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The Buckingham School

The Buckingham School

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ASDAN

ASDAN Curriculum Intent

The ASDAN programme at Key Stage 4 is tailored to meet the diverse needs of learners who benefit from a personalised, practical approach to learning. It provides an alternative but equally rigorous route through which students can grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Through a broad and accessible curriculum, students are encouraged to take Responsibility for their own learning and personal development. The structure of the ASDAN course enables students to work at their own pace, make informed choices, and manage their time and progress with increasing independence.

Students are taught to Reflect on their experiences, challenges, and successes—building resilience and self-awareness through regular self-evaluation and feedback. They learn to set achievable goals, celebrate milestones, and develop strategies for self-improvement.

The ethos of Respect is embedded throughout the course, whether through team-based tasks, community projects, or personal learning goals. Students are encouraged to respect themselves, their peers, and the communities they interact with, both within and beyond the school environment.

Asdan Department Ethos

At The Buckingham School, our curriculum is built on the firm foundation of our three core learning behaviours: Respect, Responsibility, and Reflection. These values are central to the ASDAN curriculum, shaping how students approach tasks, overcome challenges, and develop a sense of ownership over their personal and academic progress.

Our vision is to deliver an inclusive, ambitious, and values-driven ASDAN curriculum that champions Success for All. This curriculum pathway is uniquely designed to support students in developing essential life skills, building confidence, and gaining accredited outcomes that open doors to further education, training, and employment.

Key Features of the ASDAN Curriculum at KS4

  • Focus on practical, skills-based learning that prepares students for adulthood
  • Emphasis on independence, self-confidence, and employability
  • Opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications and personal development awards
  • Topics and modules that support PSHE, careers education, and life skills
  • Embedded opportunities for real-world application, such as enterprise projects, volunteering, and community engagement
  • Structured personal reflection and target-setting, aligned with students’ aspirations and needs.

Impact

  • By the end of Key Stage 4, ASDAN students at The Buckingham School will have:
  • Achieved accredited qualifications that reflect their effort, engagement, and growth
  • Developed into respectful, responsible, and reflective individuals ready for their next steps
  • Gained valuable life and work-related skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and time management
  • Strengthened their self-belief and resilience, helping them to transition confidently into further education, training, or employment
  • Understood the importance of being active, positive contributors to both the school and wider community.

Careers linked to Asdan 

Why Study ASDAN?

ASDAN is designed to support students in developing the essential life, work, and personal skills they need to succeed beyond school. It offers a practical and accessible route for learners who benefit from hands-on, real-life experiences and flexible learning.

ASDAN focusses on personal growth, independence, and confidence, helping students prepare for the transition to adulthood, further education, or employment. Whether aiming for college, training, or work, ASDAN empowers students to take control of their own development.

Skills You’ll Gain

Studying ASDAN helps you build a wide range of practical, transferable, and life-ready skills, including:

  • Communication – Speaking, listening, and presenting clearly
  • Teamwork – Working cooperatively with others
  • Time Management – Planning and completing tasks to deadlines
  • Problem Solving – Finding solutions in practical contexts
  • Independence – Taking ownership of your own learning
  • Self-Motivation – Setting goals and working toward them
  • Organisation – Keeping track of progress and responsibilities
  • Confidence & Resilience – Learning from setbacks and celebrating achievements
  • Practical Life Skills – Such as budgeting, cooking, or applying for a job
  • Community Awareness – Contributing through volunteering or group projects

Education & Career Pathways

ASDAN qualifications help you progress into:

  • Further Education
  • Entry-level or Level 1 & 2 courses at college
  • Foundation Learning or Supported Learning programmes

BTEC courses in areas such as:

  • Health and Social Care
  • Construction
  • Childcare
  • Hospitality
  • Hair and Beauty
  • Level 1/2 Certificates in Employability or Life Skills
  • Functional Skills in Maths, English or ICT
  • Apprenticeships and Training
  • Supported internships

Traineeships or Apprenticeships in:

Retail, Catering, Construction, Customer Service, Horticulture, Administration, Career Opportunities.

With ASDAN, students can prepare for entry-level roles or further training in sectors such as:

 Hospitality and Catering, Construction and Maintenance, Health and Social Care, Cleaning and Facilities, Retail and Customer Service, Grounds keeping or Gardening, Teaching Assistants / SEN Support Roles (with further training) Travel and Tourism Support Roles.

Did You Know?

ASDAN’s flexible qualifications are widely recognised by employers, colleges, and training providers across the UK, helping students to access real-world opportunities beyond the classroom.

Learning Journey

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