Well Done to all the students who took part in the Bronze Practice Expedition at the weekend.  The weather was very changeable with bright spells and heavy showers.  Indeed as the coach approached the start point there was a major downpour and the teams had to get waterproofs on and get under way ASAP.  They made good process on Friday, with the ’Musketeers’ making only a minor detour, and had tents up by late afternoon. 

After  a wake up call from Mr Carleton and Mr Ewart the team got their gear packed in good time and headed off on their route.  One team enjoyed Tollymore forest so much they didn’t want to leave and the other three teams appeared in Donard car park in good time and in great spirits.  Their timing couldn’t have been better as shortly after boarding the bus, to return to Belfast, the heavens opened.

The practice expedition was a great learning experience for the students and hopefully they will apply their new found knowledge and skills on their Qualifying Expedition in June.

Thanks to Ms Wightman, Ms Fairley and Mr Carleton for their assistance during the expedition.

Overnight Practice Expedition – Friday 13 May to Saturday 14 May – Mournes (Trassey, Tollymore & Donard Wood)

Over the next week participants need to make sure they have the correct personal equipment, decide on the food the team will bring and how the team equipment will be distributed.

There will be an after school meeting on Monday 9 May 2011 to finalise details.

For a reminder of the personal equipment required download a kit list from the official dofe website.

Remember it is also possible to purchase rucsacs and sleeping bags through the school – Vango 60 litre rucsac – £40 Sleeping Bag – £30

The first day walk will take place on Saturday 16 April 2011 in Lagan Valley Regional park from 9:00am to 3:30pm.  Participants should meet in the car park beside Belfast Boat club (just off the Stranmillis Road) from 8:45am.

Start Location – Belfast Boat Club, Lockview Rd.

 More details at next Monday afternoons training. On this practice walk you will only be required to bring basic kit (small rucksack, waterproof jacket, packed lunch, sunhat, sunscreen).

Expedition Training continues on Monday afternoons from 3:30pm to 4:15pm.

Congratulations to all the Yr10 & Yr11 students who passed their recent written and oral examinations for the Youth Firemanship Course.  So if you need any advice on Fire Safety, the causes of fire or how to use a fire extinguisher speak to – Fiona Agnew, Peter Buckley, Ryan Watson, Gary Watson, Mica Lai, Jonathan Dillion, Emma Martin, Michael McManus, Farrah Hughes, Victoria Powell, Megan Spence, Cara Stewart, Anna Friel, Sophie Fusco McKeown.

Remember there is still a project to be completed.  If you need any assistance with this please speak to Mr Ewart.

Can I thank all the students in Yr10 who showed an interest in getting involved in the Award Scheme and who submitted an application form. 22 places are available this year. The following students have been selected to participate and any late applicants will be placed on a reserve list.

Peter Buckley, Ryan Watson, Louise Rattray, Fiona Agnew, Louise Curran, Katie Brown, Emma Carling, Jill Lapping, Ciara Lavery, Megan Spence, Jacinta Hamley, Rosie Killick, Cara Stewart, Jennifer Shaw, Carly Burns, Anna Friel, Farrah Hugh, Brianna O’Grady, Sophie Fusco, Brandon Connolly, Rosaura Knox-Bradley, Ellen Hayes.

Those interested in the Youth Firemanship Basic Course, please register online ASAP.   The first session starts next Wednesday (9 Feb 11).

Northern Ireland – Fire & Rescue Service – Youth Firemanship Basic Course

There are 15 places available on this course, which can be used to qualify for the Skills or Volunteering section of your Bronze Award.  If interested in taking part in the course register your interest using the online form below (click on link) or see Mr Ewart to book a place.

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGQ0Si1Fd0VNbmpyUjhRVjJKZ0ZxaVE6MQ

The course will be 5 weekly 1hr 45 mins afternoon sessions at Knock Fire Station

Start Date: Wednesday 9 February 2011 (1545-1730hrs)

Course Dates: Wed 9 Feb 11,  Wed 23 Feb 11, Wed 2 Mar 11, 9 Mar 11, 16 Mar 11 

A minibus will leave straight after school each Wednesday and take the students to Knock Fire Station (202-210 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3ET).  Parents/Guardians are as asked to arrange for participants to be collected from the Fire Station at 1730.

Programme

Week 1 – Lecture 1 – Introductions & Organisation of Fire Brigade

Week 2 – Lecture 2 – What is Fire?

Week 3 – Lecture 3 – Putting Fire Out

Week 4 – Lecture 4 – Fire Safety

Week 5 – Examination  – Oral Exam (8 questions), Written Exam (12 questions)

At the end of the course students will be given a Questionnaire to take home to their Parents/Guardian to check for hazards in their home.

Project

Bronze Award participants will be expected to compile a project – handed out on week one of the course.  An additional session will be conducted, in order to assess these projects, not sooner than 8 weeks after the start of the course.

Please download and read (participants and parent/guardian) the information sheet about the Bronze Award Scheme for 2011.

DofE Information Form 2011

Please complete the online medical/consent form (or download and fill in a copy).

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dFUySFNnR0tvRlRZcjBselZwSVo4Smc6MQ#gid=0

Downloadable Word Version – DoE Medical/Consent Form 2011

Potential participants must ensure that they have organised activities for the three other sections of the Award (Physical, Skills & Volunteering) before their application will be accepted.

For more information visit the official D of E site at www.dofe.org

Congratulations to the Magnificent 7 minus 1 (Gary, Aidan, Michael, Johnny, Mica & Nicola) and Clueless (Emma, Laura, Naina, Megan, Sophie, Kaitlin &Victoria) on successfully completing their Bronze Qualifying Expedition.

On day one the teams made their way from the start point at Slemish mountain to an overnight camp at Lowtown farm.  A few detours (they seemed to really like Slemish and decided that it would be a good idea to extend their route by completing a whole loop of the impressive feature) meant that both teams were walking for longer than they really should and were under pressure, on day two, to avoid navigational errors. Day two was another fine day for walking and the teams made their way via Agnew’s Hill (and some excellent views) to their finish point at Sallagh Braes in good time, and to their relief, without any navigational errors.

The teams can be proud of their achievement and will hopefully look back on their expedition with fond memories, an appreciation of their home comforts and a sense of satisfaction.

Thanks to all the leaders who gave up their time helped out during the training and expeditions – Ms Rea, Miss Wightman & Mr Carleton

Lagan’s Bronze Award groups enjoyed their first day walk through Lagan Valley Regional Park, on what was probably the hottest day of the year so far. The students divided themselves into two expedition groups and spent the day covering different aspects of their expedition training which included: map skills, compass work, tent pitching and use of the trangia. Thanks to Miss Wightman, Mr Carleton and Norma for their help with the training.

Can I thank all students in Yr10 who showed an interest in getting involved in the Award Scheme and who submitted an application form.  Unfortunately only 14 places are available this year.  The following students have been selected to participate and the remaining students have been placed on a reserve list.

1. Nicola Maloney
2. Emma Martin
3. Michael Hamley
4. Victora Powell
5. Kaitlin Bartlett
6. Laura Walker
7. Megan Crowley
8. Gary Watson
9. Aidan Vischer
10. Nuchjarinthorn Moore
11. Naina Babu
12. Sophie Bateman
13. Mica Lai
14. Jonathan Dillion