Academy Vision

The Academy seeks to develop a passion for learning and an enterprising spirit amongst its students and staff, and amongst members of the local community. In addition, it seeks to create, develop and maintain an education that focuses emphatically on providing opportunities for success for all, recognising and celebrating the achievements of everyone in all aspects of life at the Academy. 

Darwen Aldridge Community Academy is a Centre of Excellence for entrepreneurial education. It is an inclusive school that provides for the students and citizens of Darwen continuous opportunities, and a world-class, high-quality environment for lifelong learning. The Academy’s students are committed, successful learners, who are proud, creative and self-confident, showing respect for themselves, the community and for others. 

In addition, the Academy places considerable value not only on entrepreneurship, but also on sport and healthy living; partnership working; developing strong links with the community, and education for sustainable development.

Our goal is that, by the age of 25, all Aldridge graduates will have experienced an outstanding and enjoyable education and be able to sustain the life of their choice. They will be independent, thriving economically and making a real, positive contribution to their communities.

In order to achieve this, our curriculum:

• Sequences learning so that learning takes place in an ordered, efficient and effective way.
• Is compromised of the key pieces of knowledge required to be a successful part of our society. It also provides the opportunity to develop skills and qualities that are vital to this success.
• Develops vocabulary and literacy so that the entire curriculum is accessible and students develop a love of reading and can be competitive (are employable) throughout their lives.
• Provides opportunities to develop cultural capital so that learning is brought to life and has a context. Subject time is balanced.
• Promotes a love of learning so that students develop a thirst for knowledge beyond the classroom.
• Promotes independent learning so that students take responsibility for their learning and are conscientious about their studies.
• Maintains breadth for as long as possible. Students have access to arts, technology and PE at all key stages.
• Has clear pathways from KS3 through KS4 to KS5 that are in line with the 15 industry sectors.
• Ensures that students become resilient and tolerant through a programme of SMSC, PSHE, BV, RSE. This will enable them to understand their place and function in society and understand local, regional, national and global concepts.

Fulfils the 6 entrepreneurial attributes of the Aldridge Foundation. We are committed to developing these as they underpin students’ development. These are; passion, creativity, teamwork, determination, risk-taking and problem-solving.