Year 5 Enterprise Day

We know that young people today will face a unique set of opportunities and challenges as they enter the workforce. This generation is highly likely to set up and run small businesses alongside, or instead of, traditional employment. As AI becomes more embedded in many industries, the human skills of leadership, teamwork and creativity will become increasingly important ensure people to thrive and find fulfilling work. Enterprise education sits at the heart of this.

Problem solving and identifying opportunities are two of the most important areas for budding entrepreneurs. That is exactly what 80 Year 5 pupils from across Suffolk were tasked with on Wednesday 12^th June. Hosted by the Business and Economics Department at Ipswich High School, the 9 and 10-year-olds were introduced to local business and community leaders with links to animal ownership and animal management, including representatives from Easton Farm Park, Ryder Davies Vets, Gladwell’s Pet and Country Store and Suffolk Police Dog Handlers.

As any good entrepreneur would, the children used their creativity to design apps and products to appeal to pet owners across the UK. The day culminated in the children pitching their ideas to the panel of business experts and the Ipswich High School dog – Mabel! Some of the most innovative designs included an app that reminds owners when to administer medication to their pets, an app that helps families decide which type of pet would best suit them and a pooper-scoop that turns dog poo into fertiliser pellets.

A huge well-done to all the Year 5 students who attended the event. There will be many brilliant businesses in Suffolk when these 10-year-olds enter the workforce!