Figure 1.--The Groovy Gardeners group plan to raise vegetables as their enterprise.
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Figure 1.--The Groovy Gardeners group plan to raise vegetables as their enterprise. |
Many New Zealand schools participate in enterprise programs. These are similar to the Junior Achievement program common in American highschools. In New Zealand it is not a program reserved only for secondary schools as primary schools also participate.
One New Zealand primary school describes their program:
Something very exciting is happening for Fruitvale Students and Teachers at Fruitvale School!
This year, (January 2000), we are introducing a new programme to our senior school students in rooms - 11,
12, 14 and 15. The programmme is called the 'Primary Enterprise Programme', also known as 'Prep'.
Prep is an economics based programe that covers most of the curriculum areas and is designed so that a
society is formed in the school that reflects the society that the children live in outside school.
Children organize and operate their own business ventures. The programme is sponsored by Fletcher
Challenge Trust.
What's Happening at the Moment?
Right now the school is buzzing with excitement, but believe me, it will be buzzing much more in term two,
when the children put their business plans into action!
Our school caretaker - Jan Shoemark, is doing a wonderful job of making our Prep community signs, at the
moment we have our very own street sign called 'Student Drive', and before long, we will have a Prep Post
Office, Bank, Warehouse and Government sign. These signs make our school look just like a little township,
and are really motivating the children.
The children are coming up with lots of business ideas, which range from an Art Gallery to Tutoring Services
for our Junior School Children. I will give you a list of business names and ventures when they are finalised.
I have just had the pleasure of judging our Prep Currency Competition, where the children designed their
own Fruitvale money. The winning entrant receives a King Size bar of chocolate, a certificate, a voucr which
entitles them to half an hour free time, and the pride at seeing their money in print and circulation! The
winner will be announced at next Thursday's senior syndicate assembly. Watch out for our online newsletter,
which will be up and running very soon, for the results."News Flash: Currency winner - Liam Woolmore
Room 11, His winning entry will be published soon!"
Alison Withers - Primary Enterprise Leader.
