The UCAS Website will provide you with more information about the Scottish Highers. Though this does not mean that it is limited to this group. Expedition participants must be unaccompanied and it needs to be completed without motorised transport. Dance Examinations are a great way to earn extra UCAS Points. It is possible to progress straight to gold DofE. They dont care about it per se. Although dance can be challenging and requires a lot of work, it can be used as a good way to have a break from your academic studies while also allowing you to do something that has the potential to help your academic career. Subject areas you can choose from for the Free-standing Mathematics Qualification include Additional Maths, Using and Applying Statistics, Working with Algebraic and Graphical Techniques, and Modelling with Calculus. 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. Participating in an activity that increases knowledge in a certain area, not to be confused with something physical. Sure, it matters that you did something outside of the mainstream school system. You would take these at Sixth Form instead of A-Levels. It does not serve any purpose on your UCAS form beyond the personal statement, where you are entitled to push it hard. You will feel a huge sense of achievement when you have completed all of the sections and receive your award. While its standard to take three A-levels, many of the brightest students will be taking four or even five A-levels, or four A-levels with perhaps an extra AS-level on top of that. Wed say that a more appropriate description would be a Youth Award rather than a professional qualification. They will be able to provide you with a detailed kit list containing all of the equipment and clothing you will need. So I'm in Year 11 (going into Y12 in September) and I'm thinking of doing the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. It doesn't give you that many points however. 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. That's key stage 4. Regardless, the skills which you learn from some of the ways that you can gain UCAS Points will aid your application, as they can help to demonstrate the wide variety of skills that you possess. No. In addition, you will have to do a short presentation to a small group within your Sixth Form. Grades 6,7,8 offer some UCAS points that you can use for your application in the future. 0. How do you think achieving your Award and the skills gained will help you in your future? I've just applied and was able to write in my bronze, sliver and gold. Many schools, colleges and universities deliver the DofE programme and this can be very convenient for students to integrate into their studies. Bronze is open to anyone aged 14 and above. BH19 2PX, Outdoor Adventure School Residential Trips in Dorset. AS-Levels are another great way to earn UCAS Points. There are a wide range of courses that you can complete and be examined in to earn points, all of which are listed on the LAMDA Website. The residentials take place in a scenic location on the world-famous Jurassic Coast. 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. Cumulus Outdoors Residential Centre Silver is for people aged 15 and above and should take 52 weeks. Students can take 4 to 6 Highers in total, so if you want to earn extra UCAS Points, the more subjects the better! So, yes, universities do like to see a Duke of Edinburgh Award on your UCAS form, but only insofar as it tells them something about you. What are the Hardest GCSEs? 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. However, some universities look at extracurricular activities favourably during the admission process. IP-address: 40.77.167.8. 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? If you are still in education, you may be able to complete the award through your school, college or youth group, as long as they are a licensed DofE provider. Though there are still a number of different ways to earn points which may suit you better. Does gold DOFE give UCAS points? nah you can. It's not uncommon for the most promising students to take four or even five A-levels, with an extra AS-level on top. The platform that connects students with their private tutors, The best Academic tutoring tutors available. To qualify as a DofE Gold Award residential the activity must take place over 5 days and include 4 consecutive nights away from home. So, if youve got the time, and you can afford to do so, I would wholeheartedly recommend DofE Gold. 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 . This could be useful for a number of University courses, which require you to have a reasonably high level of maths, but do not necessarily need (even though it is generally preferred) for you to have a Maths A-Level. Should You Avoid or Embrace Them? You may also want to start taking the exams, if you already have a high level of skill in playing an instrument. Does Gold DofE get UCAS points? In my personal statement, I wrote about how my experience during the Skill and Physical sections had increased my confidence and improved my fitness and swimming speed; for my physical activity, I swam at a local swimming club and gained Personal Bests. No, I want to find out more. No. For those looking to demonstrate an extremely high level of English language ability, the Certificate of Proficiency in English gains you up to 140 UCAS points and improves your English for employment and academic purposes. ASDAN offer community-based courses that can get you plenty of extra UCAS points, such as the CoPE (16 UCAS points) and Wider Key Skills (3 different qualifications available, 8 points each). If youre not taking Mathematics as an A-level subject, but want a qualification in it just to prove that youre proficient, you could take a Free-standing Mathematics Qualification. Is DofE good for CV? 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. Participants and leaders can access their profile to see the activities completed in each section.Your child can even manage their DofE via the Duke of Edinburgh Award app which can be downloaded from the App store and Google Play. The most obvious place to get UCAS points is from A-levels, AS-levels, and T-levels. Participating in DofE can help you demonstrate that you possess the skills needed to excel in further education or your chosen career. Is the Duke of Edinburgh award important for university? Completing your DofE and a grade or two would help to showcase your skills and talent. Its ideal if youre not keen on doing the whole A-level or AS-level in Maths, but want something more on your university application and CV to demonstrate your mathematical abilities. It usually takes around 1 year to complete, but can be done on a part-time basis over a few years to suit you. You may also want to have a look at some Universities entry requirements, which often list preferred A-Levels. You can earn UCAS Points from Grade 6 Grade 8, in both instrumental and music theory exams. Joining a group of new people, staying in accommodation overnight for several days away from home doing valuable work. The DofE award is a program independent from school qualifications that young people choose to undertake. A-Levels are the most common way of getting UCAS Points. Unfortunately though, you will not be able to get involved in this unless you are living and studying in Wales. The group activities must be with new people and enable you to further explore new or existing interests. 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. How to Teach Your Kids Times Tables + Free Times Table Chart! 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? Qualifications as well as your academic qualifications, remember to include your DofE Award. Think Student Ltd is a participant in the Amazon Services Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our site. Report. Even better, they dont all involve devoting even more of your time to studying from textbooks. It comprises of four sections for Bronze and Silver and 5 sections for Gold. Why did this happen? PQ. 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. Lots of parents recognise a connection between the Duke of Edinburgh Award UCAS Application for university. First decide what does worth it mean to your child? Perhaps your childs school is heavily endorsing participation in the DofE which might have you wondering Is DofE important for university applications? . Does Gold DofE get UCAS points? It consists of a number of parts, which are: If youd like to find out more about the Skills Challenge Certificate, take a look at this page about the Welsh Baccalaureate, which explains how the qualification works. in lincoln university baseball 2022General; does gold dofe give ucas points . Would they be interested in the fact that you volunteered during senior school? There are a number of criteria that must be met in order to complete your DofE Gold expedition. Cumulus Outdoors offer a number of DofE gold residential programmes in Dorset. However, perhaps not to the degree that you might expect. Aiming to encourage a spirit of adventure and discovery, you have to plan, train for, and complete an adventurous journey somewhere in the UK or abroad. I would mention that you can succeed without outside help even in potentially harsh conditions, have the mental and physical power to overcome challenges and can work well as a team. Take an extra AS Level A young person can take a Grade 6 (sometimes as young as 13) and earn 12 UCAS points. By the time they do a Grade 8 they can earn nearly the equivalent of an A-Level (30 UCAS points). Of course, they would! Theres a handy flow chart to follow to ensure youve met all of the requirements. For example, the NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Photography is worth 60 points, or 120 if you do the full diploma. The Gold residential must include 5 consecutive days of group activities and at least 4 nights away from home. Uni rejects application for something not mention in entry requirment, Any other good/free programs like Sutton trust or UNIQ. 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. All Rights Reserved. Theyre also a brilliant way to turn your hobbies into extra UCAS points without eating too much into the time you need to do well in your A-levels. Many employers will recognise the achievement of a DofE and the hard word that it represents. Youll probably know it as the extra-curricular activity par excellence, that shows practical skills alongside your academic excellence. Which parts of the UCAS application can you use your DofE experience in? Making a Splash! They are one of the most challenging aspects as you are isolated from the outside world without mobiles or other devices. It enables you to take a more vocational approach to studying the subjects that interest you, and is recognised by many Universities as a valuable qualification. Although the International Baccalaureate as a whole will not earn you any UCAS Points, each component of it will. It comprises of 5 days of group activities and 4 consecutive nights sleeping away from home. 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. If your child would benefit from support in achieving the grades that they need to apply for university, contact a GoStudent tutor who can help them fulfil their potential. Each level of the DofE becomes increasingly more challenging, with more time required for each section. This is through a programme called DofE Direct. If you are over the age of 18 you can complete the award independently with the support of DofE leader via email and telephone. Read More 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. 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. PSHE teacher told us that watching porn is ok and healthy, UCAS Applications + Uni group discussion threads 2023 **Official Thread**, The Courtauld Institute of Art 2023 offers. But is this true? Performance is a great confidence boost, too, thus extending your comfort zone and improving your ability to take on new challenges. You will not receive UCAS points for completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award. You should join a DofE residential as an individual without meeting participants or leaders beforehand. 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. The specification can be found here. With exceptions for some specific courses, DofE comes into play for that last 20% . At the same time, youll have to track your progress and check in with DofE leaders, who will be helping you along the way. 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! The DofE has most definitely built my self-esteem to be able to apply for things I would otherwise not have done. 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. Some voccational qualifications do give UCAS points, however these are usually exams with a standardised assessment procedure. Stage 3 qualifications, in Riding and in Horse Knowledge and Care, give you 35 UCAS points each, as does the Preliminary Teachers Certificate (Equine Coach). Through your DofE activities you may have already demonstrated an interest in your course subject. Would they benefit from the focus and structure that a DofE programme provides? 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. Andy98. Did your volunteering or skill complement a particular part of your studies? Note that this qualification will be withdrawn at the end of 2016, but you still have time to gain one before then. This article will help you understand the variety of ways which you can earn UCAS Points. Why should you do the Duke of Edinburgh award? 60. 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. Most obviously, you can boost your number of UCAS points by taking on an extra A-level or AS-level. 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! 806 8067 22 Registered Office: Imperial House, 2nd Floor, 40-42 Queens Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 3XB, Taking a break or withdrawing from your course, http://www.dofe.org/en/content/cms/about-us/our-impact/, Official UCL 2023 Undergraduate Applicants Thread. What Area Of Edinburgh Does J.K. Rowling Live? It shows them too that you are an independent person who can look after themselves and who isnt just their exam results. Work experience where possible, make each one relevant to the role youre applying for, listing your achievements and responsibilities. What skills and experience did you mention? If you need 144 points to do your dream university course, you'll need three A-level A grades. However, if you are in primary school or just not yet in the right stage of secondary education, you are going to have to wait. When researching your Duke of Edinburgh Award, you should think carefully about your interests and decide what you want to achieve from the trip. 10 Brilliant Ways to Get More UCAS Points. Improve your Mathematics with a Free-standing Mathematics Qualification. At Cumulus Outdoors we specialise in outdoor adventure activity residentials. 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). I have also gained more understanding of others, as during my Residential I worked at a respite holiday care home for people with disabilities which helped me to become more aware of others in need. It is also a qualification which is really valued by Universities as it demonstrates your individual study skills. DofE is split into three different levels, which you can take at different ages and which differ in intensity and material required. Participating in DofE can help you demonstrate that you possess the skills needed to excel in further education or your chosen career. It does not serve any purpose on your UCAS form beyond the personal statement, where you are entitled to push it hard. 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. They generally have a more vocational basis, which allows you to develop useful employability skills in the subject that you have chosen to study. Dorset is one of the best places in the UK to participate in outdoor adventure activities. Do you feel like the achievement award taught you how to deal with challenge? With an emphasis on personal development and practical experience, it is no surprise that many young people take up the DofE to help boost university applications and CVs with something more than academic achievements. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is split into four parts. If you would like to find out more about how BTECs compare to other qualifications, take a look at this useful comparison. There are lots of organisations in the UK who are licensed to run the DofE. If you want to find out more about the types of apprenticeship that you can do, take a look at the UCAS Website. This is one of the best decisions I have ever made; the skills I gained at the stables are adaptable to other animals and my studies, and the course has given me so many opportunities I would not have had if I had not applied to university or taken up my offer. For example, you may want to do a diploma in Fashion, or Fitness Instructing and Personal Training. Not at all, by all means do it if you have the time, but your exam results are far more important. One of the problems with this way of earning UCAS Points is that the courses can be quite expensive. That's right, even with walking 14 Miles a day on the Gold DofE, UCAS points are not awarded (though a shiny Duke of Edinburgh gold medal is up for grabs). The aim is to develop skills in: teamwork, problem solving, discussion, research, oral presentation and self-management. They will also usually only be counted towards specific courses, e.g. For example, if you did photography as your skill and are now looking to enrol on a photography degree, or if your volunteering involved . It is the volunteering itself which is the useful, transferrable skill especially if you are able to volunteer somewhere which relates to your dream career (for example at a Veterinary Practice if you wanted to be a Vet). The Best Free Homeschooling Resources UK Parents Need to Start Using Today. To make sure your planned residential satisfies all of the conditions we recommend looking at the residential checklist on the dofe.org website. For example, being a leader at a UK-based holiday camp for disadvantaged young people. 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. In this case, the most recent qualification (and therefore the most relevant) is the one that gains you UCAS Points. Some of the subjects also offer one year courses (which could perhaps be compared to AS-Levels). No. Enjoy a fun-filled activity programme including coasteering, kayaking, climbing, abseiling and more. Its good to keep perspective however, with 330,000 students participating in the DofE in the 20/21 season its not an unusual achievement by itself. Reach out to a GoStudent tutor to ensure that your child reaches their full potential on exam day. Due to this, the accuracy of articles on this site cannot always be guaranteed. All sections of the award must be completed to pass the DofE award. Many of them develop invaluable transferrable skills for success in your working life, which may prove critical to securing a job, either part-time during your university studies, or full-time once you graduate. Does gold DofE give UCAS points? How do I add my Duke of Edinburgh to my UCAS application? Just as you can earn UCAS points for graded musical instrument exams, so you can accumulate them by taking exams in speech and drama. Silver DofE UCAS points also do not exist and so it will come as no surprise that the Bronze DofE follows the same pattern. Pre-16 Qualifications Most courses also require that you have certain pre-16 qualifications, including GCSE Maths and English. Graded dance qualifications, similar to the music exams, are offered by several organisations, including the British Ballet Organization, the British Theatre Dance Association, the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and the Royal Academy of Dance. For Silver this goes up to a minimum of 7 hours per day, and for Gold a minimum of 8 hours planned activity per day before setting up camp for the night. Those involved in the programme are required, in . It does not serve any purpose on your UCAS form beyond the personal statement, where you are entitled to push it hard. These are the sorts of questions that you are going to have to ask yourself in relation to your DofE. How far can I backdate DofE? Arty types might like Trinity College Londons Gold Arts Award, which gives you 35 extra points in recognition of your involvement with a range of arts projects and leadership (recorded in a portfolio in a medium of your choosing, such as a diary, video or blog). The Student Room and The Uni Guide are both part of The Student Room Group. 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. We recommend speaking with your expedition provider. Duke of Edinburgh can make your look great on your uni application! Dorset During this time our team have become well versed in all things DofE and have gained an excellent understanding of the various sections that make up the scheme. Should you put Duke of Edinburgh Award on CV? 5 (12 reviews) One of the benefits of these types of qualification is that you can go into a more specific field earlier on, which is great if you have an idea of what career path you want to take when you are 16. This is known as the Residential element, and it involves you staying and working away for five days. You can do an apprenticeship from the age of 16, and an Advanced Level Apprenticeship is generally considered to be equivalent to 2 A Levels. 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. 0. The difference is that Pre-U Qualifications give students more of an opportunity to work independently, so that they are more prepared for University study. Youll get 20 UCAS points if you achieve an A grade. What happens if you sleep hungry on your period? But well save that question for a little while later. 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. Although some Universities give out their conditional offers to students based on their exam grades, there are still some which the UCAS Points system for offers. That's right, even with walking 14 Miles a day on the Gold DofE, UCAS points are not awarded (though a shiny Duke of Edinburgh gold medal is up for grabs). Qualities that colleges, universities and employers are attracted to. Whatever you mention, just make sure you explain how it helped you develop and how you would adapt this to study to succeed. Yes, it is possible to complete your Gold DofE expedition on a kayak or canoe. But of course, it changes with different qualifications - so if you get a triple distinction (DDD) for a BTEC diploma, you'll also get 144 points. The DofE has enormous variety and can be tailored to each persons interests. 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). If you explain how it helped or changed you, such as boosting confidence and skills while showing commitment to a task, it could increase your chances of getting a place. Example aims include: create a piece of artwork inspired by the landscape, survey the landscape, create a nature guide. Typically, this begins when you turn 16 and start studying for higher-level qualifications. 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. Does the Duke of Edinburgh award look good on a CV? It is not only incredibly useful in terms of your University Application, but also in your future employment opportunities. The difference really between BTECs and A-Levels is the fact that BTECs are more specific. I therefore had the confidence to apply for and become a Course Representative and a Student Ambassador at university; this means I am often the person students or prospective students come to with questions about student life and our course. How to apply for Duke of Edinburgh award? . There are many ways to participate in the Gold DofE Award. Definitely the expeditions! 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.. The DofE also demonstrates many soft skills that cannot be communicated through academic grades alone. Since then, it has been growing and growing and, these days, there are over 450,000 participants at any one time in the UK. Doing a full diploma may be a bit of a tall order alongside A-levels, but the lower qualifications should be more manageable and will still give you points to the rough equivalent of half an A-level. Working towards the DofE leads many young people to gain life skills, work experience and push themselves out of their comfort zone. Gold demands four days and three nights, with eight hours. At Cumulus Outdoors our residentials start from 270. Scottish Highers are essentially the Scottish equivalent to A-Levels. Thats key stage 4. It also demonstrates to Universities that you are good at learning more practical skills something that is likely to be useful in your future studying and careers.