Once again it was a mixture of menus, calculators and vivid imaginations at the ready, as Year 9 students took on the challenge of their second Enterprise Day, fulfilling the roles of catering companies tendering for contracts to run a School Prom.

Arranged in collaboration with Tracey Hills of First Partnership and supported by Kimberley Bolland of Aim Higher, the event was led by Lorraine Sears from NatWest, who provided all the necessary financial advice and guidance. All 130 Year 9 students were set the task of working in groups to cost, plan, design and organise suitable menus and activities. At the end of their tough day’s work the students presented their tenders to a panel of assessors comprising representatives from NatWest, Aim Higher, First Partnership, Le Creuset and the school, who judged them on their quality and value for money.  The winning team ,pictured right, was ‘Posh Nosh’.

The event was part of NatWest Moneysense for Schools, a national programme set up by the Bank to develop business, financial and enterprise skills among young people.

Commenting on the event, presenter Lorraine Sears, NatWest’s Moneysense Coach for Andover, said: “We’ve had a highly successful day and I have been particularly struck by the creativity and business understanding shown by the students.  The importance of financial capability for young people cannot be underestimated, as it’s essential that they are equipped with the skills and confidence required to make decisions in adult life.”

Tony Parsons, Assistant Headteacher, continued: “We were delighted to welcome Lorraine back to the school to lead the event. The students really got stuck into the challenge and produced some excellent team presentations. This activity is an extremely practical and fun way of bringing to life the importance of teamwork, communication and enterprise skills, which all our students will eventually need in the workplace.”

Note:

Moneysense for Schools has been developed with teachers to help secondary schools and colleges teach personal money management and enterprise skills within the curriculum.  It consists of a series of modules (“We’re in Business” being one of them), each of which can stand-alone or be used in conjunction with others.  It aims to engage young people in a variety of role playing scenarios and other interactive learning exercises to give them experience of making financial decisions.

Any schools or colleges wanting to find out more about the Moneysense for Schools programme, how to get the free materials or how to get the support of a NatWest member of staff, should contact Lorraine Sears, NatWest’s Regional Moneysense, on 07795 238219, or visit the website at www.natwest.com/moneysenseforschools.