This year, our school was given the opportunity by the Arts Council Malta, to work on a huge school project. Our aim for this project was that of enhancing the school environment and transform the school into a welcoming space that leaves a positive impact on everyone who enters it.
Together with the Head of School, Mr Nicholas Agius, and Deputy Head Ms Lisa Cocker, we designed and submitted a project entitled “Żabbar Wall – Where Colours Speak.” A dream: that of creating a graffiti mural — an idea that was welcomed with enthusiasm. Graffiti is a form of art that stands out. The bright colours and vivid themes in graffiti spark interest among students and adults of all ages.
We immediately turned our focus to the gym wall, located at the heart of the school building, meaning that once completed, the project would be enjoyed by everyone: both our students, who spend a large part of their day at school, and also the many visitors that the school welcomes daily. The Year 6 students were involved throughout this project, being mature enough to manage certain tools and materials responsibly. We also felt it would have been a unique and meaningful way for them to leave their mark on the school, before continuing their journey into middle school.
Our students participated in every stage of the process. During Art lessons, we were preparing sketches for the graffiti wall. Everyone was designing their favourite characters. We even engaged in outdoor sketching around Żabbar itself, where students drew places that hold value to them. One must note that life in Żabbar evolves around religion, culture, and sport. These themes were emerging in the students’ sketches, so later, all found their place on the mural. Among the featured elements are Our Lady of Graces, the parish church, local feast flags, and band club members, as well as the emblem of St Patrick’s, among others.
One of the most beautiful aspects of this project was the variety of activities connected to it. We incorporated several artistic elements, including music, singing, and pottery, making the experience even more engaging for the students. Thanks to the funds offered by the Arts Council Malta, the project was conducted in a highly professional manner. Renowned artist Glenn Cauchi, whose works can be admired across the island, as well as abroad, accepted our invitation and guided us throughout the entire project. He worked patiently with every student, teaching them spray-painting techniques individually. The students also had the opportunity to create clay artwork together with Mr Mark Camilleri at the Wardija School, and these pieces will be complementing the graffiti wall itself.
The project also included an original song entitled “Ġebel Ħaj” (“Living Stone”), with lyrics and music written especially for our students by Augusto Cardinali. The song tells the story of these children as they gradually build their experiences, learn from one another, and grow both within the school and within the Żabbar community. For a group of students — Isabelle Azzopardi, Jake Borg, Jack Buhagiar Lanzon, Miryam Burgio, and Shalaziya Debono — this became a particularly unforgettable experience, as they had the opportunity to visit Augusto Cardinali’s recording studio and professionally record the song.
This project has not only left a beautiful artistic result on the school gym wall but also brought students closer together and offered them a complete artistic experience. Most importantly, the students enjoyed themselves, discovered new friendships, worked as a team, supported one another, and each left their own lasting mark on the walls of Żabbar Primary School B. It is certainly an experience they will never forget. Project link: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DocoJXAYm/
Sherryanne Genovese
Art teacher at Żabbar Primary School B
Project Credits
Graffiti Art
Glenn Cauchi (Cooker) – mural work together with the Year 6 students of Żabbar Primary School B
Song – “Ġebel Ħaj”
Lyrics, music, and arrangements by Mr Augusto Cardinali
Performed by Isabelle Azzopardi, Jake Borg, Jack Buhagiar Lanzon, Miryam Burgio, and Shalaziya Debono
Clay Artwork
Mr Mark Camilleri – Dun Manwel Attard Young Adult Education Resource Centre, Wardija, together with the Year 6 students of Żabbar Primary School B
Participation
Year 6 students of Żabbar Primary School B, with the support of their teachers, LSEs, and parents
Leadership
Mr Nicholas Agius – Head of Żabbar Primary School B
Ms Lisa Cocker – Deputy Head of Żabbar Primary School B
Art Teacher
Sherryanne Genovese
Support
SMT, teachers, and staff of Żabbar Primary School B
Funding and Sponsorship
Arts Council Malta (ACM) – for the funding that made this project possible.
