Year 9 take on small business projects for Christmas Fair

In their Business lessons this half-term, our Year 9 students were put into teams for their ‘Start a Small Business’ project with the final objective of selling at the School Christmas Fair.

Each team assigned themselves roles such as Managing Director, Financial Director, Sales Director, Marketing Director, HR Director and Operations Director. They conducted their own market research to decide upon their final products which included exciting products such as potpourri, candles with a hidden surprise, Christmas decorations, jewellery, table centre pieces and a pick and mix gift bag. Students were responsible for financing and producing their products, ensuring that they were ready to be sold to the public. To ensure there would be demand, each team created a brand with festive themed names and then delivered pitch in a School assembly, showcasing their team whilst also serving to raise their profile. Each advert brought a smile to everyone’s faces, highlighting each team’s creativity. This was a great introduction and preparation for when they take on Young Enterprise in the Sixth Form.

After making a profit on the day, the Year 9 Business teams have donated £160 to Tiggywinkles.

When reflecting on the project, some of the comments made by Year 9 students included:

“I learnt to plan for all the things that could happen.”

“What I had learnt from this experience is how to manage being and running a small business under pressure.”

“Put yourself out there.”

 “Everything takes time and we shouldn't rush”

“I learnt the importance of working together as a team to successfully create a brand and how important it is to each have roles in order for the production to run smoothly.”

“To not play it so safe and that I should take bigger risks.”

“I learned a variety of different skill throughout the whole making of this and I think the most beneficial was public speaking as I did the whole school assembly.”

A big well done to all the teams involved and thank you to everyone who supported them throughout the process as well as on the day of the Fair.