ASDAN has released a new episode of the Cross-sector Lab: reimagine education together podcast, featuring a conversation between ASDAN CEO Melissa Farnham, Lord Jim Knight, Dame Alison Peacock and Brian Doidge.
The episode marks 35 years since the first learners achieved ASDAN qualifications and reflects on ASDAN’s history, charitable purpose and continuing role in education today. The discussion explores why ASDAN’s mission matters now more than ever, at a time when the education system is being asked to think differently about inclusion, assessment, learner voice and what success can look like for every learner.
Lord Jim Knight and Dame Alison Peacock, both ASDAN patrons, join Brian Doidge, chair of trustees, to consider how ASDAN’s practical, flexible and portfolio-based approach continues to support learners whose strengths are not always recognised by traditional systems.
The conversation explores ASDAN’s origins as an education charity and awarding organisation, its commitment to creating more equitable opportunities for achievement, and the importance of learning that helps young people understand who they are, what they can do and where they belong.
Melissa and guests also discuss the changing education landscape, including teacher agency, learner voice, belonging, project-based learning, alternative pathways and the need to prepare young people for an uncertain future. The episode considers how ASDAN can continue to support educators, influence wider conversations and help more learners build confidence, skills and pathways for learning, work and life.
Reflecting on ASDAN’s future, Brian Doidge shares the phrase 'the best is yet to be', capturing the ambition and optimism running through the conversation.
The episode, Lord Jim Knight, Dame Alison Peacock and Brian Doidge: why ASDAN matters now more than ever, is available to listen to on Spotify and a video of the discussion can be viewed on YouTube.
About the series
Cross-sector Lab: reimagine education together is ASDAN’s podcast series, hosted by CEO Melissa Farnham. The series brings together leaders, educators and changemakers from across education, policy, research and practice to explore how we can build a more inclusive and future-focused learning system.