More than 140 Year 7 students experienced the demands of the work place at the Duck Day enterprise event.

The exam hall was a hive of activity as the students worked in teams of six to set up their own companies to manufacture and sell “ducks”. First, each team had to come up with a name for their company and appoint a manager, accountant, buyer and seller.

The budding entrepreneurs had to take out loans, assess the risks, buy raw materials to produce paper ducks and then try to sell their product. Various spanners were also thrown into the works to see how they would cope.

The Duck Day enabled the students to gain experience in running a mini-enterprise and develop business skills including the importance of team work.

Three forms took part in the Duck Day on Thursday morning, February 5th, and a further three forms got down to business on Friday, February 6th.

Mr Nathan Powell, Assistant Head Teacher, said: “It is a fast paced activity where students learn about supply and demand, the production process, and anticipating the market. They learn the importance of team work, co-operation, negotiation, creativity, decision making and problem solving.”

He said many of the pupils had commented on how much they had enjoyed taking part and didn’t want it to end. Members of the winning team each received a gift voucher and certificates were given to all the pupils who took part.

Expert advice was provided by business ambassadors, who acted out different roles, and representatives of Durham Education Business Partnership, the event organisers.

Sarah Worsnop, Durham Education Business Partnership work related learning co-ordinator, said: “We really value the input of the business ambassadors, especially in these difficult times. They volunteer their services to share their expertise with the children.”

The business ambassadors included Graham Blount, Durham County Council Trading Standards Office, and Geoff Ruffell, of the Student Loans Company in Darlington.

A member of the Duck Dealers company hard at work making ducks.

The manager of the Fluffy Duckling company, checks his company’s product.