“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.

Jerimiah 29:11

Curriculum Intent

The intention of our alternative curriculum is to; increase pupils’ aspirations, instil resilience and self-belief when faced with challenges and elevate pupils horizons by introducing new knowledge, skills and experiences. Our curriculum is based around developing the pupil holistically to increase their physical, mental and social well- being to lead a happy, fulfilling and successful life. The vision for our curriculum is to equip pupils to make a positive impact on the wider community

KS4 – Core Structure and Overview

The ASDAN curriculum allows the pupils to develop essential skills such as, English, Maths, IT, independent learning, teamwork, and problem solving in both classroom and practical based lessons. In Year 10 cohort complete the Personal Development Programme (PDP). In Year 11, credits gained from the PDP follow through to the Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE). Both courses are accredited through ASDAN. Pupils receive a fantastic enrichment offer with many educational visits throughout KS4.

Year 10 - Personal Development Program (PDP) – Evidence Portfolio (100%)

ASDAN's Personal Development Programme offers imaginative way of developing, recording and certificating a wide range of young people’s personal qualities, abilities and achievements, as well as introducing them to new activities and challenges. Modules covered include:

  • Module 1: Communication
  • Module 3: Sport and Leisure
  • Module 4: Home Management
  • Module 5: The Environment
  • Module 7: Health and Survival
  • Module 8: World of Work

Year 11 – Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) – Evidence Portfolio (100%)

The Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) is a nationally recognised qualification. The modules covered allow pupils to work on longer projects which develop their personal qualities, abilities and achievements, as well as introducing them to new activities and challenges. The longer projects allow pupils to develop the essential skills for future careers.

Modules included are:

  1. Discussion
  2. Improving own learning and performance
  3. Working with others
  4. Problem Solving
  5. Carrying out a piece of research
  6. Planning and giving an oral presentation

Skills Developed

Throughout year 10 and 11, the PDP and CoPE courses allow pupils to develop and demonstrate their capabilities in a wide range of employability skills and the course allows the pupils to see these skills being utilised in both a classroom and practical setting.

  • Use of Maths
  • Use of English
  • Use of IT
  • Teamwork
  • Learning something new
  • Problem Solving

Progression Routes

The course is developed to broaden pupils skills to be able to discuss employability skills in applications and interviews for their post 16 options. Many of the pupils who have enjoyed studying ASDAN courses have gone on to secure apprenticeships such as, electrical engineering and brick laying or continue their studies at a college.

Future Careers

Throughout the course, careers links are interweaved into the curriculum, we look at how pupils could create a career from the particular tasks or task area. Below is a small selection of careers we discuss within lessons:

  • Sports Coaching/Teaching
  • Chef/Nutritionist
  • Mechanic
  • Bike Technician
  • Lifeguard
  • Outdoor Educator
  • Entrepreneur