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Education
 

 

ASDAN LogoRecognising, rewarding and celebrating achievement

 

RDA activities have a strong learning element and can be used as a powerful educational tool by schools and colleges. Participants not only learn a skill in riding or carriage driving, but can also engage in a number of activities that focus on literacy, numeracy or other key skills. RDA is keen to ensure that individual’s achievements in these areas are structured and that these achievements are recognised beyond the RDA Group.
 
ASDAN stands for Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network and is based in Bristol. It is an awarding body approved by QCA, ACCAC, CCEA. It is a charitable organisation, offering a range of qualifications, awards and publications. There are currently over 4000 centres registered to run ASDAN programmes in the UK and RDA is one of these.

 RDA and ASDAN have been working together since 2005, to develop tailor made programmes and ensure that RDA activities can be used, and measured, for education gains. We have now developed a comprehensive package of awards and qualifications which recognise, reward and celebrate individual achievement

Awards

There are two awards which RDA groups have been using since 2005

Transition Challenge - for riders aged approximately 12-16 years 

  • RDA sessions consist of many activities which easily fit
    into Transition Challenge Award. Riders can gain certification             
    which is closely linked to National Curriculum subjects.

Towards Independence - for riders aged 6-12 years or above depending on individual need.

  • This award enables riders to gain certification for demonstrating        
    riding skills, horse care, knowing parts of the tack, listening to                       
    instructions and much more.

Access

ASDAN programmes are suitable for both driving and riding groups. They are also appropriate for adults and children with a wide range of disabilities

Evidence Gathering

Each candidate will receive a Transition Challenge or Towards Independence Animal Care booklet which provides structured activities for instructors to follow. A portfolio of evidence must also be gathered which shows how the rider has engaged in the activities for e.g. a photograph of the candidate mixing feed, or samples of straw or sawdust to show what is used for bedding, riding from A to F around the riding arena, learning colours and numbers in a foreign language etc.

Assessment

This is usually carried out by the riding instructor and volunteers and it involves signing each activity off as it is completed as well as deciding on how much support has been given to the candidate to complete the task.

Moderation

Following assessment the portfolios and booklets are shared and moderated (checked) at a national moderation meeting by the RDA instructor/s and ASDAN to ensure that everything is in place.

Certification

Certificates are awarded following successful moderation. These can be presented in any way that the group feels is most appropriate e.g. School sports day, prize giving, end of term celebration, group open day or regional fun day.

Qualifications for Volunteers

 
Community Volunteering Qualification or CVQ. 
  • Available at Level 1 (GCSE equivalent D-G, Level 2 (GCSE equivalent A-C, Level 3 (A Level Equivalent)  
  • From September 2009 this new qualification will replace the ASDAN Certificate in Community Volunteering (CCV) Qualification.
  • CVQ is intended for volunteers seeking accreditation and progression routes e.g. new volunteers, riders/drivers who might wish to switch from client to volunteer; students involved in volunteering e.g. through the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme or established volunteers seeking to develop or enhance their role. This qualification also attracts points for University entrance. 
  • CVQ Support Meetings are being held this Spring - to book your place, please download the booking form shown below.
Employability Qualification. 
  • This can be undertaken at Entry 2, Entry 3 (Below GCSE Level), Level 1 (GCSE equivalent D-G, Level 2 (GCSE equivalent A-C, Level 3 (A Level equivalent) 
  • This qualification offers a range of opportunities for learners to develop their personal and employability skills whilst gaining a qualification in an RDA context.
  • The Entry 2, 3 and Level 1 qualifications are intended for young people and adults who are not ready for employment but for whom a job is a realistic aim, within a reasonable timescale.
  • The Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications aim to help learners develop employability skills within vocational settings, allowing them to build on their employability skills and acquire transferable skills that will help them progress in their current situation and in the wider world of work. 
Disability & Sports Awareness Award (DaSA): 
  • The ASDAN DaSA Award, developed with the RDA and the Federation of Disability Sport, accredits up to 60 hours of activity in which learners think about disability and raises awareness of the achievements of disabled sports men, women and young people, appreciating that disability does not mean inability.
  • Offering a flexible multi-level programme aimed primarily at 13-19 year olds, this Award provides a stand alone certificate of achievement as well as progression into nationally recognised Awards and Qualifications. 

What's In It For Us?

  • A more focussed approach to sessions
     
  • Teachers, teaching assistants, parents and carers can have greater input and make a significant contribution to riding
     
  • Shows that RDA is aware of educational developments that are relevant and attainable
     
  • Candidates take great pride in their folders as they can be shared with both friends and family
     
  • Schools and colleges can use the awards in OFSTED inspections as evidence of students’ achievements
     
  • Parents can become involved if candidates are doing activities at home
     
  • IT’S FUN

Interested or Need Help?

 

 

Downloads:


Title Description
ASDAN FAQs Fequently asked questions about ASDAN
The RDA Education Programme A leaflet that describes the RDA/ASDAN Education Programme
CVQ Staff Development/Support Meetings List of meetings being held this Spring.
Moderation - CVQ Candidate Registration Form
Moderation - CVQ Northern Ireland Candidate Registration Form
Moderation - Employability Candidate Registration Form
Moderation - Employability Northern Ireland Candidate Registration Fomr
Moderation - Transition Challenge Candidate Registration Form
Moderation - Transition Challenge Northern Ireland Candidate Registration Form
Moderation - Towards Independence Candidate Registration Form
Moderation - Towards Independence Northern Ireland Candidate Registration Form
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