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Time Travel Adventures at The Creative Express 2024: A Journey Through History with Hoi Polloi Academy

As the sun glistened on the sparkling waters of the Valletta Harbour this morning, we wrapped up yet another incredible summer at Hoi Polloi Academy with The Creative Express 2024 - Timewarped Again. This year’s summer school wasn’t just about fun-filled activities; it was an immersive journey through history, bringing the past to life in ways our students will always remember.



From Vikings to Victorians: A Summer of Historical Exploration

This summer, our Creative Express students, ranging from the curious three-year-olds to the enthusiastic fourteen-year-olds, embarked on a unique educational adventure that took them back in time. Over the past nine weeks, we’ve explored pivotal eras of history, delving into the lives of Vikings, Shakespearean actors, and World War heroes, and even experiencing the grandeur of the Victorian era.



Each Tuesday and Thursday, our students dived into these time periods through the power of musical theatre—acting, singing, dancing, and creating drama that truly brought history to life. The sights and sounds of each era were vividly recreated in our sessions, offering students a hands-on experience that textbooks simply can’t provide.

Wednesdays: Where Music, Art, Movement, and Mindfulness Collide Wednesdays were a highlight of the week, where the Creative Hub transformed into a vibrant space of innovation, creativity, and wellbeing. Students explored a blend of music, acting, movement, arts and crafts, and mindfulness, including yoga sessions. These activities not only showcased their artistic talents but also deepened their understanding of historical periods. From crafting Viking shields to performing Victorian-era skits, and engaging in music and mindful yoga, our young historians turned their newfound knowledge into expressive works of art, movement, and reflection. We were fortunate to have guest teachers enhance this journey: Ms. Gaby Bartoli provided mindfulness sessions, Mr. James Saliba from BeYourHeart led the yoga classes, Ms. Christine Vella guided students in music, and Ms. Lara Agius, with her expertise in prop making and sourcing, took on the role of Arts & Crafts Tutor on Wednesdays. Their contributions made the Creative Express experience even more enriching for our students.



Unforgettable Outings: Walking in the Footsteps of History

Our educational outings this year were nothing short of spectacular. We walked the ancient halls of Fort Saint Angelo, immersing ourselves in the rich history that shaped our island. Our second visit to Saint Angelo was particularly special, as students performed a scenes from Macbeth, blending historical learning with live performance.

We also visited Fort Saint Elmo, where the bravery of those who defended our island during the Great Siege of Malta and World War 2 resonated deeply with our students. Yesterday, as we sailed through the Grand Harbour, students reflected on the incredible history that surrounds them daily, capping off our summer with a serene yet awe-inspiring experience. Thank you Heritage Malta for making this possible.




Accessibility and Inclusivity: A Core Value of Hoi Polloi

Inclusivity has always been at the heart of what we do at Hoi Polloi Academy. This year, thanks to the support of the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, and Research, we were able to enhance our accessibility by providing two Learning Support Educators to assist children with learning difficulties. This extra support made our already inclusive programmes even more accessible, ensuring that every child, regardless of their needs, had the opportunity to thrive and engage in the activities fully. Thank you Mr Carmelo Vella and Ms Amanda Camilleri for all your hard work. As a Non-State Licensed Summer School, we are proud of our commitment to creating a space where every child feels welcome and valued.



A Cross-Curricular Approach to Education

At Hoi Polloi Academy, we believe in the power of a cross-curricular approach to education, and The Creative Express 2024 was a shining example of this vision. Under my guidance as Principal, we integrated drama, music, dance, and history into a cohesive program that nurtured both creativity and critical thinking in our students.

This wouldn’t have been possible without our dedicated team of educators: Ms. Lara Agius, our Acting Tutor, Ms. Rebecca Grech, our Dance Tutor, Ms. Cledia Micallef, our Singing Tutor, and Ms. Amanda Camilleri, who was a point of reference as a Class Teacher for our tiniest students, the juniors aged 3 to 6. Together, they brought this holistic educational experience to life, inspiring our students to explore their talents and passions in a supportive and creative environment.


The Journey Continues: Looking Ahead to 2025

As we say goodbye to another amazing summer, we’re already looking forward to what’s next. The Creative Express will return in 2025 with a new theme and fresh adventures—details will be announced in January, so stay tuned! We’re excited to continue this educational journey with your children, and we invite all those interested to join us for the 2024/25 scholastic year. Our ongoing courses in drama, dance, singing, and musical theatre offer year-round opportunities for students to explore their talents and passions. For more information, visit our website at www.hoipolloimalta.com.

Thank You for Joining Us on This Journey

We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the parents, guardians, and of course, our wonderful students, for making The Creative Express 2024 such a success. Your energy, enthusiasm, and support have made this summer unforgettable. As we close this chapter, we encourage you to share your experiences with us—whether through feedback forms, Google reviews, or Facebook posts, your input helps us create even better experiences in the future.

Until next time, keep the spirit of adventure alive! 🚂✨

Mr. Marco and The Creative Express Team Hoi Polloi Academy


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