Enid E Bonello – Deputy head of school and Erasmus coordinator, recently attended an Erasmus+ TCA on Improving Pupil Mobility in Copenhagen, focusing on how the can empower our students to become true global citizens. The sessions highlighted that the heart of every exchange is the new relationships students build, which provide them with essential skills for their future while breaking down stereotypes through shared values. By planning cross-curricular activities and using portfolio reflection tools, it is important to ensure these experiences are educational, transformative, and impactful both inside and outside the classroom.
To make every mobility a lifelong success story, as educators, we are committed to creating a safe learning environment built on trust for both students and parents and focusing on the “after-mobility” phase to ensure the project’s sustainability. By planning well and involving everyone before, during and after the trip, the school ensures that the outcomes of these activities continue to benefit our entire school community for years to come.

Two Maltese educators recently took part in a week-long Erasmus job-shadowing experience in Beaune, France, gaining valuable insights into teaching practices within the French secondary education system.

Ms Melanie Cassar, a French teacher, and Ms Paula Calleja Casha, who teaches History, Geography and Environmental Studies, visited Lycée Étienne Jules Marey between 30 March and 5 April as part of the European Erasmus mobility programme.

The visit formed part of an ongoing collaboration between the two schools. Earlier in the year, one of the French educators from Lycée Étienne Jules Marey visited Malta and spent time shadowing lessons at St. Jeanne Antitde College in Tarxien, creating the opportunity for a valuable exchange of ideas and teaching practices.

During their stay in Beaune, the teachers were warmly welcomed by the school’s leadership team and staff, who opened their classrooms and shared their professional experiences.

Throughout the week, the Maltese educators observed lessons across several subjects, including foreign languages, French literature, history and geography. These classroom visits offered them the opportunity to see how lessons are structured and delivered within the French education system.

Foreign language lessons placed strong emphasis on oral communication and student participation, encouraging learners to actively use the language in class. Literature lessons demonstrated structured approaches to analysing texts, helping students develop critical thinking while expressing their interpretations.

History and geography lessons made effective use of visual tools such as maps and timelines to support learning. The visiting teachers also noted how lessons balanced the development of subject knowledge with opportunities for discussion and student engagement.

The job-shadowing programme also included discussions with teachers and school leaders about topics such as curriculum organisation, assessment methods and approaches to student support. These exchanges provided an opportunity to compare educational practices and reflect on new ideas that could be applied in their own teaching.

Beyond the classroom, the visit also allowed the Maltese teachers to experience daily life in Beaune and interact informally with members of the school community, strengthening professional connections and cultural understanding.

Ms Paula Calleja Casha & Ms Melanie Cassar

From March 16th to 21st, 2026, a group of students and educators embarked on an unforgettable Erasmus experience in France, blending academic immersion at Jeanne Antide Lycée with life-changing cultural discoveries. More than just a trip, the week served as a bridge for students to grow both personally and professionally.

Students dove headfirst into practical learning, particularly within the hospitality sector. Faith Spiteri shared, “One of my favourite activities was cooking with local ingredients and learning about French cuisine”. Beyond gastronomy, students practiced childcare techniques, such as safely preparing baby bottles and sterilizing toys. For Raquela Zammit, the experience was about internal growth: “I developed important personal and practical skills… I learned patience while adapting to a new environment and routines”.

Despite initial worries about the language barrier, communication remained a highlight. Izaura Camilleri noted, “Despite the language barrier, we managed to communicate and learn from one another”. The sense of community was palpable, extending even to students with special needs. Parent Charlyn Cordina expressed her gratitude, stating, “My daughter felt welcomed, included, and supported at all times… Seeing my daughter happy was priceless”.

 The week was punctuated by breathtaking excursions to Annecy, Yvoire, and Chamonix–Mont Blanc. For many, the snowy landscapes were a first. Ana Lee Deguara recalled, “Seeing snow in such a beautiful setting was incredible. Sharing this experience with my classmates and teachers made it even more special”.

As the students returned home, they left with more than just souvenirs; they carried with them increased independence and global awareness. As the group concluded, “Erasmus is not just about travel—it’s about growth, connection, and discovering the world beyond the classroom”.

Ms Claire Lauri

Overpopulation is the condition where a population exceeds the carrying capacity of its environment. Malta is a small, but densely populated country. At the end of 2024, the total population of Malta was estimated to be around 574,250. This number is still growing to this day, leaving its scars on our nature and its inhabitants.

The Rise of Buildings and The Loss of Nature

Buildings are being built around our country, for many reasons – one of them being the increase in the number of foreigners living in Malta. Because of these problems, housing as well as workplaces must be built so that people can have places to live and work.

But do we ever stop and wonder about where animals live? Or where they end up when green areas are obliterated? The truth is, Malta is being swallowed by high-rise buildings like apartments and offices that are taking away green spaces and stealing the homes of innocent animals. In fact, we can see towering cranes in construction sites scattered around our country, replacing trees and wildlife.

Traffic – An Obstruction to Tranquillity

Traffic is quite a familiar term in Malta, and many people complain about it. Without a doubt, nature complains too. Traffic causes air pollution, which is, in simple words, the process of making the air dirty. It also makes noise pollution, though this cannot be seen, it creates harmful and annoying levels of noise. These two factors can affect both humans and animals in negative ways.

To begin with, air pollution can put animals at a higher risk of diseases, as their immune systems become weak, leading to infections or diseases like asthma and allergies. Air pollution can also cause skin irritation. On the other hand, plants can be damaged in many places, such as their leaves and roots. This ongoing problem can also stunt the plant’s growth.

Traffic also produces noise pollution, which affects wildlife and plants in various ways. Animals use sound to communicate, warn others of danger, and identify their offspring. Therefore, when there is a lot of noise and commotion, they find it hard to do these things. The effects on plants are just as harmful. Due to noise pollution, plants can experience changes in photosynthesis efficiency and even in the uptake of nutrients. Noise pollution can overall stunt a plant’s growth.

It is important to remember that pollution isn’t only caused by traffic, but by many other factors, such as factory emissions, aircrafts and sea vessels.

Beaches and Green Areas – Are They Serving Their Purpose Anymore?

Despite all of these problems, we can still spot places in Malta that aren’t dominated by buildings and pollution. For instance, there are many beaches and nature parks around Malta, some of the most well-known ones include: Għadira Nature Reserve, Buskett Woodlands, Dingli Cliffs, Ramla Beach, and Blue Lagoon, to name a few. They all have their own unique characteristics – but not all of them are completely positive.

Beaches are becoming increasingly overcrowded, leaving no space for nature or animals to thrive. The more people, the more litter and the lower quality of water there is. If we keep on proceeding like this, marine life will be endangered, and some species may risk extinction.

Even green areas are also experiencing overcrowding. Areas that were once viewed as peaceful, nature-abundant spots, are now becoming frequently crowded with a greater number of both local and foreign people. Although tourists are important, their presence can sometimes augment the overcrowding issue.

Overpopulation is a problem many countries face when they are populated in excessively large numbers. Many people share their opinions regarding this in Malta, and while this is important, nature remains silent. This silence must be more recognised by Malta’s citizens, so we can ensure that nature has its say – and ideally someday, has its way.

Rachel Gatt

Elisa Vassallo’s video The Hidden Waste of Artificial Intelligence highlights the environmental impact of today’s fast-growing AI technologies. Through clear visuals and simple explanations, the video shows how artificial intelligence depends on large data centres that use significant amounts of energy and water, leading to increased carbon emissions and pressure on natural resources.

Supported by data and a strong message, the video encourages viewers to think more carefully about how they use technology in their daily lives. Elisa raises awareness about the importance of using technology in a more responsible and sustainable way, helping people understand the hidden environmental costs behind digital convenience.

The video also links to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by encouraging more responsible use of resources and actions that help protect the environment.