Work Skills

Inclusion department

What is Asdan CoPE?

The Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) is a nationally recognised qualification available at Levels 1, 2 and 3. The qualification offers imaginative ways of accrediting young people's activities. It promotes, and allows centres to record a wide range of personal qualities, abilities and achievements of young people, as well as introducing them to new activities and challenges.

CURRICULUM VISION

Our vision is to educate the whole person by developing self confidence and awareness of personal strengths - whether they be academic or non academic.

Why do we study the Certificate of Personal Effectiveness?

This course focuses on improving students’ soft skills, which are valued in the world of work alongside academic qualifications:

working with others
improving own learning and performance
planning and problem solving
carrying out research
communicating through discussion
oral presentation skills

curriculum intent

Our students will:

be confident to seek help and support
be able to work effectively as part of a team
be confident to stand up and speak in front of a group
be able to contribute meaningfully in discussions
have the confidence to solve problems independently
have developed a range of research skills
develop emotional literacy skills in self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, social skills and empathy
be willing to risk new challenges in their learning
increase their independence in learning and communication
become positive role models in their communities and work through their words, actions and values
have aspirations for their next steps in education and work

What do we study?

The CoPE curriculum is found in the student book, which comprises 13 modules. The modules are divided into three sections; section A, B and C.

Each section should take at least 10 hours to complete – 10 hours is worth one credit. Students will need 12 credits to gain the Certificate of Personal Effectiveness.

The module titles are: Communication; Citizenship and community; Sport and leisure; Independent living; The environment; Vocational preparation; Health and fitness; Work-related learning and enterprise; Science and technology; International links; Expressive arts; Beliefs and values; Combined studies (this module allows you to mix and match a combination of challenges from other modules).

Students complete a short period of work experience at the end of Year 10.

CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION

How do we study the Certificate of Personal Effectiveness?

Students will produce a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate their achievements. Students must also demonstrate competence at Level 1 or 2 in the six CoPE skills units:

Introduction to Working with Others
Introduction to Improving own Learning and Performance
Introduction to Problem Solving
Planning and Carrying out a Piece of Research
Communication through Discussion
Planning and Giving an Oral Presentation

Presentation of work

All work is kept in a neatly ordered portfolio.

Students’ work is on separate pieces of paper and usually word-processed. This portfolio is presented to the ASDAN awarding body at the end of the course for assessment.

Home learning

Students are given homework regularly. All home learning content is essential learning and needs to be included in the final portfolio.

Co-curricular activities

There are several trips that all students are expected to attend. Students with outside interests can also use the course to pursue these further.

CURRICULUM IMPACT

Assessment

There is no exam. Assessment is continuous throughout the course. This might be through observation or through the final portfolio of work presented.

Outcomes

To view the impact of our curriculum please click here for our latest exam results and here for our student destinations.

Careers Leading on from the Certificate of Personal Effectiveness

This course focuses on developing the soft skills that all employers look for in addition to academic qualifications.

To view more information about our school Careers programme please click here.

supporting the curriculum

How parents/carers can support their children

Check that home learning is completed on time. Give your child time and space to complete any practical tasks which need to be completed in the home environment. For example life skill tasks such as cooking or carrying out research in the local area.

The Green School for Girls