Derry students awarded John Muir Discovery Certificates

Oakgrove Integrated College past pupil Aoibheann Gillespie-Mules was back at her Alma Mater recently to facilitate the Foyle and Carlingford Ambassador Programme through the Loughs Agency.

The initiative saw year 10 pupils from the school take part in the week-long programme where they learned about the local environment from outside the classroom through hands-on participative experiences, gaining the John Muir Discovery Award in the process.

Head of Year 10 and science teacher at Oakgrove, Mr. David Middleton said the pupils really enjoyed taking part in the programme and stepped out of their comfort zones in learning new skills and taking part in many new activities.

"Our Year 10 students enjoyed the challenges they were given and learned many new skills through participation. It  helped to consolidate the  learning that takes place in subjects such as Geography and Science as well as helping with social skills, developing friendships and adventure while exploring our local habitat and surroundings."

On hand to prevent their awards on Wednesday last were Kevin Wilson, Director of Development at the Loughs Agency, Jack Porter, Facilitator/Education Officer and, of course, former pupil Aoibheann Gillespie-Mules who holds the title of Environment, Education and Outreach Officer with the agency.

The young people taking part were also given the opportunity to maintain the links they made throughout the week by gaining the option to join the Loughs Agency Youth Forum.

Mr. John Harkin, principal, Oakgrove Integrated College accepting a gift from Kevin Wilson, Director of Development, Loughs Agency at the school last week. Included are Aoibheann Gillespe-Mules, Environment, Education Outreach Officer, and former pupil of the school, Jack Porter, Facilitator/Education Officer and Mr. David Meldon, Head of Year 10, and some of the students who completed the programme.

Addressing the students who took part, the school’s Principal, Mr. Harkin said, this was not the first time students from the school had participated in such a venture and hoped there were many more to come.

"It’s great to see a former student from Oakgrove doing so well, and taking time to return to Oakgrove to pass on her knowledge. Aoibheann spent many happy years here and I welcome her back in her new capacity of working with the Loughs Agency.

LOUGHS AGENCY AMBASSADOR AWARDS. . . . .Year 10 students from Oakgrove Integrated College pictured on Wednesday last after receiving their Loughs Agency Ambassador Programme Discovery Awards in recognition of awareness and responsibility for wild places. On right are Jack Porter, Facilitator/Education Officer, Loughs Agency, Kevin Wilson, Director of Development, Loughs Agency, Aoibheann Gillespie-Mules, Environment-Education Outreach Officer, Loughs Agency and David Meldon, Head of Year 10/Science teacher. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

"Our Year 10s enjoyed the week-long learning experience and I hope this is something we can continue in the years to come. Well done to all."