Darwen Aldridge Community Academy recently welcomed the newly married Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to officially open the Academy Building. The day was a resounding success for all who participated in it. On what was officially the first day of the Easter holidays, the event was very well supported by staff and students of the Academy, together with the wider community of Darwen, as this was the final public appearance by the couple before their wedding.
After months of preparation, it was an early yet anticipated start for the attending staff and students. Final practices and preparations were completed as distinguished guests arrived at the Academy. Students from the music department provided a fitting ambience for the occasion as they sang and played instruments, whilst the guests had opportunity to admire student trade fair stands within the Entrepreneurship centre.
After being greeted by the Head Boy and Head Girl, the Royal couple were taken on a tour of the Academy. PE students demonstrated aspects of the Skills Force project, of which the Prince is a Royal Patron. The Royal couple spoke with business clients on the Entrepreneurial Bridge, the first of its kind on this scale within a school anywhere in the UK, before meeting students working in the Textiles department and the Art department. Textiles students were complimented for their creativity and use of materials, whilst Art students were offered high praise for their pieces of work.
The Royal couple were then invited to join an audience and watch an expert group of DACA students perform in a high-mix dance routine. Each student rose to the occasion and performed excellently, whilst dressed in themed costumes individually designed and customised.
Before officially opening the Academy, His Royal Highness spoke warm words of kindness and thanks to his audience. He spoke highly of the work of DACA students and the striking nature of the Academy building. The visit was a thorough success for the Academy, as it demonstrated the wide range of ability and skill across the student body.
Those students who may not have participated directly in the event’s activities were still left with a sense of success and celebration after they had contributed in the build up to the day and observed the activities, including live video feeds of the visit at the times when the Royal couple were not present in the same area of the Academy.