Work Based Learning Preparation
For Work & Life Enterprise Programme
Knowsley Enterprise Academy has been delivering enterprise programmes through Knowsley’s Work Based Learning system since September 2006 and the programmes have grown from strength to strength.
Students attend the Academy for one or two days a week and engage in a range of enterprise activities and challenges to learn all about the employability skills needed to be successful in business education or training. All courses are accredited through OCN (Open College Network) and are part of the new Foundation Learning Tier.
Students visit a range of businesses including SME’s (small and medium enterprises), social enterprises, charities and multinational organizations to learn more about how they operate and the different skills required for different job roles.
Business challenges and teamwork activities demonstrate to students the importance of working together to overcome problems and use all the different skills within their team to achieve the best possible outcomes. They also develop and take part in enterprise activities to raise money to donate to different charities of their choice. So far these activities have included:
The History of Two Schools
Year 10 students from Kirkby Sports College who attend Knowsley Enterprise Academy engaged in an innovative enterprise project about the history of Brookfield and Ruffwood schools.
Students worked together to develop and produce a DVD in which they interviewed students and teachers past and present, including famous ex-pupils Phil Thompson and Stephen Graham.
Students studied construction and produced a commemorative plaque incorporating materials from the schools; the plaque is a mosaic of the two old school badges merged together. They also made a bench from the wood in the old Science blocks and it will be incorporated into the new learning centre.
A screening of the DVD was held by the students, where the DVD went on sale to the general public, the DVD was well received by all who attended the event and the students have so far raised £150. All the proceeds raised will be donated to a charity chosen by the students.
NWAA – A Day of Raising Funds
Students attending a course at Knowsley Enterprise Academy held a fundraising day for North West Air Ambulance.
The students planned and prepared a variety of activities such as, name the teddy, challenge the student, and selling raffle tickets.
Prior to the event students had visits from North West Air Ambulance to discover the different skills required for the job roles, how they operate and the importance of the charity.
Throughout the development of the fund raising event students demonstrated their communication skills, teamwork skills, organisational skills and their increased confidence. Students were successful in raising £250 for North West Air Ambulance.
Art Exhibition / Auction
Year 11 students from Prescot High School attending a course at Knowsley Enterprise Academy engaged in an exciting creative art business in which students produced various pieces of artwork formed on Canvases.
The theme of the artwork was pop art and contemporary and used a variety of techniques. Students developed a range of business and entrepreneurial skills throughout the process of the project.
The students organised an auction and invited local business partners to come along and bid on their work of art. The event was a great success and students raised a grand total of £1, 776 for the Mayor of Knowsley’s Charity.
