Selecting an ASDAN membership is an important decision for educators aiming to provide meaningful educational experiences for their learners. The ASDAN network is made up of thousands of organisations in a multitude of settings, so how can you navigate choosing a suitable membership package?
Understanding your learners' needs
The first step is to understand your learners. Knowing their needs and aspirations is key to determining the appropriate level of membership. The best outcomes are possible when educators are clear about what they want their learners to achieve. Are your learners looking for engaging, skill-building activities that can motivate and increase their confidence, and do they need recognised qualifications to bolster their academic profiles as well? By understanding your learners' abilities, challenges and goals, we can tailor the experience to meet their specific needs.
Consulting with an ASDAN relationship manager
Given the different options available, determining which membership level to select can seem daunting. This is where speaking to someone from the ASDAN team really comes into its own. ASDAN relationship managers bring a wealth of experience working directly with learners, often having backgrounds in delivering our courses. They can provide tailored advice and help you navigate through the different membership levels.
Mike Davis, ASDAN Head of Member Engagement, explains how our relationship managers are expertly positioned to guide you through the membership process:
“Our team understand the joys and challenges of working with learners and have the expertise to offer practical support and insightful curriculum advice. By discussing your specific circumstances and intentions with us, we can match these with our most suitable courses and identify the membership level that best aligns with your objectives. We want to support practitioners to get the best possible outcome for their learners”
Membership types
ASDAN offers three main membership tiers:
Programmes
Entry-level membership that encompasses a variety of ASDAN programmes designed to be engaging, adaptable and to provide valuable learning experiences without the pressure of formal qualifications. These can be ideal for more flexible learning environments, such as youth clubs or community organisations where formal education may not be the primary focus.
Programmes Plus
This intermediate membership option gives you access to our full range of programmes, offering added value through external scrutiny and moderation, and a greater currency for learners. It’s a good option for those who want the benefits of both flexibility and a degree of formal recognition from ASDAN.
Qualifications
Achieving a qualification holds significant value, especially for learners who may have gaps in their formal educational attainment. This tier of membership offers opportunities to gain achievements recognised by a qualifications regulator such as Ofqual, that can enhance future opportunities.
Outside of these core membership types, ASDAN also offers customised accreditation. As a nationally recognised awarding body, we can endorse and certificate a curriculum that your organisation has already written through this bespoke agreement.
Mike highlights the flexibility of ASDAN membership:
“It's really about the mission and the vision of the organisation wanting to become a member. Don’t pigeonhole yourself – let us guide you to a membership tier that suits your current needs. We also recognise that circumstances are not always fixed. Factors like learner’s needs, teaching capacity and access to resources may change over time. Membership types can be changed in step with that. There are a number of progression pathways between the different levels, which our team can also discuss with you.”
By teachers, for teachers
At its core, ASDAN is committed to community and collaboration. Originating from a group of practitioners dedicated to sharing and developing educational resources, we have always focused on networking and mutual support among our members. This practitioner-focused approach and network of shared expertise offers members access to a wealth of collective experience and support.
ASDAN's focus is not solely on recognising outcomes but on the entire educational process. Our comprehensive resources and curriculum ideas ensure that educators are well-equipped to deliver impactful learning experiences. This holistic approach, combined with the emphasis on networking and support, is what sets ASDAN apart from other awarding organisations.
Mike summarises how to find your ideal membership tier:
“Choosing the right ASDAN membership essentially involves two main processes – understanding your learners' needs, and consulting with one of our experienced relationship managers. By doing so, we can match you with a membership tier that will enable you to deliver enriching educational experiences tailored to your learners' specific requirements.”
For further guidance, please get in touch. We will help you navigate the options and find the best membership fit for you and your learners.