Transition Challenge

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About this course

What is Transition Challenge

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

 

ASDAN has produced a series of guidance documents showing how components of our courses 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).

ASDAN has completed a full review of Transition Challenge to update the content and make sure it continues to create meaningful outcomes for young people with diverse needs.

Our Transition Challenge: changes for 2025 document outlines how the modules have been updated and developed following feedback from our members. It also includes the titles of the new sections created.

Learner age 14–16
Level (indicative for non-regulated courses) Pre-Entry level, Entry level
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

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To teach this course you must be an ASDAN member.

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Who is Transition Challenge for?

Students aged 14-16 (key stage 4) with severe and/or profound learning difficulties

Progression routes from Transition Challenge

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.

Become a member

Your organisation must be an ASDAN member to deliver this programme.

Our team will discuss your learners’ needs, intended delivery and approval requirements with you.

Register your interest in ASDAN membership

Create a cohort

Once your organisation is approved, create a learner cohort through the members’ area.

Provide the course coordinator’s details, expected completion date and number of learners. Learners should be registered within 60 days of starting and before assessment takes place.

Access the members' area

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.

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

Success stories

Accrediting students' achievements through Transition Challenge

Victoria Education Centre, Poole, Dorset, caters for almost 100 learners aged three to 19. Staff deliver ASDAN’s New Horizons and Transition Challenge (TC) to Key Stage 4 students who are below entry level.
Progression pathway
My Independence
Lifeskills Challenge
Towards Independence
New Horizons
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