“School is a word that almost always triggers a reaction: some say it was the best time of their lives; others hated it with a passion; while others, knowingly or unknowingly, sailed through it and left it at that. But when one considers that between the ages of four and 18, an average person spends 180 days a year at school, it really is no surprise that we have so many emotions connected with the institution.

Most people, in fact, will reach many of their major milestones during this time; and from puberty, to their first kiss, to their first party, to coming out, to having their first relationship, to getting their first period, to getting their first job, school plays an important part in the memories associated with the breakthroughs and experiences had during those years.

With all this in mind, it is no wonder that school becomes second nature to us, and that the excitement felt on graduation day is tinged with a dreadful feeling of starting life afresh. Our school days shape us, our beliefs and our judgements, and they set the stage for what we go on to become, both in terms of career and also as individuals.

Here, three of Malta’s best-known individuals, tell us what their school days were like; and offer advice on how to make the system better.

Right: Moira Delia at her first school presentation.

TV presenter and producer Moira Delia is an animal rights advocate. Here she tells us all about her days at St Dorothy’s School in Sliema and at the Junior Lyceum in Mrieħel.

“For me, school days were never exciting because I was never academically inclined... Quite the opposite, in fact. Most of the time I found school boring and repetitive, but somehow I always made sure that my days with my friends were fun.

“My fondest memories from those days were being part of the gymnastic/athletic school team and memorising long scripts by heart for a main part in our Christmas or Prize Day school plays.

“On the other hand, apart from the horrible feeling I used to get when I sat for school tests or exams – which I normally wouldn’t have been prepared for – I would have to say that I didn’t enjoy when teachers and students discussed politics at school.

“That bothered me considerably, especially because at the time my uncle was a politician and that meant that I was often on the receiving end of many odd looks and snappy attitudes. Since I was so young and because my parents never discussed politics in front of my sister and I (and rightly so), I could never understand the reasons why certain people treated me so badly. School can have a big impact on people, which is why the choice of school is of utmost importance in my opinion as it can literally make or break you.

“If I had the chance to change something in the system employed by my old schools, I would monitor and select creative students with artistic/stage abilities and invest in their talents and skills.  Not everyone is meant to be scholarly, and society needs creative people as well.

“I was one of those students who hated studying and was happy with a pass in my exams, but I excelled in arts, drama, athletics and, most of all, ballet! I lost a dance scholarship abroad for the ridiculous reason that I had to sit for my annual exams, and these could not be postponed for me.

“Having said that, maybe I should have taken school a little bit more seriously... but it wasn’t entirely my fault: some lessons were just too boring.”

Claire Agius Ordway with her brother Gerald.

Claire Agius Ordway is the producer and presenter of Dak Li Jgħodd – babies/teens and a co-presenter on Ilsien in-Nisa. She has been in the spotlight for over a decade and here she tells us all about her days at St Joseph and Maria Regina schools.

“I have very good memories, but I always remember myself wanting to grow up so I could go to work. I was a very quiet pupil, so I had no problems with teachers and students. I can’t really say it was a bad time, but obviously like any other student, I loved weekends and holidays.

“My primary years were spent at St Joseph – it was a very small school with one class in each year – and then I went to Maria Regina Junior Lyceum, which had 10 classes in each year, so I remember feeling lost - thankfully, I fitted in soon enough.

“One of my best memories is from when I won a race in grade two and was awarded a medal. I was not the sportiest, but I always had it in me, though it took a lot of years for it to come out. My worst memory was of an Arabic teacher, who was bullied by students. I felt so sad, and couldn’t do anything about it. My friends and I tried to tone things down, but I was too shy to stand up for her at the time. Wish I could go back in time now. I hate bullies!

“I think school depends on the relationships one has with friends and tutors. If you are surrounded by good students, then you tend to work harder and struggle more to keep good standards. Teachers also play an important role, and a teacher who really believes in his or her students and enjoys working, can really push students who need a push. Unfortunately not all teachers are like that.

“Going back, I would add more PE lessons. We do not give enough importance to physical education vis-à-vis academic studies. If only educators took the time to understand how beneficial sport is in every sense, then they would surely introduce at least a lesson a day.”

A young Johann Schembri (centre) celebrating his birthday.

Airport Impressions’ guitarist and songwriter Johann Schembri, talks about his school days: from primary school at Sacred Heart in Marsa to his days at the University of Malta.

“Like many others, my school days were spent in four different schools: Sacred Heart in Marsa, St Augustine’s in Pieta, Junior College and the University of Malta, and I will always remember my school days as good days… Well, apart from the pre-exam periods, of course.

“My fondest memories are more from the secondary era, which allowed me to meet people who are still a part of my life. At St Augustine’s, which was and probably still is a small school, there were only two classes each year, so we were around 10 students in all who went to Junior College from both classes. It amazes me how that group has stayed in touch and after some 15 years, I still call some of them ‘close friends’.

“If I could go back to school, I would hope to be able to take up music lessons. I taught myself how to play the guitar at 15, when I was in my last year of secondary school. Apart from that, I cannot really complain, as we had a lot of other creative events happening.

“I’m also pretty sure things have improved further. In fact, two years ago, my ex-schoolmate Errol [the lead singer of Airport Impressions] and I were invited by a teacher to meet an upcoming band from that same school that had covered two of our songs (Walk with Me and Borderline). It was an amazing experience.

“My favourite subject at primary was maths, while at secondary it was accounts. I also enjoyed PE as it felt like an extra break. However, sometimes – and I don’t want to generalise here – I see that younger generations lack basic manners. It’s not good, as I think that the biggest impact of and best lesson from going to school is the learning of basic manners and education. I don’t know why, though… Could be that technological advancements are somehow dampening that which we were taught in previous generations.”