ASDAN Courses
policy & practice

Aims and Objectives

The broad aim of the course is to enable young people to understand themselves and others better and to become more prepared for making the transition to adult life.

• The ASDAN course provides a flexible, activity-based programme together with a framework for assessment, which facilitates the development and accreditation of personal and social skills within a variety of educational, training, employment and community contexts.

• The ASDAN course enables students to have an increased sense of ownership and control of their own learning - vital in raising levels of motivation, achievement and self-esteem. It supports both a formative and summative processes by providing opportunities for students to be involved in:
• the assessment of their own learning
• the setting of clear and achievable goals
• identifying and reflecting on their progress and development opportunities
• summarizing achievements and compiling a portfolio of supporting evidence which recognizes personal achievements

• The ASDAN course develops personal and social competence (through the negotiation and completion of Award Scheme challenges) which is a crucial factor in maximizing opportunities for life-long learning and in becoming an effective member of adult society.

• The ASDAN course develops and recognises candidates’ ability to apply the Wider Key Skills in ways that are appropriate to different contexts in order to improve the quality of learning and performance. The Wider Key Skills are skills that are commonly needed for success in a range of activities in education and training, work and life in general. The Wider Key Skills of:

• Working with others
• Improving own learning and performance
• Problem solving

            in addition to the Personal effectiveness skills of:

• Research
• Discussion
• Oral Presentation

are developed, assessed and accredited (as well as personal achievements) and formally recognized within the format of a portfolio.

What is ASDAN?

ASDAN stands for Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network. ASDAN Award Schemes have been run by St. Aidan’s for many years. Whilst students, colleges and employers have always recognized their value, they have only recently been awarded a status equivalent to GCSE by the government.

Who studies ASDAN Courses?

The ASDAN courses are available at Key Stage 4. Students choose them as an option at the end of Year 9. There  are 2 ways to access the ASDAN Key Skills course.

• 2½ hours per week instead of choosing a Modern Foreign Language
  
  
• 5½ hours per week instead of choosing a Modern Foreign Language and opting for the Single Science GCSE

What is the difference between 5½ hours course and 2½ hours course?

The 5½ hour course has a 2 hour ‘double lesson’ which makes it possible to develop skills through vocational training. There is a 20 week placement at Harrogate college (for Year 10 students) which includes studying for a food hygiene certificate, followed by courses in: catering, ceramics and photography. In Year 11 are taught First Aid by an outside training provider (Lower dales Training).

Possible outcomes

There is no terminal examination, instead students work independently to complete challenges (through the ASDAN Gold Award programme) which are determined by them in negotiation with the tutor, to produce a portfolio of evidence which is externally assessed. Whilst there are obviously recommended challenges, it is therefore possible to structure the course to suit individual interests, needs and learning styles

• The ASDAN Gold Award Scheme is the basis of the programme for most students. Successful students receive the ASDAN Gold Award Certificate.

Embedded in Gold Award programme are opportunities for students to achieve:

• The Certificate of Personal Effectiveness Qualification (CoPE Level 2, which is equivalent to GCSE grade B). Evidence required = 120 hours of work organised in a  portfolio which provides evidence of the Wider Key Skills: Improving Own Learning, Working with Others and Problem Solving and also includes the Personal Effectiveness Skills of Research, Discussion and Oral Presentation.

• The Wider Key Skills Qualification (equivalent to GCSE grade B).

Evidence required = A well organised, catalogued portfolio which evidences two examples of two different key skills.

• Career Planning Qualification (equivalent to GCSE grade B).

Evidence required = A well organised, catalogued portfolio.