Our Junior year

Junior Years

Once the children have graduated from the Pre-Junior class, they move onto the Junior School (age 5 up to age 10 or 11 circa) which is the real introduction to formal schooling. The Junior School carries on the co-ed system from the Pre-Junior and comprises 6 levels (Junior 1 to Junior 6) with classes at each level without any form of academic streaming.

Our Junior School prides itself on being a caring institution, dedicated to shaping not only bright minds but also warm hearts. Join us as we explore the ethos of St Catherine’s High School, where every student is valued and nurtured.

St Catherine’s High School stands as a beacon of care and support in the realm of education. Established with a vision to provide more than just lessons, our school is a close-knit community that embraces each student with compassion, fostering an environment where every child feels seen, heard, and valued.

Aims & Objectives

· Academic Excellence with Heart: Beyond the pursuit of academic excellence, we place a strong emphasis on the emotional well-being of our students. Our aim is to create a learning environment where each child feels cared for and supported.

· Holistic Development Rooted in Compassion: Our commitment to holistic development extends to the emotional and social realms. We understand that a caring attitude is fundamental to the overall growth of our students.

· Character Building with Empathy: In addition to instilling values, we actively promote empathy and understanding. Our students learn not only to excel academically but also to care for and appreciate the diverse perspectives of their peers.

Skills

As a caring school, we recognize the importance of nurturing a range of skills that extend beyond the academic realm. In today’s rapidly changing world, acquiring a range of skills is crucial for success. At the Junior School, we focus on honing the following key skills in our students

· Emotional Intelligence: We prioritize the development of emotional intelligence, helping students recognize and manage their emotions while fostering empathy for others.

· Compassionate and Effective Communication: Effective communication is not only about words but also about understanding and empathy. Our students learn the art of compassionate communication, promoting positive interactions within the school community. Effective communication is a cornerstone of success. Our students develop strong verbal and written communication skills through various activities and projects.

· Critical Thinking: We encourage students to question, analyse, and think independently, fostering a mindset that is well-equipped for problem-solving.

· Collaboration: Teamwork is an essential skill in the real world. Through group projects and interactive learning experiences, we cultivate a collaborative spirit in our students.

· Creativity: We believe in nurturing creativity as it is the driving force behind innovation. Our arts and cultural programs provide a platform for students to express and develop their creative abilities.

Subjects, Programmes & Projects

The syllabi of the various Junior years cover a myriad of core competencies, such as Science, Maltese (introduced at Junior 1 level), English Language and Mathematics. Digital literacy is embedded across the subjects. We also cover subjects such as Religion, Citizenship Education, Ethics, PSCD, Performing Arts, Physical Education, Arts and Crafts and an introduction to French and Italian in Junior 6. The school also offers English Complementary lessons and MLB (Maltese as a Foreign Language) to foreign students. Other Extra Curricular Activities such as Music, Drama, Cooking, Robotics and Yoga are offered by the School as part of the afternoon programme.

The school cultivates a culture of active citizenship by requiring all students to engage and participate in a Social Responsibility Project as part of their education. Examples of such projects include the “Adopt a Granny project”. and “Supporting cat sanctuaries” and the “Marie Midolo Foundation”.

Throughout the Junior School we follow a pedagogy based on the National Learning Outcomes Framework (LOFs). At Junior 1 and Junior 2 levels we adopt a blended emergent curriculum pedagogy. To promote sound literacy skills, we also follow the Guided Reading Approach from Junior 1 to Junior 3.

To help monitor the students’ progress throughout the year, assessments are held on a regular basis. Annual exams are also set for the upper Junior classes (Junior 4 upwards) whilst formal ongoing assessment reports are issued from the Junior 1s to Junior 3s. We believe in fact, that a combination of both ongoing assessment and test or exam taking is important for the assessment of students in their schooling and we encourage students to take their studies seriously from an early age so as to instil a love for learning and exploration of the world around them.

Furthermore, outings and excursions, both educational and fun in nature, are organised on a regular basis for all our students in the Junior School, and students also participate in an annual Christmas concert/Spring Concert as well as in Sports Day and other events which are organised throughout the year, such as the Open Day. These events bring out the more creative elements in our children and help the children to boost their self esteem and build up on self-presentation skills that are so necessary in this day and age

School times in the Junior School are the same as the Pre-Junior and the Senior School, namely from 7:45am to 1:40pm. Classrooms in the Junior School are still 25 feet by 25 feet and still boast plenty of natural light and air and students in each class number between 20 and 30.

At the Junior School we are committed to providing an enriching educational experience that goes beyond traditional boundaries. Our focus on holistic development, coupled with a dedication to academic excellence, ensures that our students are well-prepared to face the challenges and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Join us on this exciting journey of discovery and growth at SCHS, where every day is a step towards a brighter future.