Transition Challenge
About this course
What is it?
Transition Challenge offers a learner-centred, activity-based curriculum that can be undertaken with as much support as necessary. It has been developed for learners aged 14–16 with SEND, although it can be used with older age groups if appropriate.
There are two levels available:
- Sensory: this programme offers a developmental perspective for learners with PMLD and rewards every step of learning and achievement
- Introduction and Progression: the activities in this programme cover the statutory programmes of study for the key stage 4 national curriculum, along with activities to develop the skills required for independent living
Addressing SEND areas of need
ASDAN has produced a series of guidance documents showing how components of our programmes and qualifications can meet the four broad areas of need outlined in the SEND code of practice. Download our free guides to addressing SEND areas of need using Transition Challenge (Sensory) and addressing SEND areas of need using Transition Challenge (Introduction and Progression).
Updated Transition Challenge materials
ASDAN has undertaken a full review of Transition Challenge to update its content and ensure it continues to positively impact and create meaningful outcomes for learners with diverse needs.
Our Transition Challenge: changes for 2025 document outlines how the modules have been updated and developed following feedback from our members. Refreshed materials are now available to purchase.
| Learner age | 14–16 |
| Level | Pre-Entry level (indicative), Entry level (indicative) |
| Key Stage | Key Stage 4 |
| Education setting | Special school, Community Education, EOTAS, Academy / Multi-academy trust, Independent school |
| Regulated | Non-regulated course |
| Certification | Externally certificated, hard-copy only |
| Location | England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, International (including Channel Islands and Ireland) |
| UCAS points | No UCAS points available |
| Available on Equitas | No |
| Pathway | Independent Living |
Who is it for?
Students aged 14-16 (key stage 4) with severe and/or profound learning difficulties
Progression
For progression to other ASDAN programmes, Towards Independence is developed for learners aged 16+ and is made up of more than 80 modules that can be worked through separately or accumulated into a profile of achievement.
For those seeking a qualification outcome, Transition Challenge can be used to support the delivery of the Entry 1 qualifications in Personal Progress.
There is also scope for progression through our Personal and Social Development programmes at Entry 1-3 and Employability at Entry 2 and 3.
Requirements
Learners must complete the required number of activities from modules in their chosen student book. Each module can be individually certificated or learners can complete all five modules and receive a gold certificate of achievement.
There are four modules in the Sensory book: Communication and interaction, Cognition, Physical, and Self-help and Independence. Learners must complete at least five activities to achieve each module. Download a sample copy of the Sensory student book. There are five modules in the Introduction and Progression book: Knowing how, Making choices, Feeling good, Moving forward and Taking the lead. Learners must complete at least nine activities to achieve each module. Download a sample copy of the Introduction and Progression student book.
Levels of support
Levels of support are used to show how the learner has achieved the activity. They show individual progression and differentiation between learners:
- Experience recorded
- Gestural help
- No help
- Physical help
- Sensory experience
- Spoken/signed help
Additionally, there is an opportunity to record learners' achievements by allocating a level or other descriptor to their work, as appropriate.
Supporting resources
A Transition Challenge Tutor Guidance and Resources folder is available to buy, which includes an overview of the programme, photocopiable resources, ideas for gathering evidence, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Getting started
New to ASDAN?
Your first step is to become a member of ASDAN. Read more about our membership tiers and the benefits of being a member.
Already a member?
If you are on our Programmes Plus membership, you can get started by purchasing materials below. We highly recommend that someone from your centre attends one of our introductory training workshops or we also provide in-house training sessions.
You can upgrade your membership at any time under account settings.
ASDAN members area
You can manage your courses, learners, orders and account settings in the members’ area. This also contains all the essential documents, forms and updates that you will need to deliver your course.
Certification
After students' work has been internally moderated, centres must register candidates for external moderation, which is carried out at a regional moderation meeting or by post. ASDAN will issue certificates following successful external moderation.
Gold certification is available to learners who have successfully completed all modules. Silver certification is also available for learners who have completed one or more modules.
Become a member
Create a cohort
Once you are approved as an ASDAN member and have approval to deliver this course, you can create a cohort of learners in the members’ area. Specify a course coordinator, the expected completion date and the number of learners taking the course. Learners should be registered within 60 days of starting any ASDAN course and before any assessment takes place.
Resources
ASDAN provides a wide range of supporting resources, including course standards with guidance and assessment materials. All resources related to your course can be found on the course webpage.
Assessment
All ASDAN courses are assessed through portfolios or projects, instead of exams. Appropriate internal quality assurance (IQA) and external quality assurance (EQA) will take place according to the course and you will be guided on this by our team.
Professional development opportunities
Continued professional development (CPD) training opportunities are available for all ASDAN courses to support assessment and internal quality assurance (IQA).
Training is delivered by ASDAN experts, supporting your centre to run our courses successfully and develop and sustain expertise across your team. They provide an introduction to the course, along with guidance on processes, course delivery and moderation.
As an ASDAN member, you can also take part in ASDAN’s special interest groups. These are termly online sessions focusing on specific areas of practice, providing space for discussion, collaboration and networking between ASDAN members.
Costs
Each learner will need their own copy of the student book.
Books purchased for Transition Challenge are valid for five years from the date of purchase.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Transition Challenge tutor guidance and resources (spiral bound) | £25 |
| Transition Challenge introduction and progress student book in ring binder | £26.50 |
| Transition Challenge introduction and progress student book (spiral bound) | £15 |
| Transition Challenge sensory student book in ring binder | £22 |
| Transition Challenge sensory student book (spiral bound) | £12 |
| Postal moderation (on demand, per portfolio) | £51 |
| Silver certification (for module completion) | £7.50 |
| Gold certification (whole programme) | £7.50 |
Products can be purchased below.
Products
Course resources
Transition Challenge Sensory: record boxes page
Transition Challenge Introduction and Progression: record boxes page
Transition Challenge Sensory: All about me
Transition Challenge Introduction and Progression: All about me
Transition Challenge Sensory: How I communicate
Transition Challenge Introduction and Progression: How I communicate
Transition Challenge Sensory: My likes and dislikes
Transition Challenge Introduction and Progression: My likes and dislikes
Transition Challenge: Good day and difficult day
Photographic evidence sheet
Record of questioning
My photograph evidence
Education staff witness statement
Non education staff witness statement
Transition Challenge moderation checklist: Introduction and Progression (mandatory)
Transition Challenge moderation checklist: Sensory (mandatory)
ASDAN programmes internal quality assurance checklist
Code of conduct for ASDAN programmes moderation meetings
Curriculum plan template (Preparing for Adulthood)
IQA tracker (Preparing for Adulthood)
IQA programmes cycle
Transition Challenge: one-page profile
Preparing for Adulthood: planning template
Preparing for Adulthood: witness statement
Preparing for Adulthood: level of support icons
Preparing for Adulthood: observation checklist
Transition Challenge Introduction and Progression: record boxes page pre-2025
Transition Challenge Sensory: evidence recording sheet pre-2025
Transition Challenge Introduction and Progression: evidence recording sheet
Transition Challenge Sensory: communication passport
Transition Challenge: one-page profile templates and guidance
Transition Challenge moderation checklist: Introduction and Progression (mandatory) pre-2025
Transition Challenge moderation checklist: Sensory (mandatory) pre-2025
Transition Challenge Sensory: record boxes page pre-2025