The President’s Award Programme was introduced in the school in 2009. Ten pupils were selected to undertake the Bronze Award. The programme is co-ordinated in the school by Mr Gerry Savage. The boys found that doing the President’s Award was a real adventure from beginning to end. Along the way they picked up experiences, friends and talents that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

At Bronze level you create your own personal programme with the help of your leader and set about completing the four sections of the award: Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition. In ‘Volunteering’ the boys had a chance to make a real difference by helping someone in the community. They chose to work with the Samaritans to gain a better understanding of society and to help promote their work in school by organising an assembly for Year 11.

In the ‘Physical’ section they chose a sport or fitness activity to help them get fitter and which they enjoyed. Sports included: gaelic football, keep fit, skirmishing, basketball, swimmimg and tennis. Over a six month period the boys developed their skills in their chosen sport.

The ‘Skills’ section was very varied and allowed the group to get better at a current skill or develop a new hobby. Most of the boys chose to develop their skills in music or drama. Once again they were required to practise this area over a six month period. Areas chosen included playing guitar, banjo, piano and drama.

Finally the boys had to plan, train for and complete an adventurous two day journey in the Mourne Mountains. They took part in four practice walks during the year and completed a Practice Expedition with their leader before finally undertaking their own unaccompanied expedition. The experience was tremendous and they experienced many highs and lows, had great laughs and most of all amazing memories.

Such was the success of the programme that there was a huge demand to be included in the programme for 2010.