All members of the Lower Sixth were invited to take part in the Bethany version of "The Apprentice".  24 students, most of whom are pictured above, signed up and were split into two teams which they named "Spark" and "Instinct".  Mr Khan agreed to take on the role of Sir Alan, ably assisted by Nick and Margaret, aka Mr and Mrs Thorpe.

The first challenge was to create a name and a slogan for a fragrance.  The groups had to design the packaging and produce and record an advert which was played to Sir Alan in the boardroom.  Team "Instinct" won this challenge with their fragrance "Natural".   Several candidates were fired and the team were re-shuffled for the next task.

For task 2 the teams had from Friday to Tuesday to use £100 to raise as much money as possible.  They had to keep receipts and produce financial records.  This task was won convincingly by "Spark" who spent a whole day washing cars in free periods and also held a cake sale during morning break.  Between them the teams raised an impressive sum of money and £300 has already been presented to the Hospice in the Weald.  A further sum will be donated to the teams travelling to the Himalayas in July to help provide equipment for their community projects in remote Indian schools.

You're fired!

10 candidates went through to task 3.  The teams were re-shuffled once again and given ingredients to make and decorate two cakes, one for a boy and one for a girl.  They had to sell the cakes for a profit.  "Instinct" made the best cakes and the greatest profit and won this task.  Five candidates were fired by Sir Alan, leaving just five to go through to the next task.

Task 4 required the remaining candidates to face three interviews with interviewers from outside school.  They all received feedback and two candidates, David Rider and Emily Saunders were selected to go through to the final task. 

The final task took place today, 30th June, during the Lower Sixth Entrepreneurship Day organised by Young Enterprise.  David and Emily each gave a five minute presentation to promote Bethany's Sixth Form. 

 

Speaking in front of their own year group as well as students from visiting schools was a daunting task but both students gave excellent presentations. 

The final was judged by the guest speakers at the Entrepreneurship Day; Jo Jawo, founder and Director of In Your Flow, an organisation which helps businesses and individuals achieve their dreams and Jason Porter, co-founder of Friends Reunited, who is now a Business Angel supporting and mentoring up and coming businesses.

 

Mr Khan, who had organised the Entrepreneurship Day with Young Enterprise assumed his role as Sir Alan to announce the winner:

David Rider - you're hired! 

Many congratulations to David and to all those who took part in this year's Apprentice Challenge.