As May settles in across Malta, the island is beginning to shift from the comfort and cosiness of home to the freshness of outdoor life. Longer days, warmer evenings, and the pull of the sea invite people to study, work, and unwind in open spaces - whether by the promenade, at a quiet cafe terrace, or simply with a notebook near the coast. Here are some places to visit when with breathtaking views and stunning displays of colour that will surely inspire you in one way or another:
Sunrise - East Side locations: Ta' Fra Ben in Bugibba, L'Ahrax tal-Mellieha, Sliema Promenade, Valletta, Xghajra or even Qala for those visiting Gozo
Sunset - West Side locations: Golden Bay, Dingli Cliffs, Fomm ir-Rih, St Agatha's Tower(Red Tower) in Mellieha.
For our April intake students, the exciting momentum of their journey is well underway. Lectures are in full swing, newly formed friendships are blooming and normality for our new cohort is kicking in.
It is a time to build routines, stay focused, and find balance between productivity and wellbeing. Progress happens gradually - through small, consistent steps. This month, we encourage all our students to embrace the energy of new beginnings, stay motivated, and remember that success grows strongest when focus is paired with rest, purpose, and a little sunshine by the sea!
To more memories and milestones
The Ascencia Team
Staff Spotlight for May: Mariyana Ivanova
This month we shine a Spotlight on the one and only Mariyana!
Mariyana plays a very important role in our company: one that is highly respected, highly needed, and honestly... slightly feared when the floor is wet. One look from her and suddenly everyone remembers how to walk around the signs properly!
For almost two years, Mariyana has been part of our extended multi-cultural family as our amasing housekeeper. What many of you may not know is that she is a true early bird, starting her day at around 4am every single morning. By the time most of us arrive at the office, still half asleep with a coffee in hand, Mariyana has probably already cleaned the entire school and made sure everything is spotless.
That is why you always see her moving around like a little tsunami; fast, efficient, and everywhere at once!
Thank you, Mariyana, for keeping us all in check and for making our workplace such a welcoming, clean, and comfortable environment every single day. Your hard work never goes unnoticed, and we appreciate you more than words can say.
In this edition, we are shining our spotlight on a group of students who have proved that hard work pays off – our May 2026 Graduates!
Friday 8th May 2026 will remain imprinted in the heart of our 29 graduates – a day where all the sacrifices they made culminated into that moment of achievement! As we, the staff at Ascencia Malta looked on with pride, it reminded us why we are all passionate about our jobs. We jump hurdles with our students – from visa processes to daily living – for this precise moment - witnessing them reach their goals!
In her speech, Dr Tess Giordmaina applauded the courage that all the students demonstrated, from the moment they chose to leave their comfort zone - families, friends and country - to pursue their dreams of studying abroad!
Dr Gianluca Abela encouraged the new graduates to step into the world with both curiosity and kindness. He reminded them moments of failure are an inevitable part of their journey, and when they arise, they should reflect back on the courage it took to try in the first place.
Lastly, but not least, Yasmine Belhadi, who was chosen as the Student Representative, highlighted the challenges all students face when leaving their home country and trying to navigate their new life in Malta. The bond that they create, supporting each other in the difficult moments and celebrating their successes together.
As each student went up on stage, retrieving their certificates, in front of friends and family, there was a resonating atmosphere of relief, gratitude and well-deserved excitement.
To the graduating class of May 2026: we are incredibly proud of you and wish you all the very best in your next chapter. As we always remind you, know that we will continue to cheer you on and you will forever be part of the Ascencia Malta family.
Introducing E-Ascencia: Our new Digital Campus
Flexible learning, internationally recognised qualifications, and career-focused skills — all in one innovative platform. We are excited to announce the launch of E-Ascencia, the new Digital Campus of Ascencia Malta!
E-Ascencia was created to provide students and professionals with a modern, accessible, and internationally oriented learning experience. Through a 100% online environment, learners can study from anywhere in the world while benefiting from structured academic programmes, professional mentoring, and high educational standards.
One of the key strengths of E-Ascencia is its collaboration with ATHE (Awards for Training and Higher Education), a UK awarding body regulated by Ofqual. This means that the qualifications offered through the Digital Campus follow internationally recognised academic standards and can be easily mapped to the European Qualification Frameworks.
Unlike many online learning platforms that focus on short courses or participation certificates, E-Ascencia delivers regulated and quality-assured qualifications designed to support both academic progression and professional development. Students are not only learning new skills — they are building qualifications with real international value.
The Digital Campus is organised into two main faculties:
- Faculty of Business and Management
- Faculty of Health and Social Care
Offering programmes in areas such as:
- Project Management
- Strategic Management
- Marketing
- Managing People
- Healthcare Management
- Finance
- International Management
All programmes are delivered in a flexible self-paced format, allowing students to balance their studies with work, internships, and personal commitments. Learners also benefit from guided modules, digital resources, assignment-based assessments, and ongoing support from e-mentors throughout their academic journey.
With the launch of E-Ascencia, our school is taking an important step toward the future of education — combining innovation, flexibility, and academic excellence in a truly global learning environment.
The future of learning is digital - and it starts here. www.eascencia.mt
Study Technique of the Month: The Focused 50-10 Method
Study techniques vary depending on one’s learning style or task at hand. For those learners who find study methods, like the Pomodoro technique, too short or disruptive, here is an alternative style of learning—the Focused 50-10 method. This style of learning suits students who prefer deeper, sustained concentration on a single task rather than rapid switches between short bursts of work.
How the Focused 50-10 Method works
1. Choose one clear task.
Decide in advance what you will work on: for example, drafting an essay, reading a text and answering questions, or revising a specific lesson. This helps you stay focused, and reduces the urge to switch between topics.
2. Work for 50 minutes with full focus.
Turn off notifications and commit to working only on that task. Use this time to read deeply, write without constant editing, or solve problems without distractions. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back without stopping the timer.
3. Take a 10 minute break.
After 50 minutes, step away from your desk. Stand up, stretch, walk around, or step outside if possible. Avoid screens during this break so your brain can truly reset. Use this time to relax, not to start a new task.
4. Repeat 2-3 cycles, then rest longer.
After 2–3 rounds of 50-10, take a longer 20–30 minute break. This structure keeps your energy and focus steady over several hours of study, helping you stay productive without feeling overwhelmed.
By adjusting the rhythm to longer, more thoughtful blocks, the Focused 50-10 method becomes a powerful tool for learners who want to go deeper into their work while still protecting their concentration and well being.
