Preparing for School Annual Christmas fayre
- Event: Preparing for School Annual Christmas fayre
- Number of pupils attending: Whole School plus Rapp
Aim of the activity
Linking Gatsby Benchmark 1,2, 3, 4, 6.
Activity
Students were tasked with creating products to sell at the schools Christmas annual Fayre. They had to calculate the production costs, set a selling price and ensure they make a profit while offering good value to parents and carers. They had to also use their creative skills to design posters to promote the cost of their items they are selling on their stalls.
- Using Enterprise ensures the students understand basic business concepts, cost, revenue and profit.
- Apply mathematical skills to real world scenarios.
- Develop teamwork and problem solving.
- Practice marketing and presentation techniques.
Aim the of the activity
The aim for the students as a class were to work together as a team and produce a festive product to sell (handmade decorations, baked items or greeting cards), research materials needed and estimate quantities. Their next task was to work out the total cost for materials per product (e.g. glitter, card, icing).
Total cost = Fixed Cost + (Variable cost per item x Quantity)
After this they had to decide on a price per item while considering affordability for parents/carers and competitiveness.
Revenue = Selling price x Quantity sold.
The marketing plan alongside this project was to design a poster for parents/carers to see their sales pitch for the fayre.
Impact of activity
The students gained valuable experience of what it’s like to run and work in business. They were able to develop custom products, a business uniform, branding, marketing and advertisement. In the final stages of his business when it came to interaction with customers, they were able to build on his customer service skills. The activity allowed them to experience positive feedback and social interaction by providing services for others. As young students, it was an informative activity to begin their career development. They all enjoyed both the development and practical phases of carrying out his business.
Quotes from the student
“It was good fun, creating and designing products”
“I was nervous talking to parents but had staff to support me”
“That was fun”
Teachers Feedback
The pupils got experience with this as first careers activity and so it was a fun and engaging way to expose him to future careers work. They all put a lot of effort into the whole process of carrying out this project and the response from other pupils and staff members was mutually positive. The activity has meant that the pupils have an improved understanding of the steps that it takes to create and carry out a business idea. The pupil’s enjoyment during this will hopefully mean that they have a positive association and outlook on careers activities in the future.
On reflection the students discussed what worked well and what could be improved for next time. The schools as a whole raised £418.87.
