An introduction to the World of Business during JSL Apprentice Week

Year 6 students at Junior School Leidschenveen experienced the process of becoming a successful entrepreneur during this year’s Apprentice Week.

The week was all about creativity, collaboration and learning how to turn a good idea into a viable business plan. The stakes were high – a panel of judges from Senior School Voorschoten would ultimately be deciding which business were hired and which were, unfortunately, fired.

Students worked together in groups, and were charged with coming up for a product to sell in order to raise funds for a charity of their choice. A student from each group were designated as the accountant, and would be in charge of the groups finances throughout designing their business venture.  Not only were students tasked with coming up with a project design, they were responsible for reviewing market data, creating financial projections and formalising a business presentation that they would pitch to support their idea.

Along the way, students received insight and advice from professionals around the BSN. Juan, the BSN’s own graphic designer, spoke with the class about designing logos and products, and Mr. Clark and Mrs. Van Zoest gave feedback to students while they were finalising their pitches.

“Our students demonstrated great tenacity and ingenuity during apprentice week; they are definitely the entrepreneurs of the future!”

On Friday, our young entrepreneurs were put to the test when they faced the panel of judges and pitched their business ideas to the judges and Year 12 economics and business students. All students did an incredible job presenting their business plans and products, but ultimately only two projects were selected to continue to the final round.

The winning teams will get the designs product-ready and sell them around school, seeing who can raise the most funds for their charity.

Well done to all the students that participated in Apprentice Week this year! And a special thank you to the staff members who made this incredible learning experience come to life for our students.