The Rolls-Royce Business Enterprise Challenge 2009 took place at the University on Monday 29th June. A representative from Rolls-Royce ran the event which involved teams of 14-15 year olds developing products from a limited set of resources and then ‘selling’ their products to the market. The Challenge tests the design and innovation skills of the students as well as their business skills as they have to pitch their product to designated ‘buyers’ and negotiate quantities and prices before then buying the appropriate raw materials from various ‘suppliers’ to fulfil their orders.
Over 200 students from 16 schools across the region attended the event which took place over two heats in the Great Hall and was organised by Schools and Colleges Liaison.
In recognition of the two aspects to this Challenge, two winners were declared in each heat – the overall winners were decided by which team made the most profit and a winning team was also announced for which team came up with the most innovative product.
Heat one
Overall Winners: 'Steele’s Stars' from Blue Coat C of E Coventry
Innovation Winners: 'The Untouchables' from Castle Vale School who made an ipod holder and headphones
Participating schools: Blue Coat C of E Coventry, Castle Vale School, Grace Academy Solihull, Hall Green School, King Edward VI Five Ways School, Light Hall School, Shire Oak School, The Northicote School.
Heat Two
Overall Winners: 'Girls On Fire' from Heath Park Business & Enterprise College
Innovation Winners: 'We Don’t Have A Ride Home' (their minibus broke down on the way to the event!) from Lode Heath School, Solihull who made a ‘slap me awake’ alarm clock for those who particularly struggle to get up in the morning!
Participating schools: Bishop Walsh Catholic School, Bordesley Green Girls’ School, Heath Park Business & Enterprise College, King Edward VI Aston School, Lode Heath School, Lordswood Boys School, St. Peters Collegiate School, Wednesfield High School.
Words by Amandip Bisel
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