It is always a slightly scary time of year when the AC Apprentice is introduced to the Year 6 pupils. They are now well used to the ‘customer’ side of the project, having been on the receiving end of the pitches made in assembly and class, being asked opinions on items being made for ‘market research’ and then deciding which product to buy, so at the start of the project there is often excitement.
The children have been informed well in advance that the groups are chosen for them and purposefully not with their closest friends (to encourage those skills needed to work alongside people who they wouldn’t normally gravitate too). They also know the project managers are decided on by the teachers.
On the day groups and project leaders were announced this year there was a great sense of excitement followed by joy from some, acceptance from others and disappointment from a few…all important emotions to experience, control and work through.
As with last year, children ‘upcycled’ items which were kindly donated by the parents into a wide range of products including; badges, houses, puppets, stress balls, mini table football, boxes, rockets and springy bottles. It is always a pleasure seeing what products emerge from household items. Following the normal rigorous meetings with Mr Duffin, to access an interest free loan, production started in a flurry of enthusiasm.
Once the expected problems and stresses had been overcome the rest of the school participated in the ‘Market Place’ where the items were sold. An amazing £346.00 was raised for Cancer Research UK, the charity voted for by the Yr 6 children.
I would like to say a huge thank you to the staff, parents and children who supported us in our enterprise initiative.
