Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

[brizzlewizzle]

Hi All

DD is just finishing her bronze award. She is heavily involved in two sports and is just starting year 10.

She has started to say she doesn't want to do her silver award. My immediate reaction is that she should carry on, but on reflection, I think my reaction is linked to the fact that I think she will need it for her UCAS form, which I suspect is misguided! She demonstrates how committed she is through her sports and she also volunteers outside of DofE.

So I am inclined to agree with her, but was wondering whether I am missing something? Is there any other reason why it would be beneficial for her to carry on (other than the fact that DofE is a fab experience!)?

No, its fine to stop. I have one just finishing gold and one who stopped after Bronze. She has continued to develop herself with volunteering and learning skills. I mean, I am a fan of the scheme - I think it brings a fabulous range of skills and a rare freedom for our young people (like getting the campsite owner to give you a lift to the pub to play pool for example). UCAS is much more about grades and extended academic studies these days.

D of E deffo not needed for UCAS offers. The PS is more about interest and passion for subject applied for. D of E is great if your child enjoys it for sure, but zero point forcing it. Both my uni applying DC got five offers without any D of E at all.

She has started to say she doesn't want to do her silver award.
Has she given a reason?

It isn't worth doing for UCAS / Personal statement, although, OTOH, if she is already doing the volunteering and the physical and the skills (I presume one of the sports could be used for skills), then it is only the expedition she would need to do extra. So, unless she really hated the expedition, it seems a shame not to get the recognition she could have.

@senua

She has started to say she doesn't want to do her silver award. Has she given a reason?

Mainly the amount of time it takes up, as one of her sports requires her to train six days a week (the other 2 days a week) - esp. coming into her GCSE years. Don't think she is particularly keen on the expedition bit either (but her Bronze hasn't involved an overnight camp because of covid - just two separate days walking, one after the other!)

Thanks all - really helpful. UCAS and PS are all new to us, so great to get your insights

This video on how to write a PS was posted on another thread. Bit early but you might find it interesting and it specifically states academic courses don't care about DofE unless you can directly link it to their course.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=955Z7n2L_C0

[quote DoctorDonna20]This video on how to write a PS was posted on another thread. Bit early but you might find it interesting and it specifically states academic courses don't care about DofE unless you can directly link it to their course.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=955Z7n2L_C0[/quote]
Thank you!

DofE is often more about the skills it teaches (commitment, planning, time management, confidence etc.) than explicitly having it. Playing sport to the level of training six days a week is going to teach the same kinds of skills.

Ds did the bronze, started the silver but stopped and says he doesn’t want to carry on. He did all the voluntary work and the skill and activity section. The skills he’s gained is great but I’m not pushing him to complete it.
If he mentions it on his UCAS, it will be more in context of a particular skill or experience.

As a DofE leader, sixth form tutor and volunteer for an organisation where we get DofE volunteers, if they aren't keen then don't push the. Nothing worse than trying to chivvy them along when their heart is not in it. Not fun for anyone!

I told her this evening that it's fine to stop, and she informed me that she will think about it!! 🤦🏼‍♀️😬😂 (completely contrary to yesterday's conversation!!)

DofE is fantastic, for students who don't get the opportunity or structure or challenge in another way.

It should be fun and challenging, it also needs to be entirely her choice

Its not needed for UCAS. Many schools dont even run it at all, and there is no difference to the number of students who go to university from those schools