ASDAN

Head of Department (HOD): Miss E Woodhouse

ASDAN's new Personal and Social Effectiveness (PSE) qualifications sound like a valuable program designed to help learners develop essential life skills and competencies. Here's a breakdown of the key elements and skills emphasized in this program:

Communication Skills (Verbal and Written): Effective communication is a fundamental skill in both personal and professional life. Developing good verbal and written communication skills can help individuals express themselves clearly and understand others better.

Collaboration and Teamwork: The ability to work well as part of a team is crucial in many aspects of life, including school, work, and social situations. Learning to collaborate effectively fosters cooperation, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Continuous Learning: Encouraging learners to recognize and tackle problems and to seek help when needed is vital. This aspect of the program instills a growth mindset and a willingness to adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

Empathy and Kindness: Teaching empathy and kindness is valuable for promoting positive interpersonal relationships and supporting others in times of need. These qualities contribute to a more compassionate and empathetic society.

Independence: Empowering learners to look after themselves, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and make informed decisions about their well-being is critical for personal growth and self-sufficiency.

Financial Literacy: Being financially aware is a practical skill that prepares individuals to manage their finances responsibly, make informed financial decisions, and plan for their future.

Overall, the PSE qualifications offered by ASDAN seem to align with the goal of preparing learners for life after school by equipping them with a well-rounded skill set that includes not only academic knowledge but also practical life skills and emotional intelligence. This approach can contribute to the holistic development of individuals and enhance their readiness for a successful future.

KS4

Award and certificate-sized qualifications will be available at both Level 1 and 2. The estimated time taken to complete the award is 100 hours and the certificate will take approximately 160 hours. Students will produce a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate their achievements. Learners develop their skills through the completion of formative challenges prior to being assessed through a summative challenge.

Learners must complete units one to three to achieve the award, and units one to four to achieve the certificate. In the award, learners are assessed on how they have developed the ability to:

• Understand and develop themselves and their own performance
• Work with others in teams
• Develop and use problem solving skills

In the certificate, learners will additionally be assessed on how they have developed the ability to deliver a project. This includes planning, research, presentation, and discussion.

Further Reading

"The Art of Empathy" by Karla McLaren: This book delves into the understanding and development of empathy, offering practical exercises and insights to help readers better connect with their own emotions and those of others.

"Empathy: A Handbook for Revolution" by Roman Krznaric: Krznaric discusses the importance of empathy in creating a more compassionate and just world and provides guidance on how to cultivate empathy in everyday life.

"Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't" by Simon Sinek: Simon Sinek discusses the role of leadership in fostering teamwork and creating an environment where team members feel valued and motivated to work together toward a common goal.

Careers

Careers where the skills developed through ASDAN's PSE program can be particularly beneficial

Customer Service and Sales: Good communication skills, empathy, and the ability to work well with others are crucial in roles where you interact with customers or clients directly.

Healthcare: Empathy, communication, and resilience are essential in healthcare professions such as nursing, counselling, and social work.

Entrepreneurship: Independence, resilience, financial awareness, and problem-solving skills are essential for those looking to start and manage their businesses.

Social Services: Empathy, kindness, and the ability to work with diverse groups of people are crucial for roles in social services, advocacy, and non-profit organizations.

Counselling and Mental Health Services: The ability to empathize and communicate effectively is vital for counsellors and mental health professionals.

Emergency Services: Resilience, courage, and the ability to work well under pressure are critical for careers in emergency services like firefighting, policing, and emergency medical services.

Project Management: Teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential for successfully managing projects and teams.

Media and Public Relations: Good communication skills, both verbal and written, are vital for careers in journalism, public relations, and media.

Any Career Involving Teamwork: Virtually any career that involves working with others can benefit from the teamwork and collaboration skills developed through PSE.

How to Support your daughter

Supporting your child in their ASDAN Personal and Social Effectiveness (PSE) course can be a valuable way to encourage their personal growth and development. Here are some ways you can support your child:

Open Communication: Maintain open and regular communication with your child about their experiences in the course. Encourage them to share what they've learned, any challenges they've faced, and their achievements.

Encourage Self-Reflection: Help your child develop the habit of self-reflection. Encourage them to think about their strengths, areas for improvement, and goals for personal growth.

Provide Resources: If your child needs resources or materials for specific activities or projects within the course, do your best to provide or help them access what they need.

Create a Supportive Environment: Foster an environment at home that encourages the development of the skills emphasized in the PSE course. For example: Promote teamwork and collaboration in family activities and projects, Model empathy and kindness in your interactions with others etc.

The ASDAN PSE course is designed to help your child develop essential life skills and personal qualities, and your support and encouragement can play a significant role in their success. By being engaged and proactive, you can help your child make the most of this valuable educational experience.