Entrepreneurship Specialism

The lead specialism in all Aldridge Academies is entrepreneurship.  This is selected by Rod Aldridge, because it describes a state of mind which strives to solve problems rather than accept defeat. An entrepreneur is determined to succeed, is not afraid of failing, remains positive throughout and will ultimately win through. This will provide a wider and more varied educational offer and, as part of a thus enhanced curriculum, students will be able to experience running mock businesses and develop the skills that are necessary to achieve success. They will meet successful business people and have the opportunity to gain work experience.

The specialism also includes social entrepreneurship through which an individual will examine what it means to be a part of a community and to work with partners to develop that community. It will also focus on understanding about the rights an individual has in society and also the obligations of citizenship that go with these rights.

The notion of entrepreneurship describes self-starting, highly motivated and confident learners who make full use of every opportunity for personal and community success, and is taught through six key entrepreneurial attributes.  At DACA, these are called the six DAKAs.

All students have the opportunity to participate in entrepreneurial related activity both within and beyond the formal curriculum, including participation in community voluntary work and involvement in formal programmes to support personal and social development.  Our innovative offer includes:

• "incubator units" for enterprise (where young people learn about merchandising, management, buying, selling, and promotion by starting and running small businesses);
• access to successful entrepreneurs from all sectors as role models for local learners;
• developing accreditation for entrepreneurship;
• preparation for progression to higher or further education; and
• high level communication and marketing skills.
• Aspire 2 B, an innovative model for careers innovation, advice and guidance.

All students benefit from the specialism which helps them understand their responsibilities, learn about the workplace, understand economics, encourage problem solving and to view themselves as achievers.

The students are also encouraged through social responsibility classes to participate in community based activities with the aim of helping them to be proud of their town, environment and community.

Through entrepreneurship, the Academies have a dual focus on promoting business enterprise and social enterprise activity.   Through the specialism the Academies have the chance to instil in young people a determination to succeed, to achieve high expectations and to become more responsible for the world within which they are growing up.

Given the expertise on offer for this project, ICT is used to enable entrepreneurial activity by supporting the development of an enterprise culture. Aldridge Academies are currently the only Academies to have this specialism.

All Aldridge Academies are designed to house the specialism in entrepreneurial centres, the facilities of which can be accessed by the wider community.  In Darwen an entrepreneurship bridge, operated by DarwenCreates and funded by LEGI, hold eleven 'pods'.  The Academy has been designated by the North West Development Agency an Enterprise Haven for the area.