Why ASDAN at MindJam?
Life Skills in Their Element ASDAN is a leading awarding organisation specialising in engaging and empowering young people, particularly those in greatest need. Its flexible, activity-based approach aligns perfectly with MindJam’s methodology.
Practical Skills, Personal Choice: ASDAN programmes, like the Lifeskills Challenge and Short Course, that offer a vast array of challenges related to practical life skills, personal growth, and even employability.
Young people can choose activities that directly relate to their lives and interests, often finding surprising connections within their gaming or digital creative pursuits. This autonomy makes learning relevant and deeply engaging.
Accrediting Everyday Achievements: ASDAN celebrates progress in areas often overlooked by mainstream education, from developing communication skills during online teamwork to managing a creative project. These certifications provide vital recognition for the “soft skills” and practical competencies that are crucial for navigating life, building confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
Learning That Makes Sense: ASDAN’s portfolio-based approach means learning is hands-on and evidence is collected through activities, rather than high-stakes exams. This inclusive method is ideal for young people who benefit from practical application and who thrive when learning is directly tied to real-world experiences.
Retention & Reintegration: Fostering Connections and Future Ready Skills
Our aim is to support young people to flourish in all areas of their lives, including successful school retention and reintegration. ASDAN programmes play a key role in this process.
Recognising Strengths Beyond Academics: ASDAN certificates provide concrete, external validation of a young person’s practical skills and personal development. This evidence is invaluable for school reviews, EHCPs, and demonstrating meaningful, holistic progress to parents and local authorities, especially when conventional academic engagement is difficult.
A Bridge of Understanding: When a young person works on something they genuinely understand and enjoy, with a mentor who shares their passions and validates their experiences, it helps them reconnect with the idea of learning itself. This positive relationship and successful engagement can provide a vital bridge, gradually fostering readiness and willingness to re-engage with other learning environments like school.
Preparing for What Comes Next: The life and employability skills accredited through ASDAN are highly valued by employers and further education providers. By building a portfolio of these achievements, young people are not only gaining confidence for today, but also tangible assets that enhance their CVs and pathways to a successful future, regardless of their mainstream academic journey.
Partnering for Success
MindJam is committed to working closely with parents, schools, and local authorities to ensure our ASDAN-accredited mentoring sessions align with individualised learning plans and broader educational goals. We invite you to speak with us about how our tailored approach and the power of ASDAN programmes can make a profound difference in a young person’s journey. Contact us today at hello@mindjam.org.uk or futures@mindjam.org.uk to discuss how MindJam can support the young people in your care.
FAQ'S
For answers to our most commonly asked questions regarding sessions, please visit the FAQs page.
Benefits of Gaming
Read our guide to the benefits of gaming, that looks at current research around health and wellbeing.
We'd love to hear from you.
If you would like our team to get in touch with you to discuss how we can help you and your young people through our services, please feel free to fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch as soon as possible to talk you through enrolling with one of our mentors or counsellors