United Kingdom

The first tier of the Opening Eyes programme will allow students to make trips within the UK.  Many of our students have had limited opportunities to explore their own home country, and therefore we see this as a valuable first element.  

Through the entrepreneurship team at the Academies, visits to businesses will encourage students to:

• Observe different sectors and business models;
• Consider where they might fit into an industry - either as an entrepreneur or as an employee;
• Challenge stereotypes and perceptions around accessibility of particular professions and roles.

These visits play a part in the Inspiring Communities work funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government within Darwen.  Within this area, the Foundation is delighted to be working with DACA on the project 'Girls Allowed', which will allow female students and female relatives to explore very different employment options.  Within Brighton and other Aldridge Academies, they will form a key element in regular school trips.  It is hoped that in time each trip may contain students from other Aldridge Academies.

In addition to business visits, students also have the opportunity to take part in other activities linking with other curriculum elements - whether visiting historical sites of interest or participating in sporting opportunities.

In spring 2010, we were delighted that a group of Academy Ambassadors from Falmer High School (the predecessor to Brighton Aldridge Community Academy) were able to visit Darwen Aldridge Community Academy.  Students were able to take part in Academy activities, meet with the DACA Student Council and saw the new building for DACA.  Such visits allow students to gain an insight into likely experiences at an Aldridge Academy.

For more information, or to offer funding for UK based trips, contact Elizabeth Anderson.