Specialisms

PACA – An Entrepreneurial and Science Academy

PACA students are offered many exciting opportunities in the areas of Entrepreneurship and Science.

Entrepreneurship describes a state of mind which strives to solve problems rather than accept defeat.  We focus on the development of entrepreneurial attributes, rather than just enterprise skills.

The PACA entrepreneurial attributes are passion, determination, risk taking, problem-solving, teamwork and creativity – qualities that we think will make PACA students successful in all areas of their lives.  These attributes underpin who we are and what we do at the Academy.

We have a rich programme of entrepreneurship activities throughout the year.  Some are key events, like the Global Entrepreneurship Day, where all students take part in a high profile activity day with representatives from the local business community.  Other events run throughout the curriculum and House system encouraging students to be successful in all they do.  Students have the opportunity to start up small businesses and see how ideas can become reality.

Science run a full enrichment programme throughout the year.  This involves experts coming into the Academy and also trips to Universities, Science Foundations and Key Note Lectures.

We want all students to have enquiring minds, to take risks and experiment so as to find solutions in life.

Cricket Academy

In addition, as a part of our expanding sporting facilities in conjunction with Sussex County Cricket Club and BACA, we are setting up a Cricket Academy. To this end we have acquired the services of a full time cricket coach, who will be facilitating the practices outlined in the attached document. Adam Maharaj-Newman is a Level 3 coach, and University of Brighton Graduate. He has worked within the Sussex County Cricket Club coaching various age groups and representative squads winning Young Coach of the Year Awards, as well as Volunteer of the Year Awards. He also plays in the Sussex Premier League and has played for the County at age group level. for further details, please see the link to the right.

Science

Science courses will be delivered through the context of research, development and innovation underpinned by an entrepreneurial approach to current environmental issues. Our partnership with the Royal Institution and University of Sussex, through a STEM and Innovation Centre, will enable us to give students, studying Science courses, a real understanding of the link between scientific research, development prototyping and bringing a product to the market – in others words from concept to completion.

We will also capitalise on the immediate environment surrounding the academy, to investigate issues such as alternative energy and fragile eco-systems, in order to make science relevant to the issues that young people consider important. Our curriculum will utilise the Academy’s Sports Centre and facilities to deliver learning opportunities that link Science and Sport such as sports injuries, sport psychology and biomechanics.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship will be an integral part of teaching and learning throughout the curriculum as a mechanism for raising attainment and aspirations. All students will acquire the skills, knowledge, behaviours and attitudes essential in the development of entrepreneurship through engagement in Business, Social, Community or Environmental Entrepreneurship activities. All students will acquire the following entrepreneurial attributes for life and work:

• Passion
• Concentration and discipline
• Problem solving
• Decision making
• Effective risk taking
• Creativity and seizing opportunities
• Active participation
• Team-working
• Valuing partnerships
• Determination
• Self-reliance
• Team competitiveness
• Resilience