On Wednesday, I had the privilege to take part in the Year 9 Enterprise Day.  Careers Leader, Mrs Lawes, and Personal Development Co-ordinator, Mrs Edwards, organise this event annually to give students the chance to create a business subscription idea and develop it throughout the day. 

At 2pm, ten groups had been selected (from around 50) to pitch their ideas in The Dragon’s Den.  The Dragons were ex-student and local businessman, Kallum Nicholson, Kerrie Jaquest, a stalwart of the local Business Education community, Mr Jarman (Head of Hessle Sixth Form) and myself. 

Each group had five minutes to pitch their ideas, give an overview of the product idea, how it would be marketed, its price and projected revenues and profits.  We then took turns to ask them questions to probe their ideas.   

At the end, we had the very difficult task of choosing the best three teams, and an ultimate winner.  Eventually, in third place, we chose ‘Trending Treats’, who were offering a box of beauty items for a very competitive price.  They stood out for their teamwork and the equal contributions that they all brought to the task. 

In second place, we opted for ‘Mystery Cryptic’ who offered a very original idea of a subscription ‘Escape Room’ type puzzle which they believed would hook new customers with the intention of solving new problems. 

And in first place, we selected ‘T-Club’ and their idea of selling a ‘night out in a box’ - a set of accessories, discount vouchers and venue ticket for a choice of venues which would offer a safe socialising space for young people aged 13-17.  This group had really thought through their idea and their focus on safety and providing youngsters with a place to meet new people in the real world, rather than online, really impressed us.  Congratulations to Jess, Megan, Tilly and Grace for their creativity and teamwork. 

It was a real pleasure to see such entrepreneurial skills in action and I look forward to seeing some of them on the real Dragon’s Den in the future. 

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Also this week we discovered that some of our Year 8 students had been successful in another enterprise competition sponsored by local company, Cranswick Foods. 

 

The contest had challenged our students to design a new meat product that could be produced and marketed during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.  The company have now invited our students to visit their factory where their product will actually be made, and they will have the opportunity to taste some of it for their lunch.  Congratulations to Jessica, Georgia, Lora, George, Patryk, Oakley, Harvey and Stella – great work. 

 

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Students in Year 11 and 13 continue to impress with the attitudes that they are showing to their exams.  Many are emerging from the exam hall, looking confident and pleased – a sure sign they had prepared well and they are being supported fabulously by our staff, who are offering nightly revision sessions, as well as on weekends and next week’s half term.  These sessions are targeted, high-quality and free – please urge your child (if they are in these year groups) to make full use of this resource to make their exam day as stress free as possible. 

 

Half term arrives at a nice time for exam students but also everyone else.  The last half term is always at least as busy as any other, filled with transition and celebration events as well as end of year exams and Work Experience for Year 10.   

 

However, you are spending the Bank Holiday Weekend, and half term, I hope it is enjoyable and relaxing.  Thank you for your support.   

Mr Groak

Head Teacher