ASDAN

Details of the Examination Specification 

Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) 

The Certificate of Personal Effectiveness is offered by ASDAN board which is an education charity. CoPE is a GCSE equivalent course approved by the QCA. This qualification offers an alternative curriculum and assessment route to that of traditional GCSEs. CoPE allows students to gain credits for varying tasks and activities which promote and develop a wide range of skills and personal qualities. The qualification runs in two ability strands; 

CoPE Level 1 (similar to GCSE Grade E) 

CoPE Level 2 (similar to GCSE Grade B) 

Subject Content 

Students need to gain 12 credits worth of work from across a variety of modules available to them. Level 1 pathway students can select tasks from A, B or C sections of any module, but Level 2 students must have 6 credits from the more difficult B & C sections. 

The module titles are: 

Students build a portfolio of evidence as they complete various tasks/challenges, students must demonstrate competence at Level 1 or 2 in the following skills: Working with Others, Improving own Learning and Performance, Problem Solving, Research, Discussion and Presentation. 

How is the Course Assessed? 

The course is 100% coursework, built up over the two years. 

Students' portfolios will be internally marked & moderated, then ASDAN will ask for a selection of portfolios to be sent to the UK for external validation. 

If students fail to achieve any of the 6 core skills or do not complete the required 12 credits they will not be eligible for the award, but may be able to swap to a lower level qualification. 

What is expected of the Student? 

Students are expected to be able to manage their portfolios and ensure that they build up a good bank of supporting evidence for each of their tasks/challenges. They should be open to trying new activities and taking on roles of responsibility. Students are also encouraged to make their own decisions on the types of task/challenge they choose. They will also have to have their photo taken doing some of the tasks for folder evidence. 

Level 1 students are expected to be able to produce basic plans for their tasks, comment on their progress and review the overall outcome with some support of teaching and support staff. 

Level 2 students are expected to work much more independently and produce clear and detailed Plan, Do, Review sheets and record evidence of tasks completed with very little input from the teaching and support staff.