Students move stationary forwards

Year Nine students from Reigate Grammar School put their business skills to the test with a 48 hour Industry Challenge, judged by Redhill based firm, St Paul Traveler. Working against the clock, teams of students were challenged to design, make and market a practical, desirable and new item of stationary to impress the judges. The winning team, Scope Solutions, scooped the top prize with their rotating stationary holder Revolution.

The 22 teams who competed in the challenge presented a range of ingenious and wacky items and, with just two days to produce a product and prepare a sales pitch, saw their communication, and teamwork skills put to the test. The students’ final presentations were judged by Peter Elliot, Marketing Manager, St Paul Travelers and Martin Hallpike, Design and Technology teacher.

Commented Peter Elliot: “The students took the challenge very seriously and I was surprised at the level of skill and the thought that they put into the project, particularly the end presentation. It has been great fun and I was very pleasantly surprised at the students’ energy and enthusiasm. I am sure that this exercise has given them a useful insight into the real and varied challenges of the business world.”

Added Mr Richard Rooth, Head of Design and Technology: “The two day programme tested students’ problem solving and design skills and they thrived on the challenge. The students had to match the skills held amongst their team to the different tasks to be completed which proved to be an interesting and worthwhile exercise.”

Commented Ben Baker from Scope Solutions : “It was a tough challenge because once had the details of what we had to do, the rest was up to us and we just had to get on and do it. It was great fun and we enjoyed the competition between the teams. I think we all looking differently at the stationary on our desks now!”

November 07