An Enterprising Day at Caldecott School

Caldecott School has held its second annual enterprise day, an initiative which began last year and culminated in our ‘Kids4Kids’ event at which thousands of pounds were raised for the Surin project. The day aims to give the students a practical real life task whilst using the experience to build self-confidence and team working skills. This year the theme was ‘Grow to Eat’ which links in with the student’s study of Horticulture.

At the start of the day each class was formed into a company with the first order of business being to elect a Managing Director, Finance Director, Head of Marketing and so on. With their roles established the groups set about the task of creating a year-long business plan to turn a plot of land into a money making enterprise. The groups were asked to pay particular attention to ensuring that their ideas were sustainable and that they formed links with the local community.

After spending the day brainstorming their ideas, researching possibilities, writing up plans and designing marketing materials they prepared to make a presentation to the whole school during the day’s final assembly. The audience, which included a panel of business and education advisors, was presented with a variety of exciting proposals including the production of a Caldecott Foundation cookery book. 

Anita Trotter, a member of the Kent Works team who helped organise the day said, “The presentations really highlighted the hard work which has been happening throughout the day.  It’s obvious to me that Caldecott School is full of confident and enterprising young people”.

Throughout the next year the groups will be putting their plans into practice by developing their social enterprise schemes and selling their produce in the local community. As well as creating a sustainable business the students will be continuing to support the Surin project with a proportion of the profit going towards building a school in Cameroon.

Chris Tapley, Head of Education said, “Once again our pupils have raised the bar, producing an excellent standard of work at the end of a highly enjoyable day. I can’t wait to see the groups developing their projects over the year and I’ll be the first in line when the Caldecott Foundation cookery book goes on sale”.