Youngsters fired up by dragons’ challenge.
Published on : 18 June 2021
/ Categories: General
A group of students took part in a ‘Dragon’s Den’-style activity day to find out about life after they leave school.
Year 7 pupils from Hyndburn Academy in Rishton teamed up with leaders of Amazing Accrington and Scott Dawson Advertising for the day which found them learning all about life at university.
The ‘Dragon’s Den Enterprise’ activities saw the students split into small groups to research a British university and then present their findings.
They found out about all the activities, events and support available to help them achieve a place at university.
Winners of the competition were Team Mandela, made up of Jax Edwards, Oliver Nutter, Oliver Pye and Jaden Mjekiqi.
Careers leader Jess Ross began the day with an assembly. She said: “Year 7 students took part in a personal development day focusing on aspirations and higher education".
“Students had an assembly in the morning introducing them to me as careers leader. I explained what my role is and how the careers programme runs in school".
“We asked the students to research a topic together and present their findings back to their peers. The best group then had to face the Dragons.”
One of the Dragons was Zahida, director at Scott Dawson Advertising. She said: “The motivation and enthusiasm of these amazing Accrington kids is inspirational. We chose team Mandela with their presentation on the University of Liverpool, but it was a very close competition. All the participating groups should be proud of themselves.”
Team Nelson Mandela, known as ‘The Huncoat Four’, were delighted to win. The remaining teams, based on the school’s new house system, were as follows: Marie Curie, 2nd place, Mary Jackson, 3rd place, and Alan Turing 4th place.
Headteacher Miss Palmer said: “The day has been Year 7’s first insight into the positive attributes of going to university.
“Students enjoyed discussing different degree options and a day in the life of a student at university.
“Today was the start of their career journey to raise their aspirations and realise what they could be aiming for in the future.”