Head Junior Years & Middle School - Esmeralda Zerafa
At Chiswick House School and St Martin's College, we believe that every child is unique and deserves the best education possible.
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At Chiswick House School and St Martin’s College, we believe that every child is unique and deserves the best education possible. Our vision revolves around the child at the centre of learning, as we strive to instil 21st century skills that will equip learners to be independent lifelong learners.
Starting from the Early Years, we focus on nurturing creativity and providing a supportive environment for children to learn and grow. As our young one’s progress to the Junior Years and Middle School, we continue to cater for tailor-made learning paths, seeking to develop a growth mindset that enhances resilience and empowers our learners to be confident problem solvers.
Our learning programmes are varied and rich; they focus on the core areas of learning, complemented and strengthened by the expressive and creative arts, digital literacy, physical development, and cultural competence. Individualised learning paths are further supported by specialist initiatives such as the Higher Achievers programme, accredited by the National Association for More Able Children in Education, focus groups, and the Alternative Learning Programme.
Throughout their journey in the Junior Years and Middle School, we encourage pupil-initiated learning by adopting a project-based approach together with other innovative pedagogies like maths mastery, which embraces critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication. We ensure that pupil voice is given central importance and we enable it throughout our daily routines, as well as our Student Councils.
We are also proud to have a solid learning beyond the classroom programme, which is designed to allow learners to develop a broader understanding of the world around them and to learn skills that will help them succeed in our ever-changing world. As part of the programme, learners are immersed in nature through Nature Matter Days. They are also encouraged to learn in real-life contexts through a wide spectrum of cultural and educational trips. We strive to build strong vertical and horizontal connections with national and international organisations through these trips and beyond. During the Junior Years these are mainly local visits, but throughout their years in Middle School, our learners are also given the opportunity to join international trips. These memorable experiences also develop confidence and independent skills.
We have a robust social and emotional learning programme and a wellbeing team that values the importance of supporting the developing child as each one blossoms individually. We believe that happy and healthy students are better learners, and we seek to create a supportive environment where our pupils can thrive.
At Chiswick House School and St Martin’s College, we firmly believe that families are crucial contributors to ensuring that each child embarks on and enjoys an optimal learning journey. Our families are regularly invited to attend various activities during which learners showcase their work, perform, and celebrate their achievements. Through our family focus groups, we ensure that our community spirit is continually strengthened.
We look forward to welcoming you to our community and to helping your child achieve their goals.
Junior Years Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5
Programme
- English
- Maltese*
- Mathematics
- Religion**
- Science
- Global Cultural Perspectives (GCP)
- Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Art, Music, Physical Education and Drama
- * International pupils who decide not to follow the Maltese course have the option of taking up lessons in another language instead. For further information kindly email info@smc.edu.mt (This course is against an additional fee).
- ** The school offers an Ethics Education Programme as an option instead of Religious Education. Further information about this programme is available in the sections below
In Level 5, learners are also exposed to six international languages through our multilingual and multicultural ‘Language Alive Programme‘ (LAP). Learners are introduced to French, German, Italian, Spanish, Latin and Mandarin. Each of these languages is given one lesson a week, for a period of 5 weeks. Languages are taught on a rotational basis. Through the Language Alive Programme, learners gain a basic knowledge of each of these languages and explore cultural elements that are of interest to nine and ten year olds.
Furthermore, in Level 3, 4 and 5 learners continue to attend the DEC (Discover – Express – Create) Programme. This weekly programme enables learners to acquire a taste of different disciplines and participate in a number of activities such as Lego Education, Move, Maths Art, S.T.E.M, Personalities around the world, Audacity, and Earth Matters.
The weighting of the various areas of study is planned according to the learners’ level of development, age and concentration span. Interesting and relevant educational excursions also enhance our programme.
At Chiswick House School, all books, stationery, and educational apparatus required are included as part of the package.
The programme is part of a dynamic and on-going process, continuously planned, monitored and evaluated, aiming at effectiveness and validity.
LEVELS & AGES
- Junior school level 3 is for ages 7 years to 8 years
- Junior school level 4 is for ages 8 years to 9 years
- Junior school Level 5 is for ages 9 years to 10 years
School Hours
- September to May 08:05 – 14:25
- June 08:05 – 12:25
School Location
Uniform Requirements
Find detailed guidelines on Junior Years summer and winter uniform requirements. Click the download button below to access the complete uniform list.
Junior Years Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5
Programme
- English
- Maltese*
- Mathematics
- Religion**
- Science
- Global Cultural Perspectives (GCP)
- Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Art, Music, Physical Education and Drama
- * International pupils who decide not to follow the Maltese course have the option of taking up lessons in another language instead. For further information kindly email info@smc.edu.mt (This course is against an additional fee).
- ** The school offers an Ethics Education Programme as an option instead of Religious Education. Further information about this programme is available in the sections below
In Level 5, learners are also exposed to six international languages through our multilingual and multicultural ‘Language Alive Programme‘ (LAP). Learners are introduced to French, German, Italian, Spanish, Latin and Mandarin. Each of these languages is given one lesson a week, for a period of 5 weeks. Languages are taught on a rotational basis. Through the Language Alive Programme, learners gain a basic knowledge of each of these languages and explore cultural elements that are of interest to nine and ten year olds.
Furthermore, in Level 3, 4 and 5 learners continue to attend the DEC (Discover – Express – Create) Programme. This weekly programme enables learners to acquire a taste of different disciplines and participate in a number of activities such as Lego Education, Move, Maths Art, S.T.E.M, Personalities around the world, Audacity, and Earth Matters.
The weighting of the various areas of study is planned according to the learners’ level of development, age and concentration span. Interesting and relevant educational excursions also enhance our programme.
At Chiswick House School, all books, stationery, and educational apparatus required are included as part of the package.
The programme is part of a dynamic and on-going process, continuously planned, monitored and evaluated, aiming at effectiveness and validity.
LEVELS & AGES
- Junior school level 3 is for ages 7 years to 8 years
- Junior school level 4 is for ages 8 years to 9 years
- Junior school Level 5 is for ages 9 years to 10 years
School Hours
- September to May 08:05 – 14:25
- June 08:05 – 12:25
School Location
Uniform Requirements
Find detailed guidelines on Junior Years summer and winter uniform requirements. Click the download button below to access the complete uniform list.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Throughout the calendar year we offer several opportunities to learn outside of the classroom. We believe in offering our children authentic learning experiences which enhance their awareness of the world around. Some examples of these include various cultural visits, theatrical entertainment, and onsite community worker visits.
Through Nature Matters pupils regularly visit and connect with nature offering them a wonderful opportunity to deepen their understanding of the environment and eco system. This is also a suitable time to reinforce the learning objectives through natural contexts.
Religious Beliefs and Multi-Cultural Celebration - a positive school climate generating a sense of belonging
CHSMC is committed to respecting each individual’s right to follow or not to follow religious beliefs. CHSMC embraces a Christian ethos and teaches the Catholic faith during Religious Education (RE) classes (and after -school Catechism casses) and also provides Virtue and Ethics Education (VEE) classes for those learners who opt out of the RE Programme.
CHSMC is committed to the principle that every person in the learning organisation is entitled to a respectful, positive school climate and learning environment that fosters a deep sense of belonging and embraces the celebration of diverse cultures.
NACE (National Association for Able Children in Education)
We are proud to be part of the National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE), an organisation that supports schools in providing high-quality education and appropriate challenge for all learners, particularly the more able and talented. CHSMC has been recognised with this prestigious accreditation since 2018, reflecting our ongoing commitment to excellence in teaching, learning, and ensuring every child reaches their full potential.
Project-Based Learning and Formative Assessment
At Chiswick House School and St Martin’s College, we are committed to the ongoing professional development of our staff to ensure the best educational experience for our learners.
During the scholastic year 2023-2024, many of our educators participated in international training programmes focused on innovative teaching methods, such as project-based learning and formative assessment.
Project-Based Learning – The training equips educators with innovative teaching strategies that enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Project-Based Learning (PBL) encourages teachers to design lessons that are interactive, hands-on, and connected to real-world scenarios. This training ensures our educators are well-prepared to create a dynamic classroom environment where students can thrive.
PBL empowers learners to engage actively, think critically, and develop key skills like collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. By exploring their interests and applying knowledge to real-world scenarios, students find learning more meaningful and enjoyable. This approach not only boosts academic performance but also prepares students for future challenges by fostering a love for lifelong learning.
Formative Assessment – our educators attended training on formative assessment to further enhance their ability to monitor and support continuous student learning. This training equips them with the skills to implement various techniques, such as quizzes, observations, and feedback sessions, to identify pupils’ strengths and areas for improvement in real-time. By doing so, our teachers can tailor their instruction to meet the diverse needs of all students more effectively.
Our pupils benefit significantly from formative assessment as it provides ongoing feedback that guides their learning journey. This approach helps pupils understand their progress and focus on areas for improvement. It encourages a growth mindset, as pupils view learning as a continuous process rather than a series of high-stakes tests. It also fosters a supportive classroom environment where pupils feel more confident and motivated to achieve their academic goals.