KS4 students develop a deeper understanding of the world around them

Learners at a special school have gained crucial skills needed for life beyond education, thanks to ASDAN’s Personal Progress qualification. Wyre Forest School’s Upper Phase Leader, Rachel Wright, explains the rationale behind opting to deliver Personal Progress and how it has benefited learners.

Wyre Forest School (WFS) is a centre in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, for students with complex special needs. In Key Stage 4, we were looking for a pathway that could meet the needs of a range of students, often within one class, while supporting the development of life skills they would need beyond WFS.

We were also looking for a pathway that could provide a nationally recognised qualification to support those students who would leave us at the end of Key Stage 4 and move on to college or other provision or training.

Learners gain skills through practical activities

After looking at several pathways, we felt that ASDAN’s Personal Progress Entry 1 level qualifications (PP) were an ideal fit for our learners. Personal Progress allowed the continuing development of skills within subjects like maths and English but it used very real and hands-on experiences to do so, such as activities related to shopping, road safety and visiting local community facilities.

Furthermore, Personal Progress allowed us to immerse our students in developing skills for life while still continuing to meet their curricular needs and education, health and care plan targets. The units and assessment criteria meant that staff could plan in a variety of ways so that we were able to meet the needs of all our learners.

Students gain better understanding of themselves

Personal Progress has helped learners develop their communication skills, allowing them the freedom to explore and investigate the world around them. The qualification has supported them in forming their own opinions and being able to communicate their thoughts and feelings to others in an appropriate way.

ASDAN has given our students real life opportunities and experiences. Our staff carefully chose the units to bring the best out of our students, allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of themselves, others around them and the wider world in a safe and secure way.

Please contact info@asdan.org.uk if you would like to work with us to share your centre's success story or would like to find out more about ASDAN'S Personal Progress.