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EDUC10310

Academic Year 2025/2026

Gaisce - The President's Award (EDUC10310)

Subject:
Education
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Education
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Shane Bergin
Credit Split by Trimester:
Spring 2.5
Summer 2.5
Trimester:
2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum)
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Pass/Fail (GPA Neutral)

Curricular information is subject to change.

The UCD module gives students dedicated time to progress their Gaisce Awards.
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The UCD Breaking Boundaries Strategy states that by 2030, UCD will support an increasingly diverse range of students to realise their potential through an enriched and empowering education. It also states that UCD will be an exemplar in supporting student experience, wellbeing, and sense of belonging.

In support of these aims, UCD has introduced an elective module specifically designed for students working toward a Gaisce Award or for those volunteering as a President’s Award Leader (PAL).

Gaisce – The President’s Award is Ireland’s national youth award and a personal development programme for young people aged 14–25. It is a direct challenge from the President of Ireland to all young people to dream big and fulfil their potential. Gaisce is non-competitive and self-directed, meaning participants set their own goals and work toward them over time. They are supported by a PAL on their journey.

To achieve a Gaisce Award, participants complete challenges in four areas:
• Community involvement – e.g. helping older people, learning first aid;
• Personal skill – e.g. learning an instrument or computer coding;
• Physical recreation – e.g. swimming or team sports;
• Adventure journey – e.g. group hikes or expeditions.

There are three award levels: Bronze (approx. 6 months), Silver (6 more months), and Gold (approx. 1 year). While most participants begin their Gaisce journey in secondary school, many face barriers to continuing at university — including limited time, institutional recognition, and support. This has led to a post-pandemic drop-off in Gaisce participation at third level.

The UCD module gives students dedicated time to progress their Gaisce Awards and aligns with two strategic UCD initiatives: Learning for Life and UCD Student Experience. It supports the idea that a student’s university experience should be about more than academics – it should foster personal growth within a vibrant community. The module also reinforces UCD’s commitment to developing reflective practitioners with strong transversal skills through experiential learning. This same rationale applies to students who volunteer as PALs, helping to deliver Gaisce to others.

The module supports the growth of Silver and Gold award uptake at UCD and forms the basis of a formal partnership with Gaisce – The President’s Award. This collaboration may serve as a model for other third-level institutions. It complements (rather than replaces) existing student volunteering modules and was designed in consultation with UCD in the Community and studentvolunteering.ie.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the module, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate enhanced proficiency in a personal skill through goal-setting and reflection.
2. Engage in active citizenship via community service and assess their contributions.
3. Document participation in a chosen physical activity.
4. Plan and undertake an adventure journey, demonstrating leadership and teamwork.
5. Critically reflect on their Gaisce journey and personal development.
6. Set and achieve structured goals in all challenge areas.
7. Demonstrate awareness of cultural and social issues through community and adventure experiences.
8. Develop a portfolio showcasing their Gaisce progress and reflections.


Students choose their own level of challenge within each domain. PALs play a key supporting role. These outcomes reflect Gaisce’s emphasis on holistic personal development and align with UCD’s educational values.

Indicative Module Content:

The module is a Level 1, 5-ECTS elective, open to undergraduate students. It runs over two terms (Spring and Summer), during which students spend approximately 120 hours working on Gaisce challenges or supporting a participant as a PAL.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

2
Autonomous Student Learning

120
Total

122

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Independent student work as part of them working toward a Gasice award or volunteering as a PAL

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Students will be required to demonstrate current registration with Gaisce activities to take the module. Students will show the Module Coordinator their Gaisce unique identifier number (or active PAL status if they are taking the module as a PAL). This will be done using an on-line form in Week 1 of Spring term. Student can register with Gaisce here https://www.gaisce.ie/register/.

The module cannot be taken on the basis of past Gaisce participation. It must be current. Students who have not registered by the end of Week 1 of the Spring Term will not be able to complete the module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Participation in Learning Activities: Students submit their signed Gaisce Record Book that shows 120 hours of engagement with Gaisce Week 15 Spring, Week 15 Summer Pass/Fail Grade Scale No
100
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
Repeat Within Two Trimesters
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

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