At Scotch, we recognise that not all learners are the same. As a result, our Inclusive Education Team proudly offers the ASDAN Programme as a meaningful and engaging way for students to develop essential skills while exploring real-world learning experiences.
This School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) endorsed programme is offered to students in Year 10, providing a structured yet flexible framework that builds readiness and confidence for Year 11, VET training, and future employment. Among the successful offerings is the Careers and Experiencing Work course, a programme that integrates literacy, numeracy, and personal development into practical, hands-on tasks directly connected to workplace expectations.
ASDAN Short Courses are designed to be accessible and strength-based programmes that value practical learning just as highly as academic achievement. For many students who thrive in applied learning environments, these courses provide authentic opportunities to use curriculum skills in real contexts.
Applying curriculum to hands-on learning
Numeracy is embedded throughout the programme, particularly through practical trade-related learning. Students use measurement, number, estimation, and scheduling to complete tasks required in the building and construction industry. For example, carpentry and bricklaying activities draw on essential maths skills such as using the 3–4–5 method (based on Pythagoras’ Theorem) to ensure walls meet at perfect right angles. Students also apply measurement and number to calculate rafter lengths, work out surface areas for materials, estimate quantities, sequence tasks in a project schedule, and budget for tools or supplies. These experiences show students how mathematics is used daily in real trades and why accuracy matters.
Literacy skills are equally central to the ASDAN Programme, with students reading workplace instructions, safety guidelines, and tool manuals alongside active components such as completing workplace-style forms, writing reflections, and communicating professionally with supervisors. These literacy experiences help students build the clarity, precision, and confidence required in real workplaces, whether they are reading plans, documenting tasks, or seeking clarification during a job.
Each short course is built around a selection of modules, tasks, and challenges that students complete at their own pace. Reflection, evidence gathering, and goal setting are embedded throughout, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning and see the connection between curriculum skills and everyday work practices.
Adding tools to the toolkit
A key component of the ASDAN Programme at Scotch is the creation of a portfolio, which forms part of the SCSA endorsed programme. This portfolio allows students to compile evidence of their learning in a meaningful and organised way. Whether through photographs of practical work, written reflections, supervisor feedback, or samples of workplace-style tasks, the portfolio demonstrates not only what students have accomplished but also how they have engaged with each activity.
For many Year 10 students, this becomes their first experience developing a body of evidence similar to that used in workplace training or VET pathways. It is an excellent preparation tool, building independence, accuracy, problem-solving, and reflective learning habits – all essential skills for future success.
Scotch continues to receive outstanding feedback from industry partners and supervisors who work with our students during these excursions. Staff regularly comment on the boys’ maturity, politeness, curiosity, and willingness to take direction, qualities that leave a lasting impression. These positive interactions have, in several cases, led to students being informally approached about future apprenticeship opportunities or encouraged to consider specific trades based on their natural aptitude and work ethic.
Mrs Lisa Palmer
ASDAN Coordinator
