taken to the blood donation room. The blood donation process was explained to me by the kind nurse who took my mother's blood. Blood donated is
used to treat a lot of illnesses. First and foremost, it is donated to babies and to women who have just delivered a baby and may lose a significant amount of blood. Blood is necessary for many cancer patients in their fight against the disease, and huge amounts of blood are required for major surgeries, particularly for those who have been in car or work place accidents. One can donate blood from the age of 17 until the 68th birthday. Women can donate blood every four months while men can donate every three months. The nurse also told me that the transfusion center opens every day. The whole process took less than half an hour. It's true that at first I didn't want to go with my mother, but after hearing the nurse speak, I understand how crucial it is to give blood. I can't wait to become an
adult and begin giving blood myself. I can actually save lives.
3
Volume 3
Number 4
Photosynthesis By Daphne Camilleri
The Year 6Y students were heavily committed int plant investigation. The studied how plants use their leaves to recycle carbon dioxide and turn it into food for themselves and oxygen for us. During the experiment, the boys noticed that the leaf expels oxygen into the water, causing bubbles to form.
A(n Early) Christmas Miracle By Louise Mallia
The Yr3Z woke up to a surprise this week. As November yielded to December, they found that the class had been invaded by Elves!
4
1 December 2023
Playing the oval ball By Paul Ferrante
Over the past months we have been busy introducing new sporting disciplines at St Edward’s College. Mr Nick Malsen from Overseas Rugby Club-Malta lead some demo sessions with our students. These were very rewarding and augur well for the introduction of this sport in the college. Rugby culture falls very squarely within the college ethos:
•
• •
•
Respect: Respect is a huge part of rugby. Rugby culture does not tolerate disrespect from the players, coaches, or fans. The players must be respectful of the referee and follow his decisions without question. Inclusion: The sport has seen many alterations and ups and downs since the 19th century. Since then, diversity has become a significant part of the beloved sport. Discipline: The main reason rugby became so popular is that it allowed boys to channel their testosterone-fueled aggression. Instead of expressing it unhealthy, the players can leave it all on the field and become much calmer and more focused. Sportsmanship: Professionalism and sportsmanship are part and parcel regarding rugby. Even though rugby is a physically jarring contact sport, players must be professional and courteous towards each other. Opposing teams should have the common sense to behave decently and politely. No player can nor does dispute the call off the referee, who is a respected figure. There can be no namecalling or incendiary comments regarding other players or teams. Fans must treat both teams with the same level of respect. 5
Volume 3
Number 4
Road Safety in the Early Years
6
1 December 2023
7
Volume 3
Number 4
Where chocolate never melts A recent school trip to Sicily as experienced by the students Roger Ghio Yr 6Y writes:
We started off our trip at the Valletta waterfront at the crack of dawn, where we jumped onto the ferry and bid our farewells to the Maltese islands and our families. As we spotted Sicily, everyone was full of anticipation for the fun trip that lay ahead of us. When we set foot on Sicily, we immediately collected our luggage and found a seat on the large coach. As we got off the coach, we split ourselves
into groups of six and we went onto 4x4s. I felt very comfortable and warm on the 4x4s as we started our ascent up Mount Etna and encountered a lot of beautiful greenery and golden unharvested fields. When we arrived at the peak of Mount Etna, we immediately noticed the change of whether, enjoyed the
magnificent scenery, went for a long walk and took a tonne of pictures. In the evening, we settled in our hotel which was an old train station, had dinner and knocked ourselves out in our cozy beds. The next day we ate breakfast and went directly to Parcallario, a zipline adventure park. I can
happily say that Parcallario was a truly remarkable experience and the highlight of my trip especially when I ziplined across a deep valley. After that we went to Modica and bought lots of typical stuff, like the exquisite Modica chocolate, a chocolate that never melts! I can truly admit that this was a trip like none other, certainly one to remember!
8
1 December 2023 Matthew Barbara Yr 6Y writes: Day 1: I woke up very early because I was going to Sicily with my classmates! When I prepared everything, my parents took me to the port terminal next to my classmates and teacher. Before we went on the ferry, we had to do some check-ups. When we went on the ferry, I
was very excited. When we arrived at Sicily, we took a coach that was heading to Mount Etna. After arriving at Mount Etna, we took a 4x4 Etna tour that showed us the neighbourhood. After that, we went for lunch at a restaurant. Then, we went back on the 4x4s, and they took us up Mount Etna. When the 4x4s reached a specific point, they stopped so we would go trekking on Mount Etna. Then we went back on the 4x4s, and they went offroading in the woods. After that, the 4x4s stopped near a lava cave so we could explore it. When we finished the tour, the 4x4s took us to a place for oil and honey tasting. When we went inside, there were lots of honey dispensers, and in the next room there was bread dipped in different types of oil. After that the 4x4s took us to the coach, and the coach took us to a hotel. When I went in my room, I unpacked my stuff, I had dinner, I washed, and I went to bed.
Day 2: In the morning, I woke up at 6:30 so I would have time to pack. An hour later, we ate breakfast and after, we went for a walk. Then we put our stuff in the coach, and it took us to Parcilliario. When we arrived at Parcilliario, one of the organisers taught us how to ride a zipline – and it was very fun! After that, we went on other challenges, and most of us even went on a zipline that crossed a ditch! Then we had lunch and after that we had time to go on other challenges!
9
Volume 3
Number 4
After that, the coach took us to Modica with a one-hour tour. Then the coach took us to the port terminal of Sicily (for the ferry). When I was on the ferry, I felt happy and sad, happy because I would be returning to my family and sad because the trip ended. When I arrived at Malta, my parents picked me up and from the terminal and since then, they hadn’t stopped asking questions about the trip! Nick Sant Yr 6Y writes: Sicily was probably one of the best experiences of my life. I would love to go again sometime because I really enjoyed it. My favourite parts were probably the adventure park, the hotel and Etna. If I had to rate the whole experience, I would rate it ten on ten. The hotel was very nice, but these were some of my favourite parts. The bed was comfortable, and I got to sleep with my friends, which was
a bonus. There was room for all of us and the room was neat and tidy when we went in. The food was good both for breakfast and dinner and outside of the hotel we had a nice little walk. Etna was nice as well. My favourite part was that we were at a high altitude, and I had never been before. The jeep tour was out of this world, and we even got almond cakes after. My favourite part about the adventure park was that is was very challenging where you must think everything through. It was, over all, a very nice time. As I said if you do this again, I will be willing to come because it was very well organized and we got to do a lot of fun stuff. Liam Rounce Jonck Yr 6Y writes: We woke up very early in the morning to catch the ferry to Sicily. We met at the ferry terminal in Valletta and were all very excited to see each other. The trip took two hours and when we arrived, we got on a bus which took us to a 4x4 tour on Etna.
They took us up the mountain where we could walk around, and we saw where it had erupted. Then we went to see a beehive that held 50,000 bees. When we were done we drove to the hotel. It felt like it took a long time to get there. We finally arrived at the hotel. When we got out of the bus it was very cold. We went into the hotel where the teacher gave us our room keys, and we went to our rooms to get things ready for our shower after dinner. Once our stuff was ready, we had to go down to the restaurant next to the hotel where we had delicious food. We then went back to the room, showered and went to bed. The next morning, we woke up at seven and had a look around. After that you could have gone on a walk, but I was too tired. We had breakfast at 07:30h and then we went on another walk where we saw some cows. After that our bus ar-
10
1 December 2023
rived and we went to a zip line place where we went on a ton of courses. We then went to a place where they make chocolate and they told us how they make chocolate that does not melt. We then went back on the bus and drove to the ferry terminal. We were all very tired when we got to the boat. After another two hours we arrived home. I found the trip very fun and I hope we do something like this again. Mohamed Abdulkader Yr 6Y writes: Last weekend we went to Sicily for two days. We were 24 boys. The teachers took us to this lovely pizza place then we all went to Mount Etna. We all pretended to be really old men so we found some branches and used them as canes. It was a blast! We then went to buy some local honey but I didn’t like the taste, so I didn’t bring any back home to my mum. We stayed in a hotel and they cooked this delicious pasta which tasted better than my mum’s.
I really enjoyed this weekend break and I look forward to going abroad again with my school. Luke Spiteri Yr 6Y writes:
It was an early 5am wake up call on Friday as at 06:30 we had to meet up at the Virtu Ferries Terminal. My friends and I were super excited and luckily, the boat trip took less than two hours for us to arrive to Sicily. From Pozzallo we went straight to Etna. It was really interesting to touch the volcanic rock and to see the beautiful view from Mount Etna. After we went to a nearby village where we tasted different types of honey. On the next day we went to Parcallario Adventure Park. Before we started, the instructor told us how to use the safety equipment. There were multiple obstacle courses but the coolest thing we did was definitely the huge zipline which crossed over a valley. Our trip ended at Modica which is famous for chocolate. This will be a trip I will never forget.
11
Volume 3
Number 4
Nick Falzon Yr6 X writes:
I was finally on the boat to Sicily! I had been looking forward to this day for a very long time . The crossing wasn’t so smooth and I felt sea-sick, but it was all worth it. Once we arrived at Pozzallo, we made our way to Etna. Here we were divided into groups where 4x4 Jeeps took us up to Mt Etna. After stopping for Lunch, we drove further up the mountain and hiked for two hours. The view was extraordinary. We could see a sea of trees. In the distance we had a perfect view of the sea. On the way back, we stopped near a cave and explored it. I was worried that we could be attacked by bats but this was just my imagination running wild. We then stopped at a shop to buy honey and olive oil before heading back to the hotel. We were exhausted!
The next day we were excited for our next adventure at Parcallario Adventure Park. Here were were harnessed and went through a series of obstacles and ziplines. We were in the middle of the forest with gigantic trees which were towering all over us. We felt very small. We were like monkeys swinging from branch to branch. The most exhilarating part was crossing the valley with a massive drop underneath us. Modica is a beautiful town famous for its chocolate. This was our final stop. We visited a chocolate shop and also climbed 250 stairs to see the view of the town before heading back to Pozzallo and then Malta by ferry. I loved our first school trip to Sicily. It was such fun and I am grateful for being given such an experience. I hope to have the opportunity to go on another school trip with friends, soon. Charles Yukai Sheng Yr 6X writes: On the 17th November I went to Sicily. It is a wonderful place. It is an administrative region. It is also part of Italy. I went to a slide park. It was very funny. There were many slides and levels. Some were difficult and some were easy. At last we went shopping. There were many shops, for example of clothes, cards, candy and chocolates. And then we went to the Church. It was beautiful and gorgeous. It was at the top of a mountain. The scenery was brilliant. We also went to Mt Etan. This is a volcano. It was big and scary.
Paul Aquilina Yr 6X writes: Since I first started Junior School, I always gazed at the wonderful dream of going to Sicily with my friends. 3 years went by in a flash and the day finally came. Early in the morning on 17th November we met our teachers at the Valletta Terminal. We got our passports checked and we boarded the Catamaran with much excitement. We all tried to find a perfect seat with our friends. As soon as we arrived in Pozzallo, we rushed off the boat to get a whiff of Sicilian air. We then collected our luggage and got on our bus to the Mount Etna Adventure. On the bus some of us slept while others played games, talked or read a book. When we got close to some of the villages and towns near Mount Etna we saw Mount Etna towering over 12
1 December 2023
them. We arrived at the place where they stored the jeeps that were going to take us up Mount Etna. When we got on the jeeps our guide started giving us general knowledge about Mount Etna and the area around it. We stopped to have lunch at a local pizzeria where we ate and talked to each other. After lunch we took a road upwards towards some of the older craters that used to be volcanoes. We arrived near a gate leading to some craters. We started walking and every now and then our guides would give us information on the surrounding nature and solid lava. Some of
us picked up a solid lava rock to take home as a souvenier. When we ended our hike we got refreshed by some blood orange juice as well as some almond cakes that I had for the first time. We soon got back on the road in our jeeps. We suddenly started to go off road and the road was so bumpy I flew into the air. We stopped again to see another crater we would be able to go into and look at. We then took the jeeps to a local honey and olive oil producer. We bought some honey with different flavours. We then went to the hotel to have dinner and get some sleep. The next day our teacher invited us to go on a walk with her until the bus arrived and we departed for Parcallario which is a large park for ziplining activities. When we got to Parcallario we got an introduction to how we work the ziplines. Some of our friends already came here before and it was very kind of them to help some of us who never came. We did many courses, mainly for beginners. Then we had to go for lunch but we were promised that we were going to go on the biggest zipline they had. We finished lunch and some of us got up straight away to get ready for the zipline. When I went on the big zipline I felt like I could fly. It was exhilarating ! We later got back on the bus so we could go to Modica. We had another long journey of sleeping, talking or reading. When we arrived in Modica we met our guide. We walked to one of the famous chocolate shops they had in Modica. They gave us a brief explanation why their chocolate is so special and how they make it. We all got a chance to buy some flavours that we could take home to Malta. We then walked to one of the famous cathedrals that has over 500 steps. Afterwards we went back to Pozzallo to catch the Catamaran. It was late in the night when we arrived at the boat terminal. During the trip back most of us talked or played a game. We arrived in Malta with so much memories that I think I will remember this trip for the rest of my life!
(A Special Edition of Dwardu’s Scoops featuring the Sicily Trip will be issued shortly) 13
Volume 3
Number 4
Workplace experience at one off the Big Four By Alexandra Pirotta Muscat
On Monday 20th November, the students studying Accountancy in Year 10 and Year 11 visited the premises of Deloitte at Mriehel. This is called one of ‘The Big Four’ accountancy firms in Malta and provides accountancy, auditing and many other specialized business services. We were welcomed by Ms Aimee who is an Assistant Manager from the People & Process
department who explained how every new entrant/leaver is interviewed to understand their skills and how these best fit within the company. She took care of us all through the day. A senior assistant from the Accountancy department, Ms Nicole explained what an accountant’s role entails starting from bookkeeping, which is what the students started studying in year 9, ranging to financial statements, vat, management accounts and payroll. Mr Ben Zammit, an Old Edwardian (2014), explained how an auditor checks the work of the accountant, confirming that the financials presented are fair and as far as possible without error, starting with an IT audit with checks for the systems financials reliability. Students were interested to hear how todays technologies like social media and gaming link
to accountancy. Mr Johann explained the IT audit process and what are the risks if something goes wrong. We had a walkaround of the premises, starting from the filing room, the Audit and Assurance and the Accountancy department. The students enjoyed the terrace
and the panoramic view up to Mdina. The students were taken
14
1 December 2023
to the lecture room where ACCA revision lectures are offered free for everyone not only to employees. After the walkaround, the Ms Edwina from the Advisory team has given a talk on the different risks: financial and regulatory.
The students were taken through two different feasibility studies with business modelling analysis of an Income Statement and Balance Sheet. The day came to an end by Ms Michelle from the Deloitte Programme team who explained the different accountancy academic
routes and the summer programs. We thanked the Deloitte team for giving the School this opportunity.
John Paul Cachia Yr. 10Y writes: I went to Mriehel for the outing to see a lot of accountants at work as I want to become an accountant like my teacher. I went to Deloitte and I had a cappuccino which I did myself using the coffemachine. I went with year 10 and year 11 students by van. The ride was good. I talked to a lot of people including Ms Aimee, Mr Jack and Mr James. I saw Rabat and Mdina from the balcony. I went to the canteen
15
Volume 3
Number 4
Message Received By Vivian Borg
In an effort to instill responsibility in our students, so that they become aware of the amount of waste gen-
erated by themselves and by others, the College paired up with Wasteserv Malta and this art competition spread over different year groups was the result. Well done boys!
Students go Dutch
By Margaret Bartolo
In order to foster intercultural learning we have invited Ms. Evy our Dutch intern to give a presentation about her hometown. The boys were very engaged as the talk focused on the differences and similarities between the two countries. These experiences are very enriching and they foster respect and collaboration among individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
A wonderfully peaceful picture captured by the Headmaster on his morning rounds. Lore has it that where the rainbow ends,
one can find a pot of gold guarded by leprechauns. Well, we do have Irish presence at the college and that rainbow...well, just makes you wonder doesn't it? Now, where is that shovel?
16
1 December 2023 From Pg 1
the one before it and developmental stepping stones can rarely be missed without consequences. While Ms Moore said that it would be great to have such an exhibition each year, there are also plenty of other activities which the students can participate in to enhance their linguistic and literary abilities in English such as poetry. “We can challenge Year 12 students to write poetry, Year 13s to write a sonnet. They know it is difficult but it is a way for them to understand the structure, the rhythm, the rhyme and that sort of thing. So if there is something that is happening internationally, it would be nice to be part of that too” concluded Ms Moore.
17
Volume 3
What Christmas is not...and what really matters
Number 4
By Kiki Mizzi
On Facebook you find all sorts. The spam, the utterly weird, the funny, and, occasionally, something that ticks all the right boxes at the right time. This one did. As we all gear up for Christmas, expectations are fueled by movies, media and
our circle of friends. We may feel we are letting our family down if we do not give them a picture perfect Christmas. But the presents are not what we remember, are they? We remember laughing till our sides hurt, snuggling under a blanket and that warm feeling when someone hugs you. We remember carols and fighting off sleep at Midnight Mass and Baby Jesus , whose birthday we celebrate. That’s what we need to remember, what we need to prepare for.
Founded in 1929, St Edward’s College is an all-boys college for both day and boarding students. Boarding is offered between the ages of 11 to 18. At nursery and kindergarten as well as at post-secondary level, the college is co-educational. As a private educational college, St Edwards offers excellent teaching facilities, high teacher-pupil ratio, a very wide range of sports facilities and scrupulous personal attention to the students. St Edward’s College Malta Triq San Dwardu Birgu BRG 9039 Citta Vittoriosa
At St Edward’s College, students receive a well—rounded education ending up in the IB Diploma. Most of the students go on to study at world class universities. Our top students are leaders in society ranging from Science and Business to traditional professions and the arts. Most Edwardians retain a love and appreciation of sports throughout their lives.
Phone: +356 27 88 11 99 Editor: Sylvana Debono Email: communications@stedwards.edu.mt
18