For the past 21 years the Royal British Legion (Malta) has been organising both summer and winter courses for Maltese students at its premises in Valletta. These courses have proved to be so popular that classes were increased to offer courses for students from Year 2 to Matsec level.

The course director, Joe D. Hamilton was last year awarded the MBE by The Queen for his efforts in promoting the English Language locally and for furthering closer Anglo-Maltese relations. Mr Hamilton, whose childhood was spent in Gozo during the war years, decided to give Gozitan students both primary and secondary the opportunity to benefit from these language courses by conducting them in Gozo.

For this reason, Gozitan students have for the past 11 years been attending these courses in Victoria, Gozo as this was the most convenient venue for them (and their parents).

This summer, just like in previous years, the Royal British Legion courses will be held at the Ninu Cremona Lyceum Complex, in Victoria, Gozo on Saturday mornings.

It is to be noted that in Gozo even the youngest pupils, that is, those who have just completed kindergarten, are being catered for with specially designed courses at Year 1 level. Many of these students continue the courses by attending the winter ones after school hours.

The courses, spread over eight weeks, include creative writing, comprehensions, vocabulary enrichment and grammar. As from this year the courses will include “Listening Comprehensions” at most levels apart from those already being held for Matsec students. At the end of the summer course all the students will be given a certificate. Participation, pass, merit or distinction based on a continuous assessment and not on a final exam to relieve students of unnecessary stress. Not only, but every student participating in our courses is given a book token since all students put in a lot of effort and time and this is rewarded; furthermore it entices them to read.

No textbooks are used as students are given a handout each week to work on. Students are encouraged to read and a “recommended reading list” which is also provided. Senior students are expected to bring a dictionary with them – this to use and to make them aware of its importance as an educational tool.

For more information and to register for the summer courses in Malta and in Gozo please phone on: 2133-8780, 2164-1486 or 2156-3420.