ASDAN has always been dedicated to developing qualifications and curriculum programmes that equip learners with the tools to thrive in all aspects of their learning, work and life. We reaffirm this commitment through a review and relaunch of our core skills framework.
Part of ASDAN’s DNA from the beginning, this contemporary refresh ensures the skills stay relevant to today's evolving landscape.
Legacy with a modern vision
An emphasis on universally valuable, real-world skills is central to ASDAN’s educational offer. Dr Zoë Elder, ASDAN’s Associate Director of Innovation, has been central to this skills update. She notes how, “going back to the first principles of ASDAN felt really timely. This offered an anchor for us in a sea of turbulent change and, at the same time, directed us to the most pertinent sources of evidence and research.”
This evolution reflects ASDAN’s expertise in designing curriculum solutions through a robust, contextualised skills framework that both honours its past, and meets the current needs of learners in embracing the opportunities and challenges of a complex world.
The six core skills, each underpinned by a subset of supporting skills, are refreshed to address today’s unique challenges, aim to prepare learners for a world where critical thinking, decision making and effective teamworking are essential. From managing the impact of digital platforms to navigating personal wellbeing, ASDAN’s six core skills provide every learner with a practical set of tools attuned to their own needs, as well as the contemporary demands of life, learning and employment.
The six core skills explained
Learning
ASDAN’s focus on learning extends beyond acquiring information. This skill promotes lifelong learning by finding ways to foster curiosity, set goals and embed self-reflection. Learners are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, to build their confidence and adopt a proactive and open-minded approach to learning, for now and in the future
Communicating
This skill encompasses more than verbal or written expression and extends into numeracy and visual forms of communication. It includes all forms of literacy, ranging from digital, computing, social, cultural, AI and in-person literacies. ASDAN’s skills framework ensures that learners are equipped to communicate clearly and thoughtfully in a wide range of contexts.
Decision making
Reflecting the real-world complexity of choices, decision-making skills involve assessing risks, evaluating outcomes and learning from experience. As Zoë explains, “Decision making isn’t just about the result, but it is concerned with understanding what’s involved in coming to balanced decisions. It’s about the process.” This skill supports learners to build their confidence and ability to make informed decisions that align with their goals.
Thinking
Critical and creative thinking are cornerstones of effective lifelong learning. They encourage learners to evaluate information and approach challenges with an open mind. This core skill provides discreet opportunities for learners to improve their creative, critical and compassionate thinking skills, strengthening their capacity to understand and respond to new situations and ideas. As with all our core skills, thinking is essential to wider personal effectiveness.
Team working
Collaborative skills are essential in nearly every setting and context. ASDAN’s team-working skill prepares learners to contribute effectively to groups and collaborate, work, learn and listen with others. They can improve their ability to learn about, from and with those who may have diverse experiences and perspectives, and understand their impact on others. Through collaborative tasks, learners gain insights into the power of collective effort and productivity.
Self awareness and wellbeing
Effective learners are self aware. They have tools and strategies to manage their emotional and physical states, helping them to achieve their aims while staying healthy and happy. This updated skill provides an opportunity for learners to develop a language around their strengths, their ideals, and what might disrupt their ability to achieve their goals. It also supports learners to identify and manage pressure points so they can maintain a positive outlook in the face of both challenges and opportunities.
Empowering lifelong learners
In today's world, where adaptability, compassion and resilience are paramount, ASDAN’s six core skills provide a roadmap to navigate various aspects of life. As Zoë explains, “These skills are fundamental …they’re not time-specific or situation-specific. They’re always going to be invaluable for learners, whatever the context.”
The ASDAN Way
‘The ASDAN Way’ is our pedagogical model, specifically designed to support the development of these six core skills through our curriculum offer. It emphasises iterative learning, co-constructed learning opportunities and goal-setting, encouraging learners to habitually reflect on their progress and adjust their strategies accordingly.
This method underscores the importance of formative feedback at timely and frequent moments. It is deliberately designed to encourage learners to persist in working towards their personal goals, embracing every opportunity that allows them to see themselves in their achievements and learning.
Our approach to the teaching of skills has always been about meeting learners where they are and supporting them as they lead the way to where they want to be. The ASDAN Way promotes agency and autonomy, hand in hand. In doing so, we are constantly seeking ways to encourage learners to explore and personalise their learning journey, offering adaptable, responsive and tailored pathways to achievement, progress and success.
Building the future together
One of ASDAN’s key strengths is our close collaboration with our members and we cherish opportunities to work with such an expert and dedicated community of professionals. This skills refresh has been informed by many ASDAN educators, all of whom have offered valuable insights on the language, definitions and practical implementation of teaching the six core skills in diverse educational settings. This collaborative process ensures that our skills framework is flexible enough to meet the diverse needs of learners and reflects our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
As ASDAN continues to evolve, our commitment to learner-led, holistic skills education remains steadfast. Our refreshed core skills framework combines our historical strengths with a clear vision for the future – engaging, elevating and empowering every learner to navigate the modern world with confidence, resilience and compassion.