Cumulus also runs bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh walking and kayaking expeditions. A Bronze and Silver DofE award have the same four sections to be completed, and a Gold DofE award has a fifth section: Participating in any regular physical activity, for example playing in a football team. Employers and higher education establishments value the award and its an excellent talking point in interviews. Theres one section of the UCAS application where the DofE can be utilised, that is what we unofficially call The Duke of Edinburgh Personal Statement.. 6 years ago. Developed by Cambridge International Examinations, the Cambridge Pre-U qualifications can completely replace A-levels with a full programme of studies that gives you a diploma, or you can take a shorter course (over the course of a year) alongside your A-levels. But lets just say that the Duke of Edinburgh Award or DofE, as it is known perhaps doesnt help in the way that you think it does. The points you can gain range from 5 UCAS points for a pass at Grade 6 to 75 points for a Distinction at Grade 8. This means that if you wanted to take a BTEC at Sixth Form, you would need to be more certain of the career path you wanted to take earlier on. Do you play a musical instrument? There are a number of different qualifications and courses which will help international students develop their English skills, however the main 2 qualifications which allow you to earn UCAS points are: Not only does this kind of qualification give you UCAS Points, but it also will benefit you greatly in the worlds of work and higher education if you are not a native English speaker. Distance learning courses and evening classes at your local college are two avenues for you to explore for completing an award, certificate or diploma in your spare time, alongside your A-level studies. Whilst the DofE doesn't directly impact on your UCAS application, you could use it to improve your score should you reach the higher grades of the syllabus. Speak to the activity provider prior to packing for your residential experience. BUT it may be beneficial when looking for your first job after university. These components are: If you would like to find out more about the International Baccalaureate and how it works, information about the Diplo. However, some universities look at extracurricular activities favourably during the admission process. In a similar way to Music Formal Exams, you can earn UCAS Points from Grades 6-8. Residentials are a great way to explore creative outlets and learn new skills e.g., taking part in a jewellery making course or trying a new sport. Ask your school or college about undertaking these courses to up your UCAS points! These qualifications are primarily designed for those who want to pursue an equestrian career, but theyre a good way for those with a passion for horses to get extra UCAS points doing something they love. There are no scores or grades, participants either pass or not. It is commonly said that the Duke of Edinburgh Award can really help your university application. These are known as bronze, silver, and gold level. Young people are eligible to start the DofE award from the age of 14. Dance Examinations are a great way to earn extra UCAS Points. These qualifications are an excellent addition to the university applications of those whose native language isnt English, as theyre a respected way of proving that you can use English to an exceptional level, including specifically for an academic context. Some of the subjects also offer one year courses (which could perhaps be compared to AS-Levels). No. The Duke of Edinburgh Award started in 1956 as a project to attract schoolboys who were not enrolled in Scouts or a similar group, but it was soon extended to young women in the following year. These courses are designed to be excellent preparation for university, and are now widely recognised by admissions tutors, including by the Ivy League universities in the USA. If your childs school isnt licensed to run the DofE a local Youth Group may be. It also gives you something to talk about on your personal statement (eg confidence). The Duke of Edinburghs Award is a registered charity in England and Wales (1072490) and Scotland (SC038254). Does gold DofE give UCAS points? Do universities like Duke Edinburgh Award? They allow you to gain experience in a field of work which interests you, and give you the chance to either progress in that field of work, or go to university to further develop your skills. For example, you may want to do a diploma in Fashion, or Fitness Instructing and Personal Training. AS-Levels are another great way to earn UCAS Points. You must be in an unfamiliar environment and lead by an organised group, registered charity or Approved Activity Provider. It is also a qualification which is really valued by Universities as it demonstrates your individual study skills. For example, you might be leaning towards doing all humanities subjects at A-level, because thats whats going to give you the best chances of securing a place on a particular degree course; but you still want to be able to show potential employers that your knowledge of maths is higher than GCSE, as this will help you stand out a bit more. Along with the practical skills such qualifications instil, they also teach you the ability to work well with others a useful skill to be able to talk about in job applications and interviews. Did any of your DofE activities inspire you to pursue a particular field of study? Remember, DofE has over 400,000 entrants every year. It is not only incredibly useful in terms of your University Application, but also in your future employment opportunities. Available subjects are broadly similar to A-level subject choices, with a few that are different to the standard A-level subjects, including Classical Heritage, Comparative Government and Politics, and Economics. Youll find out more below. Every effort has been made to keep costs down to ensure the DofE award is accessible to all. Unfortunately, DofE does not give you UCAS points. How to: include DofE in your UCAS personal statement. There are a wide variety of people who may choose to do an Access to HE Diploma, but most commonly, they are done by people who have been out of education for a while, and who dont have the qualifications to get straight into University. When Did Stirling Stop Being The Capital Of Scotland? Youll probably know it as the extra-curricular activity par excellence, that shows practical skills alongside your academic excellence. Should you put Duke of Edinburgh Award on CV? To help you with your planning, weve created a helpful guide containing a list of frequently asked Gold DofE questions. Any course that you have the opportunity to do which provides recognition of the fact that you have employability skills should absolutely be taken advantage of. The DofE, if embraced, really does give a well-rounded boost to a young persons skill set. Rather, it means what else you have done outside of your schooling. D of E Gold 0 UCAS points. You would take these at Sixth Form instead of A-Levels. If your child has an adventurous spirit, the time to spare and would enjoy the challenge then the DofE would certainly be worth it. does gold dofe give ucas points. If you want to find out more about the Cambridge Pre-U Qualification, the Cambridge website contains all the details of the courses and assessments. Pre-16 Qualifications Most courses also require that you have certain pre-16 qualifications, including GCSE Maths and English. The company contracts with institutions, including the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Yale, for the use of their facilities, and also contracts with tutors from those institutions, but does not operate under the aegis of the University of Oxford or those other institutions. What happens if you sleep hungry on your period? How many UCAS points do you need for Oxford? This article will help you understand the variety of ways which you can earn UCAS Points. Naturally, some groups will do less than this, and others more. Unfortunately, this isnt a quick way to earn extra UCAS Points, as you have to have put a significant amount of time into playing in order to reach a Grade 6 level. They will be able to provide you with a detailed kit list containing all of the equipment and clothing you will need. Take an extra A-level or AS-level. One of the problems with this way of earning UCAS Points is that the courses can be quite expensive. In your personal statement, saying that you have completed your DofE demonstrates commitment and motivation to succeed, which universities will look at, especially as at times it can be challenging and completing your DofE demonstrates you can cope and thrive. So, no, you cant just do the expedition. The expedition should take place in wild country, away from civilisation for a minimum of 4 days and 3 nights with 8 hours of planned activity. Usually, you pick 3 subjects to study, but there is often an option to do 4 (which will obviously earn you more UCAS Points!). The expedition is the most exciting element of the Duke of Edinburgh Award by a country mile. You amass a portfolio of evidence of the voluntary work youve done, as well as actively developing skills in a range of useful areas, such as customer service, fundraising and project management. However, if you have already chosen your subjects and later realised that a certain subject may look desirable on your University application, completing an AS-Level in your second year could be very beneficial. So I'm in Year 11 (going into Y12 in September) and I'm thinking of doing the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Does gold DOFE give UCAS points? BTECs are another common alternative to A-Levels. Either way, an EPQ is a great way to develop your academic skills in the subject that you want to continue studying at University, and it will give you something extra to add to your personal statement! Enjoy a fun-filled activity programme including coasteering, kayaking, climbing, abseiling and more. Does your child already have a full schedule, with other extracurricular activities and relevant work experience to the university course theyd like to apply for? As weve seen, accumulating extra UCAS points can involve saddling yourself with even more academic work, but it doesnt have to: you can have fun with more vocational qualifications and pick up UCAS points in the process. Participants may also find that they enjoy the experience more than they expected and acquire new skills to write about in their UCAS personal statement too. In ninety percent of schools, it is not like you are going to be setting off to sub-Saharan Africa or to the Himalayas. If you have done your DofE, I would definitely mention it. An Extended Project Qualification (or EPQ) is a great way of adding to your UCAS Points. The stakes are high because an answer other than of course! could shatter some of the most central beliefs held by young people across the UK. The expedition is the part that participants are usually most apprehensive about and a popular question is How far do you walk on the Bronze DofE ? There must be a minimum of 6 hours travelling each day, which equates to on average 16km or 10 Miles each day on foot. For those of you doing the Duke of Edinburgh Award for the purposes of university admissions, you should know that it doesn't actually give you UCAS points. In a similar way to A-Levels, you will have a broader range of subjects that you can continue with at degree level. One of the best things about the Duke of Edinburgh Award is that the residential section is really flexible. Students can take 3-4 of their courses at Higher Level (which comprises of around 240 teaching hours) and the remaining subjects at Standard Level (which is made up of around 150 hours of teaching). This is another great way to earn UCAS Points from an activity which you enjoy and which takes you away from your academic work so you wont end up sat at a desk all day studying! Horse-Riding is another fun way to earn UCAS Points, which does not have an especially academic basis. A Cambridge Pre-U Qualification is an alternative to A-Levels which is equivalent in value. While it's standard to take three A-levels, many of the brightest students will be taking four or even five A-levels, or four . However, completion of DofE, especially Silver and Gold, are excellent talking points for your Personal Statement as they display proficiency in a wide variety of soft skills. GoStudent is the #1 online tutoring platform for children. Depending on what Volunteering, Physical and Skills young people choose to get involved in with their D of E, the ability to relate their DofE experience to their prospective study is endless! Your gold award in DofE isnt a golden ticket to any higher education institution that you fancy. How do you think achieving your Award and the skills gained will help you in your future? Obviously, the amount of UCAS Points you can gain varies based on whether you achieve a Pass, Merit or Distinction in your exam so it is really worth practicing hard in your preparation. Gold is the final stage of the Duke of Edinburgh award. At the same time, youll have to track your progress and check in with DofE leaders, who will be helping you along the way. a st annes admission tutor told me we dont care how many Dof E awards youve got. This is usually the most challenging element for participants who must trek with their tent, water and cooking supplies carried on their backs. 60. 1 st lesson free! As a Gold Award holder, I also recommend including details of your residential and explaining that you did not know anyone but still managed to complete the activities while challenging yourself, learning new skills and making new friends. If yes, then the DofE could be a useful tool to display non-academic achievements in a UCAS university personal statement as well as being a beneficial experience overall. Many participants speak fondly of their time completing their DofE and some enjoy it so much that they go on to complete the Silver and Gold awards. DofE can help young people discover new hobbies and talents. They are offered by Sixth Forms, and allow you to choose which subjects you want to study moving forward. Most obviously, you can boost your number of UCAS points by taking on an extra A-level or AS-level. These include volunteering, physical activity, skills, expedition and a residential. This is another additional qualification which shows how you can develop your employability skills. Reach out to a GoStudent tutor to ensure that your child reaches their full potential on exam day. I keep revising for science but I always forget so how do I fix this? This is through a programme called DofE Direct. In A-Level by Think Student EditorSeptember 15, 20207 Comments. However, you should remember that Volunteering is not only beneficial in terms of UCAS Points so it is still worth considering it as an option to broaden your skills. A DofE Award also looks good on your CV and can be useful when applying for educational courses and jobs. The Duke of Edinburgh award has three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Expedition participants must be unaccompanied and it needs to be completed without motorised transport. Participants take part in a range of fun-filled watersports and land-based sessions on Dorsets Jurassic Coast. Qualities that colleges, universities and employers are attracted to. The test includes reading, writing, listening and speaking elements. Though there are still a number of different ways to earn points which may suit you better. Would they benefit from the focus and structure that a DofE programme provides? The difficulty level of this qualification falls somewhere between GCSE and AS-level Maths, and at the Advanced Level youll come out with the rough equivalent of an A-level module. Duke of Edinburgh Award: Will it Boost My UCAS Application? . nah you can. . The DofE has most definitely built my self-esteem to be able to apply for things I would otherwise not have done. again it doesnt harm your application but for oxbridge i dont think it has any impact really (apart from showing you do other things apart from work). What matters much more to universities is your academic commitment. They also mean that you have the option, if it interested you, to go straight into the field of work that you have been studying, as you will have hands on experience alongside your qualification. Thats key stage 4. In terms of skills for the workplace, there are numerous useful courses to choose from, such as the AAT Certificate in Accounting or the Certificate of Personal Effectiveness, the latter of which gives you 70 UCAS points and aims to develop skills to improve your employability, such as problem solving and working with others. You have to complete all four parts to finally achieve the award. How to Teach Your Kids Times Tables + Free Times Table Chart! Therefore, it depends which Universities that you are applying to as to how essential UCAS Points are, so it is important to do your research! Are you still using the skills you gained during your DofE programme? UCAS and the DofE: My advice With the UCAS application process now open for 2020 entry to universities and colleges, Kira Jarvis, one of our Gold Award holders, shares her personal experience and advice on using your DofE experience to enhance your submission. in lincoln university baseball 2022General; does gold dofe give ucas points . It can be taken alongside GCSEs or A-Levels. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our site. It helps young people develop social and interpersonal skills as well as promoting confidence and self-esteem. captcha. Work experience where possible, make each one relevant to the role youre applying for, listing your achievements and responsibilities. The DofE is many things to many people, supporting generations to successfully navigate adult life. Additional academic qualifications will make your university application look more impressive to admissions tutors, particularly when you choose to take on additional high-powered subjects on the list of facilitating subjects; but theres plenty to be said for these more vocational qualifications as well. This qualification is aimed to bridge the gap between GCSE and AS-Level, but does not mean that you have to take A-Level maths after you have done it. After signing up with a local school or institution, progress is managed online in an eDofE account. Read More The 10 Hardest A Level Subjects to Run Towards or Away From! . There are a variety of courses available, such as: These courses are intended for students aged 16 and above, and they are great for making you look like a more desirable employee when you start looking for work. Yes. Joining a group of new people, staying in accommodation overnight for several days away from home doing valuable work. In this article, we look at the different ways in which you can raise your number of UCAS points to help the results part of your university application stand out from the crowd. It has been designed to allow you hone your specific skillset and explore the topics that matter most to you. The difference really between BTECs and A-Levels is the fact that BTECs are more specific. Perhaps your childs school is heavily endorsing participation in the DofE which might have you wondering Is DofE important for university applications? . What skills and experience did you mention? At the end of the expedition, you will be required to give a presentation (written, verbal, exhibition etc. Report. An EPQ gives you the opportunity to develop your skills in a subject of your choice. On the other hand, law related courses will usually ask for ABB at A-Level which amounts to 128 UCAS points. The best Academic tutoring tutors available. It does not serve any purpose on your UCAS form beyond the personal statement, where you are entitled to push it hard. The Duke of Edinburghs International Award. It is designed to foster interests and improve skills that can be drawn upon into adulthood. The DofE also demonstrates many soft skills that cannot be communicated through academic grades alone. Many students consider taking more than the standard three AS/A-Levels, or they will take an A Level course on top of their core T-Level. Some organisations running the award may charge a fee to cover administration costs and activities may be an additional extra. It does not serve any purpose on your UCAS form beyond the personal statement, where you are entitled to push it hard. Over the near sixty years until now, over a million young people have been involved in the programme, learning the skills it takes to run a business and proving to themselves that they have what it takes to be an entrepreneur. The maximum UCAS points you can gain this way is 65 points for a Distinction at Grade 8 (as with the music and drama exams, points are awarded from Grade 6 upwards). 0. More information about this certificate can be found here. They are one of the most challenging aspects as you are isolated from the outside world without mobiles or other devices. You may also want to start taking the exams, if you already have a high level of skill in playing an instrument. If you arent sure which subjects work well when combined, take a look at this useful article which lists some good A-Level combinations. This will vary depending on when and where you are completing your expedition. No. This section of the award must take place in an unfamiliar environment without friends or relatives, which encourages young people to move out of their comfort zone. No. You can do some in depth research about a subject that interests you, to then write a 5,000 word essay, which will answer a question that you have set yourself. A well as developing your specific subject knowledge, an Access to HE Diploma is intended to provide you with the study skills and general tools to make your time at University much more manageable and successful. Most of all, completing the various DofE levels is fun and allows you to spend time with friends! The number of UCAS Points that you can earn are listed on the ABRSM Website. This means that if you have been learning a musical instrument, and doing the exams as you go along, you may be lucky enough to already have some UCAS Points. But an extra A-level should certainly boost your application particularly if its in one of the facilitating subjects and youll get up to 140 extra UCAS points. It demonstrates commitment, hard-work, determination and your ability to work independently and as part of a team. You might have guessed that you are awarded a certain number of these points for each of your A-levels, with a higher number of points for higher grades; but what you might not have known is that there are many more ways of boosting your number of UCAS points beyond simply completing your A-levels. There are many ways to participate in the Gold DofE Award. This is known as the Residential element, and it involves you staying and working away for five days. If yes, then the DofE may not be able to elevate their UCAS application much further. These include an incredibly popular watersports week, first aid week and festive Halloween and Christmas specials. The qualifications are all about developing your volunteering skills and knowledge, and recognising the unpaid work you do for the benefit of your community. It comprises of 5 days of group activities and 4 consecutive nights sleeping away from home. reply. Just as you can earn UCAS points for graded musical instrument exams, so you can accumulate them by taking exams in speech and drama. It is aimed at students aged 16 and over to allow them to develop their employability skills. For example, if you did photography as your skill and are now looking to enrol on a photography degree, or if your volunteering involved . So now you might be thinking if all that hard work does not equal UCAS points, then how to add the Duke of Edinburgh Award to my UCAS application at all? No. If youre already an A-level student and dont play a musical instrument, its probably not going to be possible to get up to Grade 6-8 standard (from nothing) before you apply for university, but taking up an instrument while youre doing your GCSEs might give you enough time to reach the standard required to gain UCAS points, if you put in plenty of practice.