2000 School Magazine

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GAP Activities Projects is an organisation which gives school leavers the chance to experience the work force and the real world. There is a choice of placement, either at boarding schools, outdoor activity centres or caring facilities One's position at these placements is on a voluntary basis and not for the sole purpose of earning money. To become a GAP volunteer, there is a process to undertake, including written applications and an interview. I, in fact, happen to be one of only three Queenslanders doing GAP this year! I arrived in England on 6 March 2000, knowing that I was to survive the future months with two other Australian girls, who I met for the first time at Singapore airport. Still overcome by jetlag, we started work on our second day in the UK. Our GAP placement is at a place called Great Hautbois House which is owned by the Guide Association and is an activity centre for the east of England. Great Hautbois House is set on 35 acres of gorgeous English countryside in the village of Coltishall in Norfolk. in the first few weeks we found ourselves in training to become instructors in abseiling, rock climbing, archery, aerial runway, raft building, assault course, pioneering and more We gained qualifications in all activities, which is a great achievement and also a good basis for work in this area in the future. From then on we spent 7-12 hours a day teaching children, teenagers and adults of all ages, in ever changing British weather. Part of our job also included helping out with the general running of the house and estate, anything from office work to fence building. One thing that continued to blossom was our social life. With newly made friends we had many invitations. We became regulars at the local pubs and became acquainted with shop owners and other locals. I have been faced with all types of people from all facets of life during my time at Great Hautbois House. Some groups that I've taught include: sporting teams, groups from detention centres, church groups, corporate groups, families, university students, school students, brownies, guides and scouts, musical groups, holiday camps and even 80 year old women!

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I have met some truly wonderful people and have hopefully made lasting friendships. However, working with people continuously means having to be happy even when you may feel down. A GAP placement is definitely a rewarding experience and a major learning curve. In these past six months I have learnt so much about myself, that I probably would never have known if I had gone straight to University. It is a chance to stand back and look at your life and what you want to do in the future. I have learnt and acquired valuable life skills and an open mind and the willingness to try anything.

GOOFgie Mewing Yeor 12,1999

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Raft building with a schoolgroup

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