The Lyceum, the Seminary, St Aloysius College and St Edward’s College all contributed to the education of their students. However, the history of the Lyceum goes far back in time, even before the British period in Malta.

I was involved in two segments of its chequered history, first as a student in the 1940s and, then, in the 1960s, as a master (so were we lauded then). The Lyceum was a government institution. It admitted all candidates, irrespective of social status or wealth. Acceptance rested on the students’ success: the written and competitive examinations were also limited by the number of vacancies. Thus, students had to surmount two hurdles.

The sons of poor families (and they were legion then) were not discouraged. They qualified by sitting for a second examination to earn themselves a scholarship. All this proves that only the best brains won entry into the Lyceum.

On what else did the Lyceum base its claim to excellence? It produced cohorts of candidates for the University. It also inundated the civil service with administrators. A sample from my class reveals what followed in later life: three clergymen, four architects (needed for war-ravaged Malta’s reconstruction).

St Michael’s College, which opened in 1947, encouraged the enrolment of student-teachers. Except for an Edwardian, many were from the Lyceum. Of course, the medical and legal professions had many Lyceum representatives. The Lyceum also excelled in the field of sports. My class produced no thieves, only one businessman.

The selected masters added to its excellence. Students referred to them by nicknames that sounded mellifluous and endearing: Zanzu, Il-Persè, Il-Foxy and Il-Baqra (who bellowed hoarsely in class). Though students teased and taunted them, they loved them for they were their aid to inspiration.

The Lyceum held its head high until recently when it suffered a sea change. I wonder if St Edward’s or St Aloysius (The Times, January 1) had ever emulated their competitor!