Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio

Former DAES student Callum Mead has worked on a film called Past Life. The film has been nominated for Best Feature and Best Independent Film at the prestigious National Film Awards.

✅ Please vote here - https://nationalfilmawards.co.uk/voting

Past Life (2026) is a British psychological sci-fi thriller following Jason (Aneurin Barnard), a war journalist with PTSD
who discovers through hypnosis-led by celebrity hypnotist Timothy Bevan (Jeremy Piven) —that he is experiencing memories of a 1980s serial killer's past life. Jason and Bevan partner to solve these cold cases, set against the backdrop of Manchester.

Callum has worked on this film as a camera trainee, learning from seasoned industry professionals.

Want to follow in his footsteps? Apply for our Media, Broadcast & Production T Level here:
https://www.darwen6.com/courses/t-level-media-broadcast-production

DAES family - please vote here - https://nationalfilmawards.co.uk/voting

Former DAES student Callum Mead has worked on a film called Past Life. The film has been nominated for BEST FEATURE & BEST INDEPENDENT FILM at the prestigious National Film Awards.

Past Life (2026) is a British psychological sci-fi thriller following Jason (Aneurin Barnard), a war journalist with PTSD
who discovers through hypnosis-led by celebrity hypnotist Timothy Bevan (Jeremy Piven) —that he is experiencing memories of a 1980s serial killer's past life. Jason and Bevan partner to solve these cold cases, set against the backdrop of Manchester.

Callum has worked on this film as a camera trainee, learning from seasoned industry professionals.

Callum; we are so very proud of you!

Good luck with your exams, Year 11! 🤞

You’ve worked hard and now it’s time to show what you can do. We are incredibly proud of your effort and we’re here to support you every step of the way with your next steps after GCSEs.

If you’re thinking about your future and ready to apply, you can find out more and start your application here:
www.darwen6.com

We look forward to welcoming many of you into our Sixth Form community. 🙌🌟

A Theatre Trip to Remember

On Wednesday 6th May, a group of year 10 students, led by Miss Green, enjoyed a fantastic visit to the Blackpool Grand Theatre to watch a stage adaptation of The Boy at the Back of the Class – the novel they have been reading together in their sessions.

The book tells the powerful and emotional story of Ahmet, a young refugee who arrives at a new school carrying memories of war, loss and separation from his family. Told through the eyes of one of his classmates, the novel explores themes of friendship, kindness, courage and standing up for what is right.

Seeing the story brought to life on stage was a real highlight for the group. The girls particularly enjoyed how the characters and emotions they had imagined while reading were portrayed through the acting, staging and music.

As well as supporting their reading, the trip offered a valuable cultural experience and a chance to visit a professional theatre – for some, their first time doing so. The students represented the school brilliantly and had a thoroughly positive day out.

A big thank you goes to Mr Danson for driving the minibus and helping to make the trip possible, and to Miss Green for organising such a meaningful experience to support our students’ learning and enjoyment of reading.

⚽ Stephen Sama Football Academy Trials ⚽

Join Stephen Sama Academy, founded by former professional footballer Stephen Sama, and take the next step in your football and education journey.

📅 Trial Dates:
Thursday 14th May | 5PM–7PM
Thursday 4th June | 5PM–7PM

📍 Location:
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy
Sudell Road, Darwen, BB3 3HD

🤔 Who is this for?
Students aged 15–17
Planning to start Sixth Form / College in September 2026
Passionate about football and committed to improving

✅ What you will get:
✔ Elite coaching from UEFA-qualified coaches
✔ Train with former pro Stephen Sama
✔ Level 3 Extended Sport Diploma (equivalent to 3 A-Levels)
✔ Football + education pathway
✔ Professional development on and off the pitch

🌐 Sign up now:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/qGyJrqdgDG

🔥 LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE! 🔥

⚽️🎓 Ready to take your football and education to the next level?

If you’re looking for an opportunity where BTEC Sport studies and high-quality coaching come together, this is for you.

At our Sport Programme at DACA, you’ll combine:
✔️ BTEC Sport studies
✔️ High-level coaching
✔️ A pathway to develop as both a player and a person

This is more than a course — it’s an opportunity.

📍 Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, BB3 3HD
📅 Thursday 14th May & Thursday 4th June
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
⏳ Limited spaces available

📌 Sign up here: https://dripl.ink/k3Cbt

Register now — don’t miss out.