The Gaisce program was introduced to the school in 2008/09 and saw seven Transition Years achieve the Bronze award. Since then, the program has expanded significantly and in 2011 there are more than 80 students signed up to take on the challenge.

The program at Bronze level involves 13 weeks of organised physical activity, 13 weeks of community involvement and 13 weeks learning a new skill.
At the end of this period, participants continue one of these activities for a further 13 weeks followed by a two day, one night mini-expedition.

Gaisce is a fantastic opportunity for students to consolidate the various elements of their co-curricular life at Belvedere into a single award in addition to introducing them to excitement of planning and undertaking an expedition.
Expeditions at Bronze level are usually based in Ireland but Gold level expeditions venture further afield and have been the starting point for many of Irelands more accomplished contemporary adventurers.

It is hoped that Gaisce will continue to grow as an integral part of the Transition program at Belvedere and that students will build on their experiences after TY graduation to work towards Silver and Gold awards.

Simon O'Donnell ( programme co-ordinator)