Gaisce - the President’s Award is Ireland’s National Challenge Award from the President of Ireland, to young people between 14 and 25 years of age. It is the country’s most prestigious and respected individual award programme, and its aim is to enhance the confidence and wellbeing of young people through their participation in different challenge areas.
The 4 challenge areas are:
There are 3 different levels to the award programme, students start on bronze and can progress to silver and gold, with each reward requiring an increased investment of time in each of the 4 challenge areas. Participants might decide to build on an activity they have tried in the past. Each participant must take part in at least one new activity to earn an award.
Students in Mount St. Michael primarily participate in achieving the Bronze award while in transition year and some continue the Silver Award in 5th and 6th year. Over the years they have completed a variety of activities from participation in the Big Sister/Little Sister programme to learning how to play a musical instrument or coaching volleyball. Students in Transition Year complete their Bronze award adventurous journey just before the Easter break. The adventurous journey usually takes the form of a two day hill-walking expedition and is often the most memorable part of the Gaisce experience.