Educational outings across the curriculum

During the past scholastic year, as in previous years, the Archbishop's Seminary of Tal-Virtù, Rabat, organised various educational outings.

Each form had at least three educational outings organised every term. A recreational outing for the whole school was organised during the Christmas period.

The aim of these outings is three-fold: to experience the classroom as one group outside the school; to appreciate environmental and cultural heritage; and to create future opportunities within the work sector. These goals are meant to be related to the various subjects taught at school.

Emphasis is placed on the environmental and cultural aspect in the junior classes. In fact, Form 1 and 2 students visited two nature reserves, one at Simar, Xemxija and the other at Wied Għollieqa. The students also learnt to appreciate the importance of reading by visiting the Malta Public Library at Belt is-Sebh and The Book Fair. They also visited various places of historical interest including the Malta War Museum in Vittoriosa, the archaeological site Borg-in-Nadur, and the Domus Pauli in Valletta. They also had sessions related to the French and Maltese languages.

While visiting places of historical interest such as Fort Rinella in Kalkara, the National Archives in Rabat, Palazzo Falson in Mdina, Casa Rocca Piccola in Valletta, and Is-Simblija in Rabat, Form 3, 4 and 5 students also went on a harbour cruise.

Form 3 students attended a drawing session in Valletta while the biology students had another session organised by the Ager Foundation in Gozo. They also visited other places related to science and careers.

The Form 4 students visited ST Microelectronics in Kirkop and the Form 5 students visited the Central Bank in Valletta. Apart from these outings, the Form 4 students also visited three places of worship connected to Islam and Christianity.

These outings, together with other educational activities, are closely related to the different subjects taught at school. These allowed various aspects of the curriculum to be covered through a single outing. Besides, students were asked to write about the outings they attended, for publication in the sequential newsletters of our school.

We are positive that the aims have been achieved. We believe that the educational welfare of our students together with classroom explanation, is enhanced by these outings and other outdoor activities.

Mr Aquilina is coordinator of educational activities at Tal-Virtù Seminary.