The Fort Issue 03 Jun 2019 | Page 63

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I began studying here at Verdala seven years ago, coming from a relatively big international school in Milan. It was a very drastic change, although for the better. Everyone was very welcoming and it was very easy to get settled. At the time, the class was composed of only 16 individuals, and since then we have almost doubled to 31 students in grade 12. Throughout all these years I have seen the school expand, although it mostly retained its small size characteristics. Still to this day it is quite crazy when I realise the school is located in what used to be a military fort that was active during WWII, something that few students around the world can say about their educational institution. There are so many memorable and unique moments that most will experience here, from international night, to the tunnel of terror to the yearly prank day by graduates. Whilst the International Baccalaureate program for grade 11 and 12 is stressful and requires optimal time management skills, teachers always reassure students and support them throughout. I am proud to have been part of this community and of all the opportunities that have been given to me. For the extracurricular activities required by the IB, there are countless groups and projects to join. My personal favourite has always been Peacelab, where once a month a group of students visit a migrant centre in Ħal Far and have conversations with people who have had different experiences from ours. Some parents and staff also visit, which helps bring the community together. Overall, my learning experience has been incredibly positive here and am grateful towards the school as a whole.

Thank you,

Giorgio Gatti ( Grade 12)