Enterprising pupils play their cards right

TEAMS of pupils from 15 Oldham primary schools showed their enterprising side when they started their own mini-companies and set up shop.

The annual Oldham Year Six Business Challenge sees the teams create their own business with a £100 start-up loan from their schools.

This year 16 teams took part, with pupils delegated roles such as managing director, marketing, design team and finance.

They had to create a product or range of products, design their own logo, come up with a company name and produce a business plan.

The teams then had to sell their products at a trading day at Tesco, in Huddersfield Road, during which mystery shoppers judged stalls, selling strategies and quality of product.

All team profits went to a charity chosen by the school.

The challenge culminated in a “Dragons’ Den” style presentation day where representatives from each team presented their business plans and profit or loss to the team of judges.

Alison Leigh, head teacher of Delph Primary School and co-leader of the challenge, said: “The Business Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for our Year 6 pupils to experience what it is like to run a real business.

“The children learn so much from it, about the importance of teamwork, managing finances and utilising personal strengths.”

The trading day at Tesco was won by Delph Primary School, with St Hugh’s Primary School second and Royton Hall Primary School in third place.

St Thomas’ Leesfield won the “Dragons’ Den” presentation event, with Delph Primary School in second place and St Hugh’s Primary School third.