Asdan
This year, for the first time, Bangeston Hall Day Services are running the ASDAN Preparatory Awards Programme – “Towards Independence”.
ASDAN is a charitable organisation managed by teaching professionals and is particularly well known for innovative curriculum development in the areas of personal, social and work related learning. ASDAN has been represented on the government’s PSHE Advisory Group.
As well as being at the forefront of curriculum development in this area, all ASDAN programmes are recognised by the Department for Education and Skills and are approved generally and/or specifically listed.
Core elements lie at the heart of all ASDAN programmes and qualifications which are designed to:
- Encourage student centred learning
- Challenge students to achieve
- Enable students to learn through experience
- Encourage a wide range of skill development
- Reward success
These elements have been embedded in the Preparatory Award Programmes. Towards Independence presents a framework of activities through which personal, social and independence skills can be developed and accredited for adult learners (16+) with moderate, severe, and profound learning difficulties.
The initial module “Starting Out” is mandatory and provides the opportunity for the learner to be helped to recognise achievements and identify learning challenges and targets. These targets are then developed through a chosen Towards Independence module.
The modules being presented by Bangeston Hall this year are:
- Horticulture – covering activities such as getting ready to work in the garden; using tools safely; growing seeds and plants both indoors and outdoors; and keeping the garden tidy.
- Making Pictures – which includes using different tools; mixing colours; copying outlines and colours; using black and white print, making collage; and taking part in a mini enterprise scheme.
- Everyday Living – covering activities such as myself and others; in the home; during the day; and out and about.
- Sound Rhythm & Music – which includes listening to sounds, using a tape recorder/CD player; making sounds with your body; making rhythms; playing percussion; using your voice; singing together; and listening to music.
Whilst ASDAN is not suitable for all our service users the majority are currently taking part in at least one or more of the above modules.
