Gaisce is a direct challenge from the President of Ireland to young people aged 15-25 to dream big and realise their potential. It encourages our students to find their passion, get active and make a difference in their community! Gaisce has been running in Domincan College for many years.
There are three levels of Gaisce – Bronze, Silver and Gold. Students in Transition Year normally work towards their Bronze Awards. The Bronze award involves the students doing 13 hours community service, 13 hours on developing a new personal skill and 13 hours participating in a new physical activity. Students also take part in an overnight adventure trip as well as an additional 13 hours of their choice from the above. The Silver award involves the students doing double the workload.
The Gaisce Awards challenges students in four areas over 13/26 weeks:
- Community Involvement – Examples of community involvement are working in local charity shops, volunteering in local community groups and clubs within the school.
- Personal Skill – Examples of new personal skills involve students learning a musical instrument, learning sign language or completing a first aid course or to hone an existing talent e.g. music, first aid, speech and drama, etc.
- Physical Recreation – Participants become involved in a physical activity to improve their health and wellbeing e.g. hurling, football, hill walking etc.
- Adventure/Journey – The adventure journey takes the students on a two day hike along the Wicklow Way from Marley Park to Enniskerry, stopping overnight in Knockree Youth Hostel.
Why do Gaisce?
- Challenge yourself and grow your confidence
- Meet people, make friends and share new experiences
- Develop your interests and discover new opportunities
- Add your Gaisce Award to your CV
- Have fun!
Contact Ms Smyth or Ms Sweeney for further information on Gaisce.