DofE and A Levels

[ItsNowOrNever]

DofE Gold in Year 12.

Just announced by my teen that they want to do Gold DofE. It's the deadline to sign up very soon and it's just been sprung on me to sign the form.

Teen skipped Silver by the way, their choice.

Very intense science based A level choices including FM.

Also working at the weekend, their choice.

I think it's crazy but maybe I'm wrong?! How labour intensive is it? In my head I'm playing it forward to year 13 and exams are looming...

Does it account for UCAS points?

What do you think, any thoughts?

Thank you

I think it could be a good, yet worthwhile, break/release from the academic work.

Surely depends very much on the individual. Several years ago now but I did physics, chemistry and biology at A-level, gold d of e and had a part-time job. Got top grades in all three courses, secured entry to a very competitive uni course and the experience of a lifetime with a three week trip to Namibia to work with a wildlife charity for the 'expedition' part... Wouldn't change any of it! Also learnt a lot re time management, budgeting, planning etc - all important life skills IMO

Depends on why they want to do it

If they think it will give some advantage to Uni applications then this is wrong. Unis don’t care - particularly because access to DoE tends to be limited to private or grammar schools/ MC parents with resources to help. Unis far more interested in grades and motivation behind wanting to do the course.

If they want to do it as a useful distraction from A levels and if they are good at managing their workload/ other obligations then why not?

Many many moons ago, I did Bio/Phys/Chem/Maths (and General studies) and Gold DoE. Only very occasional work in the holidays tho.
Whether the university is bothered by the award or not, imo it gives you things to talk about, because you have done stuff in groups, and probably had to deal with differences in opinion etc - although many of these things could be covered in work as well.
If your teen is keen, can you give it a go? Are the expeditions paid for upfront? Or would it be fairly cheap to drop out if it became too much? I did my DoE through an open centre, so the only thing paid for was the record book. Everything else was as and when, which made it easier to dip in and out.

It’s not much use

most people have friends of friends

I can get ds signed off on gold tomorrow if I wanted - I’d do it if he wanted to but like I say anyone can sign the witness statements so once signed up it’s a bit of a blag

@Watapalava

My son has worked very hard for his Gold award this last year. He has had a brilliant Time and learnt some great skills.

It's really disappointing to know that you would be prepared to cheat like that. If you attach no value to it that's fine but don't encourage your child to think its a 'bit of a blag' when many young people are taking it seriously and working very hard to get it

I don't believe it counts for UCAS but it is evidence of determination, hard work, a team player etc which will "look good" on a CV. DofE Gold isn't a walk in the park but it's a very worthwhile thing to do and people can get a lot out of it.

When he was recruited post-uni his employer made a point of saying that they noted he had achieved DofE Gold.

DS did his while doing 4 A-levels and absolutely loved it. It has given him a lasting love of hiking and the outdoors if nothing else and I know he was very proud of his achievement. He was also given his award in the presence of the late DofE himself, which was a fantastic day for us all.

Thanks everybody

@DomesticShortHair @thinpigeon @VanCleefArpels @ChristmasCakeAndStilton @Watapalava @Ted27 @RatherBeRiding

I've just finished work, hence the delay!

I think on a personal level it would be very rewarding etc but on a practical level with so much school work and weekend work I just wondered if it was a step too far.

Also as it's a jump from Bronze to Gold there is another 8 months added on for completion and that goes over in to just before the ALevels.

We'll have to see!

Thanks all

but they've already said they want to do it, i've forgotten how old year 12 is but it's over 16 right? i think it should be their decision

When I did mine many, many years ago, it wasn't particularly onerous. I did an hour of the physical activity outside school. My skill fitted into my lunch time at school, and my service (supporting in a language lesson) was done in a study period. There are ways to fit it in with things you do.

The sections don't have to be done at the same time.

I found it really rewarding and it's given me skills and confidence that have lasted through life.

He can take 4 years over it if he wants to. It's not about UCAS it's about growing as an individual surely?