PUPILS from Reid Street Primary have surpassed expectations and raised money for four local organisations as part of the Tees Valley Trailblazers Competition, which teaches entrepreneurial skills to children. This is one of the fantastic Enterprise Challenges, delivered by RTC North available through the Tees Valley Primary Careers Pilot.
Designed and delivered in a similar format to the TV programme, Dragons Den, this programme is spread over 5 stages with at least 3 meaningful encounters with local employers. It officially launched in February 2021, by Katie Bulmer-Cooke, Northeast businesswoman and contestant on BBC’s The Apprentice.
Teaching entrepreneurial skills to Key Stage 2 students, back in February, the team known as the ‘Wavemakers’ brainstormed a business plan and marketing campaign based on selling sweet treats, stress-balls and plants in mugs on National Nurses Day to raise money for the NHS. This resulted in winning two awards ‘Best Business Plan’ and ‘Best Marketing Campaign’.
The pupils raised £250 for Darlington Memorial Hospital, £150 for Darlington Mind, £100 for Dogs Trust and £100 for St Teresa’s Hospice.
Deputy Head, Joanne Davison leads Careers and Aspirations at the school and was responsible for entering the school into the competition.
She said: “The pupils have all really enjoyed raising money and it’s just been great to see them excited.
“We’ve faced challenges due to Covid, but we’ve made the most of it, the children have enjoyed it and learnt a lot and we’ve raised loads of money.
“It’s been a hard year for the children so it’s great they’ve had something positive to focus on.”
“Some of the activities and presentations had to be done remotely which was a challenge but we got through it and I can’t believe what they’ve achieved.”
Claire Willis from the Tees Valley Primary Careers Programme came into the school to present a cheque for £200.
Claire said: “There were over 300 participants from 6 schools from the Tees Valley so they should be so proud.
“It’s just really nice that they’ve worked together towards something important.”
Head Teacher, Paula Ayto, said: “We’re looking forward to getting started on the next competition and hopefully our pupils will win again. “They’ve worked so hard and enjoyed themselves.”
Reid Street hopes to get started on the next Trailblazing Competition from January to June 2022.
