Hawkesbury High School’s Year 10 students go into business this week.
Australian Business Week, organised by Enterprise Education, runs from November 24-28 and involves school students simulating business ventures.
This includes deciding on a product and how to market it as well as organising the enterprise responsible for it.
Students usually form teams of 10, run a computer simulation of decisions made, prepare a written company report and finish off with presentations and trade displays.
‘‘Managing your own business with the help of a business mentor, you’ll discover the variety of skills needed to be part of a successful business,’’ Australian Business Week’s promotional leaflet stated.
Hawkesbury High careers adviser Marguerite Hernage said business week brought out students’ hidden talents.
This year students are managing simulated sporting goods firms.
Sarah Higginbotham said the idea of owning a business was appealing.
‘‘Having your own business would be good because it would be better than working for someone else in a job you’re not interested in,’’ Sarah said.
Potential business partner Krystal Williams said business week was an important part of her education.
‘‘I think it’s a good idea; giving kids an understanding of what it’s like out there in business and the workplace,’’ Krystal said.
Tobias Kessler said he thought the experience was a valuable preparation for life after school.
‘‘It’s very important because we learn how to run a business,’’ Tobias said.
‘‘We students are the future; it’s the future we’re talking about and it’s going to be here in a few years’ time.’’
Jack Arthur agreed: ‘‘This is a worthy preparation for the future and it should happen more often’’.
The school’s different teams show their projects at trade displays during the week. On Friday, each team presents its final report and the winner will be announced.
