July 2009 Update

Welcome to the

July 2009 Update

from

The Aldridge Foundation

Building design for second Aldridge Academy announced

Following a competitive bidding process, Kier have been appointed to build the new £28 million building for Falmer Academy, which has been designed by architects Feilden Clegg Bradley.  Construction work will start later this year, and a phased opening will see stage one open in September 2010, with the full opening in 2011.  Like Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, Falmer will fully engage with the community, and will specialise in entrepreneurship and sport.

For more information on our Academies, contact:

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Aldridge Foundation pilot of Essentially Dance concludes with launch of evaluation

On 22^nd June, Rod Aldridge launched the evaluation report looking at the success of the Foundation’s pilot of Essentially Dance, running in 29 schools and involving 2500 young people.  The resource, which trains teachers to deliver ballroom and Latin American dance within schools, was evaluated by Roehampton University.  Their study found 80% of the children enjoyed the lessons describing them as ‘exciting’, ‘cool’ and ‘brilliant’ and attitudes towards exercise changed as a result - less sporty children became more engaged in physical activity; shy children gained self-esteem; and behaviour improved, which teachers attributed to the disciplined and structured nature of this type of dance.  The pilot attracted cross party support, with Kevin Barron MP, Chair of the Health Select Committee, saying, “Essentially Dance is a wonderful opportunity to counteract potential ill health.  Those children who are not good at sports have an activity that will not only keep them healthier and fitter, but will develop their social skills in turn giving them confidence.  I would like to see this type of activity offered in all our schools.”

For more information on the project, contact:

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We Are What We Do Young Speakers’ training takes place

The Aldridge Foundation and v sponsored Young Speakers Programme, run by WAWWD, will see over 200 further children trained in public speaking and campaigning.  Currently underway are a series of two day residentials.  Following these, young people will have the ability to use a brand new social networking system as a means of communicating with other Speakers across the country, leading on campaigns.  The scheme, based on the message that small actions can equal big change, has so far reached over 50,000 children, who have seen or taken part in presentations from the Young Speakers.  An evaluation report of the scheme will be published by London Metropolitan University in March 2010.

For more information on our involvement contact:

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Sport specialism celebrated at Darwen Aldridge Community Academy

At the end of June, DACA celebrated their own sporting stars.  The first annual Sports Awards were held at the Academy, with talented students receiving accolades.  Well known sports coach and mental trainer Jamie Edwards spoke at the event, inspiring the students to continue to work hard.  Sport is the second specialism, working hand-in-hand with entrepreneurship, on the same key themes such as passion, determination and team-working. 

For more information on our Academies, contact:

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Foundation welcomes secondee from Department for Communities and Local Government                                                                                             

The Foundation is pleased to welcome our new secondee from CLG.  Anita Luthra-Suri will work with the Foundation and the Academies to evaluate their success, as well as ensuring that they are centres for community life within the towns of Darwen and Falmer.  Her latest role was as the Deputy Regional Director, Local Government & Performance within the Government Office of the South-East.

Contact Anita at:

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