The Gaisce Award Scheme

Gaisce Coordinator: Simon Murphy smurphy1@belvederecollege.ie

Room: Grammar 9

(For all queries and questions pertaining to information below)

 

The Gaisce Award Scheme

Gaisce or ‘great achievement’ is a self-development programme for young people between the ages of 15-25 and has been running successfully in Belvedere for many years.

Gaisce is focused on, and driven by, the following core values:

Empowerment
Making a difference, effecting change and enabling young people to shape their own path to self-discovery.

Inclusion & Equality
Every person will have the opportunity to grow their potential, through equality of access, participation and outcomes.

Respect
Valuing people equally, recognising diversity, and ensuring everyone is treated with dignity.

Excellence
Making an impact through pursuing the highest standards, operating with integrity and in a transparent manner.

 

Here at Belvedere College S.J. our aim is to ensure we have a programme which fits the needs of every student who wishes to participate in the Gaisce programme and to give each participant the best possible opportunity to do so. We believe in the ability and resilience of our young people and through the Gaisce programme we want them to nurture that ability and to realise their full potential.

In Belvedere, the Gaisce Program seems to always be in full swing. At any one time more than 100 students in Syntax, Poetry and Rhetoric are registered with Gaisce and actively on their journey towards their Bronze, Silver or Gold Award. Why not join them?

 

What does the Gaisce involve?

The award is split into three separate categories:

The Bronze Award

This award is primarily undertaken in Transition Year but is by no means limited to transition year students.

Students must commit to learning a new skill, participating in a sporting activity and helping in the community for an hour a week for a period of 13 weeks (one of the activities must be done for 26 weeks).

Alongside this the students must take an active part in a 2-day adventure journey, organised through the School. This usually takes place in the second week of May.

You can find out more about the Gaisce Bronze award HERE.

 

The Silver Award

This award is primarily undertaken in 5th year but is by no means limited to 5th year students.

Upon completion of the bronze award, students must commit to learning a new skill, participating in a sporting activity and helping in the community for an hour a week for a period of 26 weeks.

Alongside this the students must take an active part in a 3-day adventure journey, organised by the participants through the School. This usually takes place in the second week of Easter break.

You can find out more about the Gaisce Silver award HERE.

 

The Gold Award

This award though rarely completed during a student’s time in Belvedere is often begun in 5th or 6th year.

Upon completion of the silver award, students must commit to learning a new skill, participating in a sporting activity and helping in the community for an hour a week for a period of 52 weeks.

Alongside this the students must:

• Organise their own in a 4-day adventure journey, organised with help from the Gaisce coordinator.
• Organise and take part in a week-long residential project of their choosing.
• Complete a detailed portfolio, outlining the progress of their journey through each of the elements.

You can find out more about the Gaisce Gold award HERE.

 

 

Take into consideration that you are more than likely already doing most of the challenges involved on a weekly basis as part of your time here in Belvedere or as a part of your family life. This can be a recognition of the work that you already do for you and your community.

Or you could also take it as an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself to something new. Who knows what hidden talents you might discover!

 

It can be a way to make new friends and acquaintances, people outside your form class, your neighbourhood or your team. You can meet new people that share a new similar interest to you.

Gaisce can also a great addition to your CV- employers see Gaisce as a sign of motivation and a commitment to see a challenge through to the end. It shows that you can set goals and work to achieve them.

 

Ok I’m sold. What do I do?

Click on the links above to take you to the Gaisce Website where you can find out about the Award in detail.

Next come and find Mr Murphy, he’s the Gaisce Coordinator. You can find him in the mornings on the TY corridor, or in his room, Grammar 9 (opposite the Chapel).

If you cannot find him, email at smurphy1@belvederecollege.ie