Trips Out

Visits

Each year for several years a group of students along with students from Business Studies and Law have visited London, staying at the London School of Economics.  As well as touring Parliament and watching Prime Minister’s question time, the students get the chance to meet and ask questions of a cabinet minister; visit the Treasury, Downing Street, the Bank of England and Bloomberg. In 2008 we visited Paris for a cross EU student conference which gave students the chance to meet students from other countries, with a view to broadening their own horizons.

Competitions

As well as taking part in Young Enterprise (see below) the Economics group is given £1500 of real money to invest in shares as part of the Shares 4 Schools competition. The idea is to invest wisely, and to make a profit (which is then kept – in the past it has been used to subsidise the London trip).  No group has (yet) made a loss, and in 2006 Rivington and Blackrod Sixth Form was the national winner.

Young Enterprise

Every year, the Economics and Business Studies Department run the Young Enterprise, in which students have the opportunity to set up and organise their own limited companies. This venture is open to all the students in Year 12 and provides experience in running a business as well as teaching valuable team-building skills. Companies must raise their own start up capital, organise their own meetings, design, build and market a product and give a detailed presentation of what they have learnt at Bolton Town Hall.  Members of the group vote for the Managing Director, Finance Director Etc. They have their own bank account and needless to say any money made is theirs. Over the year several workshops are held to show students some of the skills needed and a trade fair is held at the Trafford Centre.

In the past, we have enjoyed outstanding success at the Bolton and Greater Manchester  Area Board Presentation Evening and have had several companies judged “Best Overall Company” as well as winning many other awards.  All company members are encouraged to sit the Young Enterprise examination and thereby gain a formal qualification in enterprise.

 

Bolton Enterprise Challenge

The Bolton Enterprise Game Challenge took place at Rivington and Blackrod High School.  It was hosted by Bolton Workplace Learning Provider Partnership.  The day brought together trainers, business representatives and Year 11 High School pupils and staff. 

The aim of the game was to become the most successful company.  Players used their entrepreneurial skills to run their business.  They made, sold and delivered products to 24 customers around the board. 

Congratulations went to Turton High School pupils who were this year's champions.