Your Gold DofE Award Questions Answered
July 19th, 2021
At Cumulus Outdoors we’ve been helping young people achieve their Duke of Edinburgh Award for many years through our exciting expeditions and Gold residential programmes.
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. To help you with your planning, we’ve created a helpful guide containing a list of frequently asked Gold DofE questions. We hope this will inspire you to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award and answer any questions you may have.
DofE FAQs
What is the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme?
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a fun and educational programme for young people aged 14-24. It is designed to foster interests and improve skills that can be drawn upon into adulthood. The scheme encourages young people to try new things and step out of their comfort zone. Employers and higher education establishments value the award and it’s an excellent talking point in interviews. It demonstrates commitment, hard-work, determination and your ability to work independently and as part of a team.
How does the Duke of Edinburgh Award Work?
Young people are eligible to start the DofE award from the age of 14. There are 3 levels (Bronze, Silver and Gold) and a number of sections to complete. Participants must work through these in turn and satisfy various criteria. At the end of each level participants receive an award to recognise their achievements. It comprises of four sections for Bronze and Silver and 5 sections for Gold. These include volunteering, physical activity, skills, expedition and a residential.
Is the gold Duke of Edinburgh Award worth it?
The Duke of Edinburgh Award has a number of benefits. It helps young people develop social and interpersonal skills as well as promoting confidence and self-esteem. DofE can help young people discover new hobbies and talents. It can also demonstrate commitment and independence to potential employers and educational establishments. Most of all, completing the various DofE levels is fun and allows you to spend time with friends!
How much does the Duke of Edinburgh Award cost?
Every effort has been made to keep costs down to ensure the DofE award is accessible to all. There is a small participation and welcome pack fee when you sign up to each level of the award. Some organisations running the award may charge a fee to cover administration costs and activities may be an additional extra. Gold residential costs vary between provider. At Cumulus Outdoors our residentials start from £270.
Is the Gold DofE hard?
Completing the Gold DofE award can be challenging, but it is an extremely rewarding and enjoyable experience. You will feel a huge sense of achievement when you have completed all of the sections and receive your award.
Does Gold DofE get UCAS points?
No. You will not receive UCAS points for completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award. However, some universities look at extracurricular activities favourably during the admission process. Participating in DofE can help you demonstrate that you possess the skills needed to excel in further education or your chosen career.
Where can I do Gold DofE?
There are many ways to participate in the Gold DofE Award. 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. If you are over the age of 18 you can complete the award independently with the support of DofE leader via email and telephone. This is through a programme called DofE Direct.
How long is gold DofE take?
Completion times vary between individuals; however, the Gold award will take at least 12 months to achieve. If you are starting at Gold level, without completing your Silver it will take at least 18 months.
What does the Gold DofE consist of?
There are 5 sections to complete as part of the Gold DofE award. You must volunteer in the community for at least 12 months and complete the physical and skill sections. You must also undertake an expedition that lasts 4 days and 3 nights as well as a residential. The Gold residential must include 5 consecutive days of group activities and at least 4 nights away from home.
What comes after Gold DofE?
Gold is the final stage of the Duke of Edinburgh award. There are no further levels to complete.
Can you do Gold DofE without doing silver?
Yes. It is possible to progress straight to gold DofE. You must be at least 16 years old.
When can you start Gold DofE?
You can start the DofE award at the age of 14 but you must be at least 16 years old to start the Gold level. You must complete all of the sections before you turn 25.
Can you do DofE at any age?
No. There are age restrictions for each level of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. You must be at least 14 years old to start the Bronze award, 15 for Silver and 16 for Gold.
Completion times vary between individuals; however, the Gold award will take at least 12 months to achieve. If you are starting at Gold level, without completing your Silver it will take at least 18 months.
DofE Gold Residential FAQs
What is the Gold DofE residential?
The DofE residential must be completed as part of the Gold Award. It comprises of 5 days of group activities and 4 consecutive nights sleeping away from home. The residential provides participants with an opportunity to expand their horizons and pursue new and existing interests and passions. 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.
Can I do my DofE residential with a friend?
You should join a DofE residential as an individual without meeting participants or leaders beforehand. There are some circumstances where it is acceptable to know one or two other people, but the majority of the residential group should be unknown. Throughout the residential week you should endeavour to push the boundaries of your comfort zone and experience new environments and new people. One of the main goals of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is to improve young people’s social skills and interaction with peers.
What can I do for my DofE residential?
There are plenty of programmes that can count towards your Gold DofE residential. It’s important to choose a residential programme that interests you and allows you to explore your passions further. You may choose to serve others by undertaking a voluntary role supporting an organisation e.g., helping at a Scouts camp, or you could explore environmental or educational topics by signing up to a field studies trip. 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.
At Cumulus Outdoors we specialise in outdoor adventure activity residentials. Participants take part in a range of fun-filled watersports and land-based sessions on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.
What counts as a DofE residential?
One of the best things about the Duke of Edinburgh Award is that the residential section is really flexible. It has been designed to allow you hone your specific skillset and explore the topics that matter most to you. To count towards your Gold DofE award the residential must be away from home and last for a minimum of 4 nights. You must be in an unfamiliar environment and lead by an organised group, registered charity or Approved Activity Provider.
To make sure your planned residential satisfies all of the conditions we recommend looking at the residential checklist on the dofe.org website. There’s a handy flow chart to follow to ensure you’ve met all of the requirements.
What are the DofE residential requirements?
To qualify as a DofE Gold Award residential the activity must take place over 5 days and include 4 consecutive nights away from home. The group activities must be with new people and enable you to further explore new or existing interests.
How long does the Gold DofE residential have to be?
To count towards your Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award the residential must be away from home and last for at least 4 nights and 5 consecutive days. When recording your activity on eDofE you will have to provide the residential start and end date as well as the date you started planning it.
What should I take on my DofE residential?
Speak to the activity provider prior to packing for your residential experience. They will provide you with a checklist containing everything you need to bring for your time away from home.
How should I choose a DofE residential activity provider?
There are lots of DofE residential providers across the UK offering a variety of activities. When researching your Duke of Edinburgh Award, you should think carefully about your interests and decide what you want to achieve from the trip. Read the providers reviews and ensure they have appropriate accommodation and qualifications for the activities. Double check whether they’re on the list of approved DofE activity providers.
Which is the best outdoor adventure activity Duke of Edinburgh residential?
Dorset is one of the best places in the UK to participate in outdoor adventure activities. Cumulus Outdoors in Swanage offer an exciting events programme, which showcases the best of the Jurassic Coast. Enjoy a fun-filled activity programme including coasteering, kayaking, climbing, abseiling and more.
DofE Gold Expedition FAQs
How long is the Gold DofE expedition?
The Gold DofE expedition should take place over 4 days and 3 nights. There is no minimum distance to cover, however there must be 8 hours of planned activity each day to satisfy the expedition requirements.
Where can I find a DofE expedition kit list?
We recommend speaking with your expedition provider. They will be able to provide you with a detailed kit list containing all of the equipment and clothing you will need. This will vary depending on when and where you are completing your expedition.
What are the best DofE Gold expedition companies?
There are plenty of activity providers offering Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. Cumulus Outdoors are based in Dorset and run Gold canoe and walking expeditions. These are designed to take the stress out of planning, training and equipping teams.
What are the Gold DofE expedition requirements?
There are a number of criteria that must be met in order to complete your DofE Gold expedition. Expedition participants must be unaccompanied and it needs to be completed without motorised transport. 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. Participants must camp or sleep in simple self-catering accommodation and eat at least one cooked meal per day.
Can you do a DofE expedition on a kayak?
Yes, it is possible to complete your Gold DofE expedition on a kayak or canoe.
What are the aims of the gold DofE expedition?
You must decide on an aim as part of your DofE Gold expedition to give purpose to your walk. It should be something you are interested in and be suitable for completing in wild country without external help. At the end of the expedition, you will be required to give a presentation (written, verbal, exhibition etc.), which details how you accomplished your aims. Example aims include: create a piece of artwork inspired by the landscape, survey the landscape, create a nature guide.
Cumulus Outdoors offer a number of DofE gold residential programmes in Dorset. These include an incredibly popular watersports week, first aid week and festive Halloween and Christmas specials.
The residentials take place in a scenic location on the world-famous Jurassic Coast. Depending on the chosen programme you can stay in our purpose-built residential centre with dormitory accommodation or in our tented village.
Cumulus also runs bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh walking and kayaking expeditions.