At ASDAN, we are proud to celebrate learners who use their experiences to develop new skills, grow in confidence and take meaningful steps towards their futures. Through our ASDAN champions initiative, we recognise learners whose achievements demonstrate the impact of practical, skills-based learning.
Meet Archie, our November ASDAN champion
Our latest ASDAN champion is Archie, who has been completing ASDAN's Personal Finance Short Course and Personal Development Programmes (PDP).
As Archie approaches the next stage of his education and prepares for life beyond school, he has recognised the importance of developing the knowledge and skills needed to manage money confidently and independently.
His decision to study personal finance reflects a growing concern among young people about their financial futures. Findings from the Youth Voice Census highlight that everyday financial pressures are influencing the choices young people make, with the economy now as the leading national concern for young people as young as 14 (46%). Across the financial topics covered by the survey, such as saving, debt, loans, credit and pensions, 47% of respondents reported that they had not learned about any of them.
These findings reinforce the importance of providing young people with meaningful opportunities to develop financial literacy and apply their learning to real-life situations.
Putting financial learning into practice
Through ASDAN's Personal Finance Short Course, Archie has explored budgeting, financial planning and making informed decisions about money, developing a greater understanding of the financial responsibilities that come with adulthood.
One challenge involved researching five different driving schools, comparing the cost of lessons and calculating how much 15 lessons would cost. Then followed by exploration into the cost of Archie his first vehicle, considering not only the initial price but also ongoing expenses such as insurance, tax, fuel and maintenance.
By bringing financial learning into a familiar, real-world context, the project encouraged Archie to think beyond the immediate cost of a purchase and consider the importance of planning and budgeting for the future.
Together, these activities demonstrate how project-based learning can connect classroom knowledge with everyday decisions, helping learners understand not just what they are learning, but why those skills matter beyond education.
Journey through practical learning
Alongside his growing financial knowledge, Archie has made significant progress in confidence, resilience and independence. Throughout his ASDAN journey, he has become increasingly self-motivated, taking greater responsibility for organising his work, managing tasks and completing challenges with minimal support.
His communication and presentation skills have also developed considerably. Archie takes pride in producing work to a high standard, contributes thoughtfully to group discussions and confidently communicates his ideas to others. His commitment and determination have been evident throughout both programmes. Archie consistently approaches challenges with enthusiasm, demonstrating a willingness to persevere, take responsibility for his learning and make the most of every opportunity.
At a time when many young people are expressing concerns about financial pressures and their futures, Archie's journey highlights the importance of making financial education practical, relevant and accessible. By connecting learning to real-life decisions, ASDAN has helped Archie develop not only a stronger understanding of managing money, but also the confidence and independence to apply these skills as he moves towards adulthood.
Everyone at ASDAN would like to congratulate Archie on becoming an ASDAN champion and celebrate the commitment, determination and progress he has demonstrated throughout his learning journey.
Nominate your ASDAN champion
Do you know a learner who deserves to be recognised?
We invite centres to nominate a learner who has demonstrated commitment, progress and achievement through their ASDAN course. Help us celebrate their success and share their story with the wider ASDAN community.
Submit your ASDAN Champion nomination and join us in recognising the remarkable achievements of learners across our network.