The Duke Of Edinburgh Award

Gloomendoom

I've interviewed people for university places and doing DofE wasn't something I specifically looked for. If I saw it in the notes I might have brought it up as a way of putting the candidate at ease.

That said, I did it and thoroughly enjoyed it, despite being a rather introverted in many ways.

I doubt I'd be able to tie a bowline behind my back if I hadn't done it.

Jagraf

princeofpounds wrote: »

Just following on from my earlier post - I agree that I would not focus too much on university entrance. Bronze really won't matter one jot for that. Silver and certainly Gold are more significant achievements that can help.


However, I would not totally let it lie. Children of this age really should be exposed to most of these activities, whether in DoE or outside of it. They really should be challenged.


If they don't learn how to make friends, adapt to new environments, have a basic level of physical activity etc. etc. then I am willing to bet their life outcomes are likely to be disadvantaged.


DoE is good because it puts a structure around it and offers an achievement. But I'd be making sure any child of mine gets exposure to the same kind of challenge somehow, even if not in the scheme. The value of DoE is not in university entrance, it's in building someone's character (to get a bit Victorian about it!)

Can I just ask ( as I don't know) does silver and gold help more than other forms of experience to get into uni?

Jagraf

Gloomendoom wrote: »

I've interviewed people for university places and doing DofE wasn't something I specifically looked for. If I saw it in the notes I might have brough it up as a way of putting the candidate at ease.

That said, I did it and thoroughly enjoyed it, despite being a rather introverted in many ways.

I doubt I'd be able to tie a bowline behind my back if I hadn't done it.

My DD knows how expensive blister plasters are and how scary cows can be. D of E has actually made her petrified of cows.

fairy_lights

DigForVictory wrote: »

What folk often miss is there's a thumping great overlap between D of E & Scouts. So encourage the young gent to give Scouts a bash...
Oh, and if you're really worried, join Scouts as a volunteer helper.

As brilliant as scouts may be, becoming a boy scout and having your mum go along too as a helper is probably the average 14 year olds idea of hell.

DigForVictory

Agreed, but there is a time lag while the parent trains - during which both parent & child can learn to appreciate the other better.

The younger sections only have a young person for a couple of years, Scouts about 3.5, Explorers about 4. I found Scout training helped me understand quite How Much Else was going on the the 14 year old's universe - otherwise I'd have just heard the occasional grunt...

FBaby

I agree that DoE seen me and more common almost all my friends kids from different towns/school are doing it. I get the feeling that by the time they apply to Uni, silver/gold might still holds some prestige not sure about bronze which frankly any kid could get if they really wanted to.

In terms of motivation I can say that my DD was a real girly girl and walking just a couple of miles lead to some moaning so I aught when she announced she wanted to do it. She has committed to it though and even though she had found the mock weekend quite tough (what they are expected to carry is a bit ridiculous) she loved it and can't wait to do again. She is already determined to do her silver award.

I can understand the issue with being on his own and indeed DD was happy to do it (through her school) with other kids she knew well. Maybe your DS can enquire whether any of his friends would be interested?

nearlyrich

My two went to Air Training Corps and both did D of E, my son got the Gold award and we went to the palace, he was already at uni when we went. I am sure it has helped him to build his career, not just having the award but the skills and experience that he has picked up on the way but I am not so sure doing the just the D of E would have given him all he has to offer. I would say encourage him to join the scouts or the cadets army or air both decent organisations. He will make friends and he will want to get some new experiences and doing the D of E may just be something he decides to go for. I think if I had said to my son at 14 do the D of E to get into a good uni he would not have been that keen, he naturally did it because that was something on offer and the expeditions etc were fun with friends. I know it's easy to be blas! after the event but you can turn teens off by making everything about getting into uni other paths are available and at 14 it should be about fun and getting new experiences whilst making friends.

moor426

It may be less daunting to add new challenges one at a time rather than feel overwhelmed by a whole scheme of experiences.

If he doesn't feel ready for DofE, why not wait?
The National Citizen Service (NCS) is similar in terms of challenging oneself but doesn't last as long. He may feel more ready at 16 than he does at 14?


I'm not too sure how essential DofE is for university entrance, any self directed extra-curricular activity can be of benefit, it doesn't have to come in a 'package'.

siws1

I too cannot recommend the Air Cadets enough - it is a brilliant organisation to introduce you to different activites and a brilliant way to go away with other young people with similar interests. Both my son and daughter are with the Air Cadets and my son has completed his Silver D of E with them and my daughter is in the process of doing her Bronze D of E. The support available to them is immense and has certainly brought my daughter out of herself. Please encourage your son to join a Youth Organisation of some sort.

Out,_Vile_Jelly

Jagraf wrote: »

Can I just ask ( as I don't know) does silver and gold help more than other forms of experience to get into uni?

Outside of getting the required grades in the necessary subjects, there is no official template for admission onto an over-subscribed course. Evidence of enthusiasm for the subject (ie work experience, student competitions, after school clubs etc) will always help.

We have DoE teenagers at the voluntary placement I do, and they are nearly always bright, mature and confident and likely to do well regardless.