Last Friday marked a tremendous achievement for our Year 10 Commerce students as they transformed the College grounds into a bustling marketplace, showcasing their entrepreneurial skills and business acumen through their highly anticipated Market Day. As part of their 'Planning a Business' unit, students took complete ownership of the business process, from initial concept to final sale, demonstrating the practical application of classroom theory in a real-world setting.
The journey began weeks earlier with comprehensive market research, where students analysed potential products, identified target demographics, and assessed competitor offerings. This foundational work led to an impressive array of food and beverage stalls that catered to diverse tastes and preferences. From refreshing ice cream treats sandwiches to creative mocktails and sizzling barbecue offerings, the variety on display reflected both student creativity and sound market analysis.
The preparation phase showcased remarkable organisational skills as students navigated procurement challenges, managed budgets, and coordinated logistics. They demonstrated financial literacy by calculating costs, setting competitive prices, and managing cash flow throughout the planning process. The hands-on experience of purchasing ingredients, preparing products, and setting up professional-looking stalls provided invaluable insights into the complexities of running a business.
On the day itself, the energy was palpable as students embraced their roles as entrepreneurs, serving customers with enthusiasm and professionalism. The marketplace atmosphere created an authentic business environment where students could apply their marketing strategies, customer service skills, and financial management techniques under real conditions.
Beyond the educational outcomes, the event delivered an outstanding community benefit. The combined efforts of all stalls generated an impressive $1,992 in profit, which has been donated to the charity ‘little wings’, demonstrating our students' commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.
This Market Day exemplified experiential learning at its finest, allowing students to develop crucial 21st-century skills including critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. The success of this venture reflects the dedication of our Year 10 Commerce students and their teachers, proving that when given the opportunity, our students can rise to meet real-world challenges with remarkable competence and maturity.
Mrs Andrea Kemp
HSIE Coordinator - Social Science
