Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/429113
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 7 DECEMBER 2014 Opinion 29 former St Andrews Primary School, was by far the most appropriate. The site boasted a beautiful (if dilapidated) listed building and the land to build a modern state-of-the- art extension that would deliver a brand new school to accommodate the NSS students throughout their senior school education and, of course, the sporting facilities in order to further their individual talents. FTS were tasked with drawing up plans to facilitate the refurbishment of the listed building in readiness for the 2014 scholastic intake and designs that were submitted to and approved by MEPA for the construction of the new phases of the building. Refurbishment was completed on time for the new September 2014 intake and the demolition and construction works are well under way. The result of FTS's work is a magnificently designed facility for the NSS, that would be the envy of many a country abroad. The new facilities will see the NSS moved from the initial handful of sports offered in 2011 to 20 sporting disciplines in 2015. It will further see a permanent home for up to 250 talented sporting children, where they can develop their talents and individual sporting skills. Perhaps the most significant design aspect to mention is that FTS have laid out the sports facilities in such a way that they can be easily and readily accessed by other schools in the area and by the general public outside school hours, thereby creating a regional sport centre for the area. So, what of the school itself? Well, the first thing to make clear is that the NSS is a Government school like any other. Its doors are open to all eligible applicants, but, because the NSS is a dedicated sports school, the applicants undergo a qualification process that judges primarily their sporting abilities. This involves a series of sporting trials, carried out by Malta's national sporting bodies (associations and federations) on behalf of the NSS. These trials ensure that the NSS has sight of the very best talent of its age. The assessment, which accounts for a 60% weighting in the qualification process, coupled with the students' benchmark exam (30%) and an interview (10%) provide the school with an open, transparent and auditable way of selecting its students. There are 40 places offered annually at the school and for the 2015 September intake, the process that has already started. The school is expecting interest from over 300 children. The school today, in its new home, has its own dedicated teachers. Sports coaching has two paths for the NSS students. Each student participates in the sporting fundamentals – swimming, athletics and gymnastics. Coupled with this, each student has extra sessions on their chosen sport. The individual coaching the children are receiving in the field of excellence is paying off. The school boasts many champions from local competition and 2013 and 2014 have started to yield international success. Setting sport slightly aside for a moment there is another dynamic that has manifested itself at the NSS. The academic achievements are considerably higher than the vast majority of schools in Malta and Gozo, with the competitive edge that sport brings, naturally driving the individuals to bigger and better things. Are we resting on our laurels now that the NSS is all set? Of course not. The Government sees the work being carried out at the NSS as a catalyst to getting sport firmly back into mainstream education. In short, the NSS is still under development. It will reach capacity by September 2016. But, a concept has become a reality, with every child at the school being given a sporting chance to succeed – both educationally and in the field of sport. Every day at the NSS is sports day for the children. At the time, the Opposition had voiced its disapproval, citing that the relocation was one to a "less equipped school in Pembroke". But we have a holistic vision and we will ensure that this co-educational school will guide these young students along a dual career path, leading them to a successful career in sports and academic achievement. Evarist Bartolo is Minister of Education and Employment concept that has become a reality Richmond Foundation is a NGO working in the field of Community Mental Health Service provision for children and adults. Since services are offered free of charge, donations are very much needed. Please donate by sending a blank SMS to: 50618093 - ! 4.66 50619235 - ! 11.65 Thank You for your support, & all the best for the Festive Season! www.richmond.org.mt, 21224580 MATTHEW AQUILINA On the 19 th anniversary of your tragic and mysterious disappearance together with the other passengers of the Piper Lance 9H-ABU We miss you so much dearest Matthew, love Mama, Papa, Daniel & Adrienne, Gillian & Alfio, Nanna, Nannu, family and friends. Please remember Matthew in your thoughts and prayers. Emma, Sophie, Luisa, Nino, Mattia, Luca,