Additional and Specialist Learning (ASL)
Additional and Specialist Learning (ASL) provides learners with greater breadth (additional learning) and depth (specialist learning) of study and enables them to tailor their personal programmes to their own interests and aspirations.
Additional learning is complementary or broadening in character. It can include:
- qualifications that enable learners to explore a related sector
- national curriculum entitlement areas
- learning options such as languages, music or science that relate to individual needs, interests and aspirations
- GCSEs and other qualifications
Specialist learning gives the learner the opportunity for further learning within their chosen sector. It can include:
- existing qualifications and units designed to support progression within a chosen sector
- GCSEs and other qualifications
- specialist qualifications, designed specifically for the Line of Learning, that may enable learners to select a specified pathway
ASL can include qualifications at a higher level than the Principal Learning.
ASL fits into the overall structure as follows:
| Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | |
|---|---|
| Principal Learning | 240 |
| Generic Learning | 240 |
| Additional and Specialist Learning | 120 |
| Total | 600 |
View sample Foundation Diploma ASL pathway options
| Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | |
|---|---|
| Principal Learning | 420 |
| Generic Learning | 200 |
| Additional and Specialist Learning | 180 |
| Total | 800 |
View sample Higher Diploma ASL pathway options
| Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | |
|---|---|
| Principal Learning | 540 |
| Generic Learning | 180 |
| Additional and Specialist Learning | 360 |
| Total | 1080 |
View sample Advanced Diploma ASL pathway options
- Find out more
- Diploma ASL pathways
Find out more about what Diplomas can offer you, what you can expect and what you need to do.