St. Mary's Secondary School, Ballina

The President’s Award

The President’s Award

About The Award

Gaisce – the President’s Award is Ireland’s very own National Challenge Award, the country’s most prestigious and respected individual award programme, and a challenge from the President of Ireland, to you… the nation’s future.

What’s it all about?

Gaisce – the President’s Award works on the basis of a personal challenge set by you. You will set the challenge and agree it with a President’s Award leader. You won’t be competing with other participants, as each challenge is completely individual… so the only person you’ll compete with is yourself.

How does it work?

There are three different types of award that you can earn – bronze, silver and gold. The minimum age for the bronze award is 15. It is earned over a minimum period of 6 months. If you want something a little more testing, the minimum age for the silver award is 16. It is earned over a minimum period of 12 months. Or if you’re up to the challenge, the gold award is our most demanding challenge, and the minimum age for this award is 17. It is earned over a minimum period of 18 months.

How to earn an award?

There are four different challenge areas. To earn an award, you will need to participate in each of the four challenge areas. You might decide to build on an activity you’ve tried in the past. Each participant must participate in at least one new activity to earn an award.

Our four challenge areas are:

1. Community Involvement

2. Personal Skill

3. Physical Recreation

4. Adventure Journey

A Residential Project is required for the Gold Award

Who can compete for the President’s Award?The Award programme is open to all young people between the ages of 15 and 25. Anyone can take part as long as you’re self-motivated and up to the challenge.

Apr 28
2025
Classes resume after Easter
May 05
2025
No class Public Holiday
May 27
2025
House exams for 1st, 2nd & 5th year students
May 30
2025
School Closes for Summer Holidays
01-Apr-2025
St. Mary's Secondary School currently has a vacancy for a school caretaker
21-Mar-2025
The St. Mary’s Secondary School  Parents Association is hosting a fun table quiz on Friday, 28th March at 8pm in The Cot and Cobble to raise funds for the development of a nurture area in the school.
26-Jan-2025
TY Musical - All Dolled Up!
Slí Ectra, Ballina, Co. Mayo F26YXC7
353 96 70333
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