A GROUP of young Scots pupils were given a taste of the entrepreneurial world as part of an ongoing enterprise programme.
The Culture of Enterprise programme, (CofE) has given S3 pupils at St Andrews RC High School in Kirkcaldy a look into the business world.
The programme, which is part of Fife Council’s Economic Development team, aims to inspire future entrepreneurs by developing enterprising skills within young people.
This includes growing their commercial awareness, decision making, problem-solving and communication skills.
The CofE, which has provided ‘seed’ money to help support the enterprise activity at the school , saw the pupils challenged to turn £1 into as much profit as possible.
This resulted in the creative pupils developing subsequent products and services through the project, including hampers, quizzes and gonks, were showcased at the school’s Christmas Market, held on 16th December, raising over £200.
The money will be donated to a range of local charities, chosen by the young people themselves.
Ms Alderdice, Business Studies teacher at St Andrews RC High School said: “This enterprise event was a huge success, and our thanks go to Culture of Enterprise for donating the seed fund to set it all up.
“Starting off with just a pound, the pupils really had to work together as a team to buy in the necessary materials and add value to a product ready to sell.
“They had to communicate effectively, agreeing and deciding on all elements, from product design to pricing structure and marketing”.
“We saw effective problem solving across the board, and we saw pupils using their own initiative to think on the spot and act quickly.
“The overall experience was very positive and gave the pupils a real insight to starting a business.”
Ms Alderdice added that the Christmas Market was a well attended event, with pupils, parents and teachers coming together to do a spot of Christmas shopping.
“We think it’s really important that the pupils decide which charities they want to support with the £200 they have made,” she finished.
S3 pupil, Ayden Michalski, commented on the project by saying: “My group was selling three different hampers, along with gonks.
“I have learned how to work effectively with people I didn’t know, and probably would never have talked to.”
Another S3 pupil, TJ Walker, added: “I had to work with a £4 budget (£1 each) to create a successful fund raising business.
“Working with fellow pupils, I built a relationship that involved communication and practical ability.
“We created a Christmas stall with raffles and prizes. Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience.”
Alison Sinclair, Economic Adviser from Fife Council, commented: “We are delighted to hear that this event was so successful.
“One of the aims of Culture of Enterprise is to foster a culture which both values and encourages enterprise at grass roots level and up – this project was a perfect example of that.”
