Prince's Trust Enterprise Challenge

As part of our thriving Careers Programme, students in Year 9 took part in The Prince's Trust's Enterprise Challenge this week, when they were able to build their own virtual businesses.

125 students took part in the initiative which was led by Learning to Work and Volunteer Business Mentors throughout an entire school day. The students were split into teams of 4 or 5 and were tasked with developing a virtual pop-up shop, developing their ideas around what should be sold, their profit margins, target market, ethics, staff and customer wellbeing and marketing initiatives. Their choices were then entered into a business simulation game, which enabled them to virtually run their business ideas and discover which teams would make the most profit, attract the most customers and crucially have the most sustainable and ethical values.  Students also had to ‘pitch’ their ideas and strategy to our Business Mentors something they did with real enthusiasm and a little trepidation.

At the end of the day the students were encouraged to reflect on the skills they had developed during the experience.  Although the day's primary focus was to develop skills associated with Business and Enterprise, it is clear that the event also helped to build their confidence and added to their personal and social development.

Mrs Henly, Deputy Headteacher and Careers Lead at Charters School said, "The students have had the most wonderful day.  They have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Business mentors who have bought their real life experience into school.   Students have definitely shown a competitive (and for some slightly ruthless) edge when it comes to business.  For many this is their first experience of Business and Enterprise and for some has given them real food for thought when it comes to their GCSE Choices.  Unfortunately the Regional games continue until the 15 December so it will not be until the final day of term that we find out if we have a team who have qualified for the next round.  Fingers crossed!’