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 is a compulsory component of the Diploma and each level has a minimum amount of Guided Learning Hours (GLH) attached as shown in the table below:
| Component |
Founation GLH |
Higher GLH |
Advanced GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
| Principal Learning | 240 | 420 | 540 |
| Generic Learning | 240 | 200 | 180 |
| Additional and Specialist Learning | 120 | 180 | 360 |
| Total | 600 | 800 | 1080 |
Learners can select from qualifications at the same level as the Diploma that they are taking, or one higher e.g. the Foundation Diploma can have ASL at level 1 or 2.
The Register of Regulated Qualifications has a Diploma catalogue that lists all the ASL qualifications available for each line of learning.
Visit: www.accreditedqualifications.org.uk/index.aspx
View sample Diploma ASL pathway options