National

Programmes and partnerships run on a national basis fall into three categories.  First and foremost, they may benefit students and communities around more than one of our Academies - most national programmes fall into this category.  Alternatively, they may benefit a wider number of areas (this includes We Are What We Do and Dance Champions), or they may be to influence national policy (such as User Voice).

Aspire 2 B

Aspire 2 B is a fresh approach to information, advice and guidance (IAG) within secondary and post 16 education. IAG is compulsory within all schools, yet is often ineffective and out of date. A2B will draw together elements of best practice from current service providers, along with new innovative thinking, within one package. A2B is currently under development and will be piloted in The Darwen Aldridge Community Academy.
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Opening Eyes

Aiming to inspire through new experiences, Opening Eyes will give our students the chance to think in a new way, as they make local, regional, national and international trips with diverse themes. The aim of the programme is to broaden the horizons of our students and encourage them to look at their own circumstances in a different way.
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Dance Champions Group

In October 2009 the new Dance Champions Group was launched at the South Bank Centre, aiming to inspire thousands of people to take up dance as a form of physical activity. Looking to appeal to those who do not traditionally enjoy regular fitness activities, the Group will look to encourage the less active to try any or all of the many forms of dance in a bid to see them active for at least 30 minutes three times a week.
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Essentially Dance

Essentially Dance is a new resource available to schools, which trains teachers to teach students in ballroom and Latin American dance. Featuring Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova (best known for their roles on the BBC’sStrictly Come Dancing), the National Curriculum based resource takes teachers and young people through the Cha Cha Cha, Waltz, Jive and Quickstep. The programme was piloted by The Aldridge Foundation in 29 primary and secondary schools in five areas around the country in 2009 – Darwen near Blackburn, Salford, Rotherham, Bromley in south London and East Brighton, to evaluate the social benefits of dance for children.
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User Voice

Report and key findings of a seminar for serving and ex-offenders designed to give users of the criminal justice system a voice in prison service
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We Are What We Do

The Aldridge Foundation and v are funding the We Are What We Do (WAWWD) Young Speakers Programme. Into 2010, the scheme will build on the 400 new volunteering opportunities created over the previous two years, with continuing opportunities for 16-25 year olds across England, inspiring a new generation of community action and social change. WAWWD's previous projects include Change the World for a fiver and Plastic Ain’t My Bag.
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