For the past three months, groups of Year 9 pupils have been involved in the annual Dragon’s Den Competition.
This culminated in the final on 27th March, where the pupils delivered presentations of their business ideas to four external ‘Dragons’. These Dragons are all experts in their chosen fields and were kind enough to come into school and judge the competition for us.
The teams had worked hard during the term to create a business plan and presentation for an innovative business idea which they then pitched to the Dragons. Prizes were awarded for the most innovative idea; the business most likely to succeed; the most sustainable idea; best business plan and presentation. The business ideas included an eclectic mix of themes, which included footwear, confectionery, art and social media. The presentations were well rehearsed and presented with confidence, even under close scrutiny and sharp questioning from our guest business leaders.
The teams’ pitches also showed an excellent awareness of the social trends and challenges facing many small businesses today, such as the problems of creating a sustainable business and the challenges of setting up in a competitive high street environment.
Competition winners
Business most likely to succeed
Choco Kraft (Henry Spiteri, Jacob Erskine, Jasper Taff and Sas Donlan)
Most sustainable business
Second Life Art (Freya Mills, Lottie Paterson and Lucy Mountain)
Best presentation
Choco Kraft (Henry Spiteri, Jacob Erskine, Jasper Taffs and Sas Donlan)
Most innovative business idea
Haven Social Media (Toby Grainger, Aron Jackson, Tom Barrett, Freddie Pollock and Dan Mukerjee)
Mark Hipperson (Teacher of Economics)
'Second Life Art' make their pitch to the Dragons.