An Gaisce
Take on the Challenge
Earning a President’s Award is a powerful way to discover your hidden strengths, build lifelong friendships, and develop real-world resilience outside the traditional classroom setup. At Davitt College, our dedicated team of President’s Award Leaders (PALs) provides the structured mentorship, guidance, and support you need to turn your personal ambitions into certified national achievements.
Whether you are looking to master a new skill, contribute to local community initiatives, or test your limits on an outdoor expedition, your Gaisce journey starts right here.
How It Works: The Four Challenge Areas
Expand Your Horizons
Devote time to mastering a brand-new ability or sharpening an existing passion. Whether you want to dive into music production, learn coding, try public speaking, or perfect a new language, this pillar is all about personal growth.
Make a Difference
Discover the impact of giving back. Students get involved with local charities, assist in community coaching, join school publication teams, or spearhead local environmental clean-ups to drive real, positive change.
Stay Active & Energised
Focus on your health and physical wellbeing. This area challenges you to set consistent fitness goals, whether that means joining a sports team, committing to a running programme, martial arts, or regular fitness training.
Discover the Wilds
The ultimate team experience. Plan, train for, and execute a multi-day outdoor expedition. From our rugged traditional team camping trips in Co. Sligo to elite walking journeys like the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
Choose Your Challenge Level
Students can progress through three distinct, progressive levels of the Gaisce programme, with each demanding a greater level of personal commitment and time.
An Ideal Starting Point
Perfect for starting your Gaisce journey. Focus on building core skills, establishing consistent positive habits in your daily routine, and completing an exciting overnight team expedition.
Stepping Up the Challenge
A deeper personal challenge designed to foster sustained resilience, leadership skills, and a longer-term commitment to community-driven initiatives.
The Ultimate Peak
The pinnacle of the Gaisce achievement framework. Requires dedicated self-direction, an additional independent residential project, and a reflective portfolio capturing your entire developmental journey.
Adventure Journeys
Rugged Sligo Trails
The Adventure Journey is often the most unforgettable milestone of the Gaisce experience, testing teamwork and resilience in the wild.
At Davitt College, we have a proud, long-standing tradition of taking our students into the heart of the rugged Co. Sligo landscape. Over two days, students plan their routes, navigate the terrain, pitch their own tents, and cook together. It is a classic, tech-free bonding experience that builds outdoor survival skills and friendships that last a lifetime.
The Camino de Santiago
Your expedition doesn't have to be limited to Ireland. Eligible senior students looking to undertake a truly transformative milestone can plan, coordinate, and complete their adventure journey walking a section of the famous Camino de Santiago in Spain.
Our Legacy of Excellence
Sligo Camping Expedition
Transition Year students completed a rugged two-day camping and hiking expedition in Co. Sligo as part of their practical Gaisce certification.
TY Adventure Journey
Another outstanding cohort successfully tackled the elements and terrain of Sligo, supported by our dedicated faculty leadership.
Annual Awards Ceremony
MEP Jim Higgins joined the Davitt College faculty to officially present prestigious Gaisce certificates to our successful TY achievers.
Presidential Recognition at GMIT
Davitt College proudly celebrated the outstanding civic and personal achievements of eighteen dedicated students at a prestigious regional An Gaisce ceremony held at GMIT.
Accompanied by their PAL, Ms. Emer Whyte, the cohort's hard work culminated in 7 students achieving the highly coveted Silver Award, while 11 successfully earned their Bronze Award badges.
Presented officially by special guest speaker Andy Moran (Captain of the Mayo Senior Gaelic Football team) alongside Mr. Hugh MacConville of An Gaisce.
Sligo Expedition
Transition Year students putting outdoor survival and navigation skills to the test over a rugged two-day trail route.
Read Story →Adventure Journey
Another outstanding cohort successfully tackling the Sligo hills and weather elements as a unified team.
Read Story →Presidential Recognition
Eighteen exceptional Davitt College students presented with prestigious awards by special guest speaker Andy Moran.
Read Story →National Framework & Strategy
As an official Gaisce Award Partner, we align our school programs with the national standards and future vision of the organization. You can read more about the national roadmap by downloading the official strategy documentation.
Start Your Gaisce Journey
Are you ready to dream, dare, and do? Taking on the President's challenge is one of the most rewarding commitments you can make during your time at post-primary school.
If you are a student interested in registering for the Bronze, Silver, or Gold award, or if you want to explore planning an Adventure Journey to Sligo or the Camino, speak to our Lead Coordinator, Mr. Mac Donnacha, or one of our school's President's Award Leaders (PALs) today to get registered!
