All Year 3 students attending schools within St. Theresa College, recently took part in an exciting learning experience at Ġnien L-Istazzjon in Birkirkara. During this college-based initiative Nesploraw l-Istazzjon, the young learners had the opportunity to be involved in imaginative role-play and travelled back in time. Students boarded a restored historic train carriage for an imaginary journey to Valletta for work, entertainment or family visits — just as people did in the past! During their journey, they also sang the popular song Il-Vapur tal-Art ta’ Malta by The Greenfields, adding a touch of tradition to this experience.
While visiting the Railway Museum, students showed great enthusiasm, asking Mr Paul Galea (Founder and Chairman of the Malta Railway Foundation) and fellow volunteers thoughtful and curiosity-driven questions about Malta’s railway history. The initiative included a STEAM workshop on site where students creatively built model trains using recyclable materials.
Prior to the site visit, students designed a model train after being exposed to information about the evolution of trains and how they worked. Moreover, they had a shared reading opportunity to emphasise literacy skills. Following the actual experience, teachers were encouraged to carry out journal writing and involve students in class discussions to address mathematical misconceptions through problem solving using concept cartoons.
This initiative was carefully planned and organised by the College’s Heads of Department responsible of Assessment for Learning, Digital Literacy, Literacy, Mathematics, Science and Specific Learning Difficulties and Support Teachers under the guidance and support of Mr Stephen Miceli and Mr Norbert Pulis, Head of College Network.
This child-centered, cross-curricular initiative combined social studies, language, science, and mathematics, bringing history to life and highlighting the value of learning beyond the classroom. It was an invaluable teaching and learning experience for ALL involved!
