The Lower Sixth spent the first day of field week learning how to create and develop their own sustainable business ideas. Rebecca and Sophie (Lower Sixth) kicked the day off by interviewing three fascinating guests: Mark Horley (Greenback Recycling Technologies), Ben Cuddon (Climate Ed) and Jess Hibberd (The Sustainability Group).
A series of workshops ran by the external agency ‘Entrepreneurs in Action’ explored the Environmental, Social and Governance standards that measure a business’s impact on society, the environment, and how transparent and accountable it is. Using this knowledge, the students divided into groups to develop their own entrepreneurial ideas, choosing a CEO, creating a pricing structure, and deciding how to market their product or idea.
The Hampden Hall was transformed into a busy trading floor with each business setting out its stall. Buyers, made up of parents, OEs and staff with a virtual £2000 to invest entered the floor and were immediately met by enthusiastic salespeople. It was a high energy event, hugely enjoyed by all involved.
The entrepreneurial businesses included ‘RainShine’ which made outdoor clothing for the homeless from recycled plastics, ‘Flourish’ which had a social responsibility focus; growing flowers in prison yards and employing ex-prisoners to deliver bouquets and ‘Smokey Garms’ which recycled cigarette butts into pyjamas and donated a proportion of the profit to stop smoking charities.
The Lower Sixth stepped out of their comfort zones and practiced the skills of teamwork, idea development and presenting. A big ‘thank you’ to our panellists, buyers and ‘Entrepreneurs in Action’ for enabling this day.
Miss Maclean (Head of Careers)
