Handcraft Syllabus

HOW TO JOIN

The best time to join is at the start of the season in September.  Most branches meet once a week from September to April/May each year. Joining GFS is a great way to meet new friends and take part in exciting activities. You will make a special promise at an Enrolment Service; you will then become a member of a parochial and global family, receiving your GFS membership badge to wear on your tie.

The branch is divided into sections:
(Sections determined by age on 1st July each year)

Junior Candidates (3-5 years)

Candidates (5-7 years)

Junior Members  ( 7-11 years)

Members  ( 11-15 years)

Senior Members (15-21 years)

Townsend Members  (over 21 years)

Please contact the Administrator at Central Office, 36 Upper Leeson Street, Dublin 4, email office@girlsfriendlysociety.ie and we will give you contact details for your local branch or contact your local branch directly.

WHERE WE ARE

GFS BRANCHES

Diocese of Cashel & Ossory

Tullow

Abbeyleix

Baltinglass

Castlecomer

Dunleckney

Mountrath

New Ross

Portlaoise

Rathdowney

Tinahely

Hacketstown

Diocese of Tuam, Killala and Achonry

Achonry

Kilmoremoy

Tuam Diocesan Official

Diocese of Meath & Kildare

Geashill/Killeigh

Julianstown

Kells

Mountmellick

Newbridge

Rathmolyon

Edenderry

Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough

Donoughmore

Dunganstown

Athy

Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh

Arva

Bailieborough

Billis

Cavan

Cootehill

Drung

Kildallon

Killeshandra

Kilmore Cathedral

Kilmore Council

Kinawley

Longford

Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe

Birr

Cloughjordan

Roscrea

Nenagh

Diocese of Armagh

Annaghmore

Ballymore

Clonfeacle

Derrygortreavy

Donaghmore

Lissan

Loughgall

Milltown

Mullabrack

Newmills

Richhill

St Marks Portadown

St Columba

Tamlaght – not operating 2011/12

Tartaraghan

Armagh Diocesan Official

Armagh Townsend

Connor

Aghalee

Ballymena

Christ Church Lisburn

Harmony

Magheralin

Diocese of Derry and Raphoe

Ardara

Cappagh

Drumholm/Kilbarron/St Johns

Inver

Kilcronaghan/Ballynascreen

Derry/Raphoe Diocesan Leader

Diocese of Clogher

Aghavea

Dromore

Fivemiletown

Inishmacsaint

Coolebrooke/Cooneen

Fintona

Magheracross

Digital Media

Digital Media

Aim: To equip girls in the safe use, knowledge and development of digital media.

Objectives: To enable the girls to use cameras/videos in projects and general use.

To enable the girls to become more competent in the uses of various types of digital media.

To assist the girls in understanding safe practice when using digital devices.

IPODs

1. Know and be able to demonstrate how to safely download, store and play music on your IPOD.

Digital Camera/Mobile Phone/Video Camera*

(* not all girls may have access to a video camera, but it is expected that most girls should have access to a mobile phone or digital camera)

1. Know how to take a digital photograph, show how to edit the photograph ie centre etc the photograph.
2. Know how to store your photographs either on a memory card or download on to a CD backup.
3. Be able to print a photograph that you have taken, either through your own PC or through a digital printer such as those found in many pharmacists/local shops.
4. Be able to take a video clip or series of video clips that you merge lasting for at least 2 minutes on a theme of your choice / positive response to bullying and for which you have written the dialogue ( this may be a clip that your group has worked on together)
5. Be able to insert a video clip into a text message that you are sending or be able to demonstrate how to insert a video clip into a  power point presentation that you are giving.
6. Know how to use predictive text.
7. Be able to show how to save, edit and forward text messages that you receive.

Safety

1. Know how to care and look after your digital devices.
2. Know why it is important to protect your ‘image’ in the digital age.
3. Find out ways in which it is possible to protect yourself and others from bullying through the use of video clips, photographs, texting etc (this may include a visit from your local PSNI/Gardai Community Officer)
4. Know what ways you can protect yourself on social networking sites eg BEBO, Facebook, Twitter etc.
5. Why is internet safety important.

Digital Media Badge

Parental/ Guardian consent

Part of the Digital Media Badge is as follows:

Be able to take a video clip or series of video clips that you merge lasting for at least 2 minutes on a theme of your choice / positive response to bullying and for which you have written the dialogue ( this may be a clip that your group has worked on together, remember consent forms for anyone shown in the video clip to be obtained before their image is taken)

It should be noted that this clip is only to be viewed within the local branch and to be viewed by the visiting judge when assessing the badge.  It will not be uploaded onto the Internet or used in any other way unless your prior written consent is received.

GFS operates within the Safeguarding Trust guidelines as currently applied and in force within the Church of Ireland.

On this basis if the group that your daughter is working on has decided to enact a video clip in which the group will appear only for use within this badge, are you happy to let them participate and their image to be used?

Agree/ Disagree

Parent/Guardian name

Address                                              ___________________________________

_____________________________________

_____________________________________

Name of Daughter                            _____________________________________

Floral Art

The aim of this badge is to teach simple basis steps in Flower Arranging and to encourage an appreciation in Floral Art.

Junior Candidates

1.         Make a posy.

2.         Create a small garden on a plate/flat container.

Candidates

Complete question 1 plus 3 others

1.         What does the term “Floral Art mean?

2.         Make a posy.

3.         Create a small landscape/garden on a plate/flat container.

4.         Make a simple arrangement suitable for your Birthday Party.

5.         Arrange a small basket of flowers suitable for an occasion i.e. Mothering Sunday, Easter, Harvest, Christmas etc.

Junior Members

7-9 years – Complete questions 1 & 2 plus 4 others

9-11 years – Complete questions 1 & 2 plus 5 others

1.         What does the term “Floral Art” mean?

2.         Know a little about the need to condition cut flowers.

3.         Make a simple arrangement suitable for your Birthday Party.

4.         Using flowers, make a napkin tie.

5.         Arrange a small basket of flowers suitable for an occasion i.e. Mothering Sunday, Easter, Harvest, Christmas etc.

6.         Make a table decoration suitable for Summer Party.

7.         Make a small arrangement: use a novel container i.e. old cup and saucer, old boot, gift bags etc.

8.         Learn how to press flowers.

Members

11-13 years – Complete questions 1, 2, & 3 plus 3 others

13-15 years – Complete questions 1, 2, & 3 plus 4 others

1.         What does the term “Floral Art” mean?

2.         Know how to condition cut flowers.

3.         What is plant design?

4.         Make a table decoration suitable for Summer Party.

5.         Arrange basket of flowers suitable for a festival in the Church, i.e.  Easter, Harvest, Christmas etc.

6.         Make a small arrangement suitable for St. Valentine’s Day.

7.         Decorate a single flower for presentation as a gift.

8.         With your branch, make small posies suitable to distribute on Mothering Sunday during the Church Service.

9.         Make a card/book-mark using flowers you have pressed.

Senior Members (15-18 years)

Complete questions 1, 2, & 3 plus 5 others

1.         What does the term “Floral Art” mean?

2.         Know why it’s important and how to condition cut flowers.

3.         Name three styles/shapes of design.

4.         Make a small arrangement suitable for St. Valentine’s Day.

5.         Make a table arrangement suitable for a party, include a candle.

6.         Arrange a basket of cut flowers.

7.         With your branch, make small posies suitable to distribute on Mothering Sunday during the Church Service.

8.         Make a Christmas Decoration, suitable to hang on a door i.e. Wreath/Swag

9.         Make an item using flowers you have pressed.

Senior Members (18 years and upwards)

Complete all.

1.         What does the term “Floral Art” mean?

2.         Know why it’s important and how to condition cut flowers.

3.         Name five styles/shapes of design.

4.         Arrange a basket of cut flowers.

5.         Make a table arrangement suitable for a party/special occasion, include candles.

6.         Make a Christmas Decoration, suitable to hang on a door i.e. Wreath/Swag.

7.         Within your branch organise the making of small posies suitable to distribute on

Mothering Sunday during the Church Service.

8.         Create an arrangement suitable for a festival in the Church, Easter/Harvest/Christmas

9.         Demonstrate how to press flowers to a group of children.

Citizenship Badge

Citizenship Badge

The aim of this badge is to encourage girls to take an active part in the community.

Junior Candidates

1          Name 3 ways you can be a good citizen.

2          Name 2 people who do important work in your community and explain what they do

e.g. fireman, postman, nurse, etc.

3          Visit with your group your local garda/police station, fire station or ambulance base.

Candidates

Choose five of the following:

1          Name 3 ways you can be a good citizen.

2          Name 2 people who do important work in your community and explain what they do

e.g. fireman, postman, nurse, etc.

3          Visit with your group your local garda/police station, fire station or ambulance base.

4          Show on a map the town nearest your house.

5          Visit your local library and know how to borrow and return a book.

6          Make a picture showing what you learned from ONE of your visits –

e.g. local library, fire station, etc.

Junior Members

7-9 years choose 6 of the following

9-11 years choose 7 of the following

1          Name 5 ways you can be a good citizen.

2          What do we mean by an emergency service, name three and how to contact them.

3          Visit one of the services and explain the service provided.

4          Name two local public buildings and explain the service provided.

5          Know the name of the Taoiseach/First Minister and two other members of

government/parliament.

6          Make a collection of concertina people showing the different cultures living in

Ireland today.

7          Participate in a community service such as re-cycling, picking up litter,

bulb/flower planting etc.

8          Give some practical help to refugees, asylum seekers, or people in need either through your church or G.F.S. branch.

Citizenship Badge 2008

Members

11-13 years choose 6 of the following

13-15 years choose 7 of the following

1          Demonstrate 3 ways of how you can be a good citizen by reaching out to people living with a difference. (e.g. disability, cultural etc.)

2          Visit one of the services and explain the service provided.

3          Name two local buildings and explain the service provided.

4          Participate in a community service such as re-cycling, picking up litter,  bulb/flower planting etc.

5          Research and give an account of a person who has played an important role in your town or local area.

6          Know the name of the Taoiseach/First Minister and two other members of                                    government/parliament.

7          Give some practical help to refugees, asylum seekers, or people in need either through your church or G.F.S. branch.

8          Know how many countries make up the European Union at present and give a brief account of its working.

Senior Members

Complete all

1          Demonstrate 3 ways of how you can be a good citizen by reaching out to people living with a difference. (e.g. disability, cultural etc.)

2          Visit one of the services and explain the service provided.

3          Name 3 local buildings and explain the service provided.

4          Support and become involved in some voluntary work in your church or community.

5          Make a poster to be used as a teaching aid to demonstrate the work of the emergency services.

6          Give some practical help to refugees, asylum seekers, or people in need either through your church or G.F.S. branch.

7          Know how many countries make up the European Union at present and give a brief account of its working.

8          Make a chart explaining the structure of your National/Parliamentary Government or Local Government.

P.E. Badge

The aim of this badge is to promote an awareness of physical well being
Junior Candidates

1. Hop from one foot to another
2. Walk in a circle
3. Jump across a line
4. Balance on two feet for the count of five, with a bean bag on your head
5. Join in a simple team game

Candidates

1. Move around the room showing you can hop, skip and jump
2. Balance on two feet for the count of five, with a bean bag on your head. Walk 5 steps
3. March in time to music
4. Join in a simple team game
5. Throw and catch a ball or bean bag

Junior Members
7-9 years Complete 1 and 5 others
9-11 years Complete all

1. Know why it is important to warm up and cool down prior to and after exercise
2. Figure marching in time to music
3. Throw or catch a ball or bean bag working with a partner or in a group
4. Skip using a rope ? music may be used
5. Posture ? Walk and turn with bean bag or book on your head
   (7-9 years ? 8 steps each way)
   (9-11 years ? 12 steps each way)
6. Complete a simple assault course including moving over, under and around obstacles
7. Take part in a game using music
8. Within a group be able to perform a series of movements to music

Members

Complete questions 1 and 2 plus 7 others

1. Know why it is important to warm up and cool down prior to and after exercise
2. Know why a ‘fit girl’ is a healthy girl.
3. Show that you have taken part in a team game in school/youth club etc. (minimum 2 terms)
4. Figure marching in time to music
5. Throw or catch a ball or bean bag working with a partner or in a group
6. Skip forwards and backwards to music using a rope ? to last at least eight bars
7. Complete a simple assault course including moving over, under and around obstacles
8. Within a group be able to perform a series of movements to music ? lasting at least 16 bars
9. Take part in a relay game.
10. Take part in a circuit spending a minimum of 30 seconds at each of 8 activities. See resource pack for details of activities.

Senior Members
Complete questions 1 & 2 and 8 others

1. Know why it is important to warm up and cool down prior to and after exercise
2. Know why a ?fit girl? is a healthy girl.
3. Show that you have taken part in a team game in school/youth club etc. (minimum 2 terms)
4. Figure marching in time to music
5. Throw or catch a ball or bean bag working with a partner or in a group
6. Do a skip routine to music of your choice using a rope incorporating forward and backward movements
7. Complete a simple assault course including moving over, under and around obstacles
8. Within a group be able to perform a series of movements to music ? lasting at least 16 bars
9. Take part in a relay game
10. Take part in a circuit spending a minimum of 30 seconds at each of 8 activities. See resource pack for details of activities.
11. Demonstrate a number of exercises using a piece of exercise equipment e.g. fit ball

Swimming Badge

The aim of this badge is to introduce girls to safe organised water activity
Candidates

1. Side step across the pool, jump up and down in the water
2. Be able to push and glide
3. Know the colour of the beach flags
4. Know when it is unsafe to swim
5. Why is it important to check that a lifeguard is on duty before swimming?

Junior Members -7-9 years

1. Demonstrate push and glide in prone position and regain standing position.
2. Entry by jumping into the water
3. Show ability to immerse face in water
   • Blowing bubbles while mouth is in the water
   • Picking up lightweight objects from the bottom of the pool with the eyes open
   • Looking at a partner under water
4. In shallow water demonstrate confidence, balance etc. by: walking, jumping, side-stepping, turning while standing, playing simple games (e.g. ring-a-rosy)
5. Be able to swim 5m
6. Personal safety:
7. Know the colour of the beach flags
8. Know when it is unsafe to swim
9. Know why it is important to check that a life guard is on duty before
   swimming

Junior Members -9-11 years

1. Be able to make a simple dive
2. Roll over from prone to supine position (floating)
3. Swim 10m front-crawl
4. Swim 10m back crawl
5. Swim 5m Breaststroke
6. Know about personal safety as detailed on your safety council water safety leaflets
7. Personal safety:
   • Know the colour of beach flags
   • Know when it is unsafe to swim
   • Know why it is important to check that a life guard is on duty before
     swimming

Members

1. Entry by simple dive (e.g. sitting or kneeling)
2. Swim 15m front crawl
3. Swim 15m back crawl (arms and legs)
4. Swim 10m breaststroke
5. Swim 10m inverted breaststroke
6. Show ability to tread the water for one minute
7. Show ability to glide to bottom of pool
8. Know how to throw a ring buoy and attempt simple rescue (beach rescue)
9. Personal safety- focusing on hazards of water and correct procedures for dealing with hazards

Senior Members

1. Entry by standing dive
2. Swim 25m front crawl
3. Swim 25m back crawl
4. Swim 25m breaststroke
5. Swim 10m inverted breaststroke or sidestroke
6. Swim 10m butterfly
7. Show ability to glide to bottom of pool
8. Demonstrate reaching and throwing rescue
9. Personal safety – focusing on hazards of water and correct procedures for dealing with hazards

One World Badge

One World Badge

The aim of this badge is to raise awareness of the lives and needs of different cultures throughout the world.

Junior Candidates

1        Food – Complete the enclosed worksheet.

2        Water – Complete the enclosed worksheet.

3        Homes – Complete the enclosed worksheet.

4        Learn to sing in a group ‘Jesus loves the little children of the world’.

Candidates

1        Food – Complete the enclosed worksheet.

2        Water – Complete the enclosed worksheet.

3        Homes – Complete the enclosed worksheet.

4        Learn to sing in a group ‘Jesus loves the little children of the world’.

5        Find and colour the link countries on a map of the world.

6        Compare life in one of the link countries with life in Ireland.

Junior Members – 7-9 Complete 5 questions

9-11 Complete 6 questions

1        What is Fairtrade?

2        How do I know what Fairtrade is?

3        Where can I buy Fairtrade products?

4        Make a collage depicting fairtrade products using fairtrade wrappers.

5        What are our basic needs?  Complete the enclosed worksheet.

6        What are the basic needs of the world?  Complete the enclosed worksheet.

7        Complete the attached wordsearch.

April 2008

Members – 11-13 Complete 4 questions

13-15 Complete 5 questions

1        What is Fairtrade?

2        How do I know what Fairtrade is?

3        Following a visit to a shop be able to tell the examiner 5 items that were available for purchase and where they originated from.

4        In your group design an advertisement for one of the Fairtrade products you have seen.

5        Give a group presentation on Fairtrade (not less than 3 minutes)

6        Name 5 development agencies.

Senior Members

1        In your group research development agencies.  Plan and organise a fundraising event with proceeds to go to one chosen agency.

2        Know a little about the work of the Bishops Appeal and its current projects.

Safety Badge

Safety Badge

The aim of this badge is to make girls more aware of potential dangers

Junior Candidates

1        Know why we wear seat belts and why we use booster seats in all vehicles.

2        Know how to cross a road safely.

3        For your own safety know why it is important to wash your hands after going to the toilet and before eating food?

4        Why should you not approach animals without an adult?

5        Know why you should not turn on a hot tap without an adult present.

Candidates

Road:

1        Know how to cross a road safely including the use of pedestrian crossings.

2        Know why we wear seat belts and why we use booster seats in all vehicles.

3        Know the rules for safe cycling.

Home:

1        Know why toys should always be put away in the proper place.

2        Know why a fire should always have a guard and why your home should always have a smoke alarm that works properly.

3        Know why you should never touch a kettle or anything on a cooker.

Personal

1        Explain who is a stranger and why we should never be alone with a stranger.

2        Why is it important to wash our hands after going to the toilet and before preparing or eating food?

Garden:

1        Why should we never touch garden chemicals?

2        Why should we never touch garden tools with out adult supervision?

3        Why should we not play near any water feature in the garden without adult supervision?

Country Environment

1        Why should you not approach animals without an adult?

2        Why should you not play with any equipment/machinery on a farm?

Safety Badge 2008

Junior Members

Road

1         Know the rules for cyclists and know what a pedestrian is.

2        Know how to use the Green/Safe cross code and pedestrian crossing.

3        Know why it is important to wear seat belts and use booster seats in all vehicles.

4        Know six common/familiar road signs.

5        Know how to make a 999/112 call and the information to give.

6        Know why it is important to be seen clearly when on the road.

Home

1        Know why you should never handle or take tablets or medicine without adult supervision.

2        Know why a fire should always have a guard and why your home should always have a smoke alarm that works properly.

3        Know about the hazards in the kitchen e.g.  Leads of electrical equipment, cooker etc.

4        Know why children should never be left alone.

Personal

1        Explain who is a stranger and why we should never be alone with a stranger.

2        Why is it important to wash our hands after going to the toilet and before preparing or eating food?

Country Environment

1        Why should you not play with any equipment/machinery on a farm?

2        Why should you not enter a farmyard without the permission of the farmer?

3        Why should you not approach animals without adult supervision?

4        Name five dangers you might find on a farm.

Garden/Parks

1        Why should you not touch any garden chemicals?

2        Know the dangers of climbing on railings, walls, fences, etc.

3        Know why you should never eat berries/nuts/seeds without adult supervision.
4        Know about the dangers of garden tools and their proper use and storage.

Safety Badge 2008

Members

Road:

1        Know the rules for cyclists.

2        Know how to use the Green/Safe Cross code and pedestrian crossing.

3        Know why we must to wear seat belts and use booster seats in all vehicles.

4        Design a poster incorporating eight road signs.

5        Demonstrate how to make a 999/112 call and the information to give and give an outline of the dangers of misuse of these numbers.

6        Know the importance of reflective clothing as a road user.

Home

1        Know the correct use of medicine and tablets.

2        Name ten dangers which may be found in the kitchen.

3        Know why young children should never be left alone.

4        Know how to use fire safety equipment

5        Draw up a floor plan of your own home, showing your escape route in case of fire and showing the position of smoke alarms.

6        List the precautions you need to take to avoid unnecessary accidents to children or senior citizens

Personal

1        Explain why it is important to let someone know where you are at all times.
2        Know why it is important to tell someone if you feel insecure under any

circumstances.

3        Know how to act wisely when under ‘peer’ pressure.

4        Know why you should never use electrical appliances in the bathroom.

Country Environment

1        Know the dangers of farm equipment/machinery.

2        Know why you should not enter a farm without the permission of the farmer.

3        Know why you should show caution when approaching animals.

4        List at least 6 potential dangers you might find on a farm

Garden/Parks

1        Explain the dangers which may be associated with the misuse of garden equipment or tools.

2        Name the dangers found in the garden/park in the following areas;

• Dog fouling
• Litter
• Water
• Playarea

Safety Badge 2008

Senior Members

Road

1        Write an essay showing your understanding of the following areas

• Rules of the Road
• Vehicle safety
• Contact of the Emergency Services

2        Design a poster incorporating road signs to explain road safety to young children.

Home

1        Design a visual aid to assist child safety awareness in the home in the following areas

• Kitchen
• Bathroom
• Living area
• Bedroom
• Stairs
• Garage

Personal

1        Lead a GFS session for your group dealing with the following areas:

• Why it is important to tell someone if you feel insecure under any circumstances
• How to act wisely under “peer” pressure
• Why it is important to let someone know where you are at all times
• Why you should never use an electrical appliance in the bathroom

Outdoors

1        Write an account of the dangers you might find in the garden or country-side and

state steps that can be taken to make an area safer.