Day 4: Thur 16/2/23 - pm

Day 4 afternoon of the school sports tour to Malta was packed with exciting fixtures, with the students showcasing their skills and talent in various sports. The U14 netball team played brilliantly, securing a well-deserved 20-32 win. The Year 8A football team faced off against Marsaxlokk FC, and after a tough match, the game ended in a 2-2 draw. The Year 8B football team had a fantastic game against Lija FC, winning 1-2. The U14 girls' football team put in a strong and much-improved performance in the second half, despite being defeated.

The Year 10 football team had an impressive 1-7 win against Swieqi, showing their skill and teamwork on the field. The coaches were incredibly proud of all the students who participated in the fixtures and showcased their abilities with passion and sportsmanship.

As the tour continues, the students are gaining invaluable experience, building their skills, and learning new techniques from playing against local teams. The opportunity to travel, play in new environments, and bond as a team is an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Day 4: Thur 16/2/23 - am

The group was split once again, with group 2 heading to the Blue Grottos and Marsaxlokk. The Blue Grottos are a series of sea caverns on the south coast of Malta, famous for their crystal-clear blue water and stunning rock formations. Marsaxlokk, on the other hand, is a picturesque fishing village in the southeast of the island, known for its colourful boats, fresh seafood, and lively markets.

Meanwhile, group 1 had some time to relax in the hotel pool before embarking on a walk to the local town via the beach. They enjoyed exploring, , visiting cafes and souvenir shops and taking in the local architecture and culture.  On the beach, we looked at the rocks and Mr Hyland explained how Malta had formed through tectonic movement resulting in the sedimentary rock below the sea being lifted above the surface and looking at the types of weathering on the beach.

Day 3: Wed 15/2/23 - pm

This afternoon saw the Year 8 Rugby boys in 7’s action against a physical opposition. Despite the challenging conditions, the boys showed outstanding handling and footwork, ultimately winning the match 8-6. Their resilience and determination throughout the game were a testament to their skill and sportsmanship, and the teachers, Mr Wallace, and Hyland were incredibly proud of them.

The netballers were back in action once again, displaying an immense amount of resilience, talent, and commitment. The coaches, Mrs Hill and Miss Rice, were very proud of each and every one of the players for demonstrating their skills and determination on the court.

After the fixtures, the group returned to the hotel for dinner before settling in to watch Arsenal vs. Man City. The atmosphere was electric as the students gathered to cheer on their favourite teams, with Mr Wallace being uncharacteristically quiet throughout the match.

Day 3: Wed 15/2/23 - am

Day 3 of the school sports tour to Malta kicked off with a hearty breakfast for all the students, who were looking forward to another exciting day. The group was split into two, with one group going on a tour of the Blue Grotto and Marsaslokk while the other group was free to relax in the hotel, enjoying the swimming pool, pool table, and their rooms.

The tour of the Blue Grotto and Marsaslokk was an unforgettable experience for the students. They were able to explore the stunning coastline, with its incredible rock formations, caves, and crystal-clear waters. The fishing boats provided an up-close view of the geological features, including sedimentary rock striations and various minerals. The fishing village of Marsaslokk was particularly stunning, with its colourful boats and backdrop of the blue Mediterranean Sea.

After returning to the hotel for lunch, the students had some more time to relax and enjoy the facilities before the rugby and football fixtures later in the day; excited to show off their skills and compete against other teams.

Day 2: Tue 14/2/23 - pm

Day 2 afternoon was filled with excitement as the students geared up for their first fixtures of the sports tour. After some swimming to cool off from the warm Mediterranean sun, the athletes were ready to take on their opponents.

The Y8 boys and Y10 boys played football against Melita, with both teams putting on an impressive performance. The matches were played with great sportsmanship, with both teams displaying skill, determination, and a love for the game. The many spectators were thrilled to watch the matches, cheering on both teams and heaping praise on our boys.

The netballers played at Kirkop, where they showed their expertise and teamwork on the court. It was clear that the opposition was much older, but our players dug deep and showed resilience to keep going and returned to the hotel with smiles on their faces. The female footballers played at Gharghur, putting on a thrilling display of athleticism and skill. The Y8 B Boys footballers played a tournament at Swieqi, where they showed great promise and a passion for the game.

Details of the performances can be found on the school’s Twitter and Instagram accounts, @sportFHES. The posts are filled with photos and videos capturing the excitement and energy of the matches, as well as the impressive performances of the school’s talented athletes.

So far, the sports tour has been a great opportunity for the students to showcase their skills and compete against other teams, while also experiencing the unique culture and beauty of Malta. It has been a memorable and enriching experience for all involved, and the students have been great ambassadors for the school, displaying great sportsmanship, skill, and a passion for the games they love.

As the tour continues, the students are eager to take on new challenges and make new memories. Stay tuned for further updates on their adventures in Malta.

Day 2: Tue 14/2/23 - am

Happy Valentines to all!

The students woke up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead, having enjoyed a hearty breakfast to fuel them for the day’s activities. The first stop was a tour of Valletta, the charming capital of Malta, where they were introduced to the rich history and culture of the island.

The tour included visits to various landmarks such as the salt pans where they learned about the process of extracting salt from the sea, the fortification walls, notable buildings and churches, and the Malta 5D experience which brought the island’s history to life in a thrilling and immersive way. The students were able to take in the local culture and get a sense of the rich heritage that makes Malta such a unique and special place.

After exploring Valletta, the group made their way see the noon gun being fired, finding out that equal amount of gunpowder and plain flour are used to create a bang and create "smoke". Then back to the hotel for lunch to refuel followed by a quick dip in the pool and then heading off for our afternoon fixtures  later in the day; excited to show off their skills and compete against other teams,

Day 1: Mon 13/2/23

The excitement and antianticipationcipation was palpable as the Y10 students made their way to Gatwick airport, eager to embark on their first day of the sports tour to Malta. The early start did not dampen their spirits as they made their way through the airport with great behaviour, a testament to the school’s proud traditions of good manners and etiquette. The highlight was "breakfast club".

The Yr 8 & 9 students, meanwhile, had a more leisurely start, setting off from Heathrow with plenty of time to enjoy the journey. All arrived in Malta and checked into the hotel, where they enjoyed a delicious dinner before taking a stroll down to the beach to take in the local sites.

As the evening drew to a close, the students made their way back to their rooms and settled in for the night. Tucked up in bed, they reflected on their first day in Malta and all that lay ahead, filled with excitement and expectation for the days to come.

This sports tour promises to be an unforgettable experience for the students, filled with opportunities to explore the island, participate in a range of sports and cultural activities, and make new friends.

Stay tuned for updates from the tour, as we follow the adventures of our students as they embark on this exciting journey.