home > 6th form > activities > young enterprise

Sixth Form

Young Enterprise

The Young Enterprise mission: “To inspire and equip young people to learn and succeed through enterprise.”

Zephyr: Young Enterprise Company 2003–4

St Mary’s Sixth Form students have a long tradition of success in Young Enterprise. Our achievers have won a variety of awards from Best Company to Technology and Marketing — just look at the full list below!

The scheme gives the opportunity to do something truly different and develop skills of enterpreneurship. Students form a real company under the auspices of Young Enterprise. A board of directors is appointed under a Managing Director. The company makes decisions about products, marketing, sales and operations as well as company organisation — finance, personnel and ICT. Shares are sold, materials purchased, quality monitored and products are sold, taking every opportunity including a trade fair in the Grafton Centre in Cambridge. The success of the company and its profits depends on you! The scheme is also about competition. We take part in the Cambridge Area heats in the spring which involve submitting a company report and making a presentation. Then there are the finals! Last but not least, there is a Young Enterprise examination which is a recognised, respected qualification.

“I learned a lot about working in a team as well as business in general. However, it wasn’t all work and no play. I made many new friends and we still get on well, even after stress caused by the competition!” Helen Begbie

The Young Enterprise year starts for Lower Sixth in September. All of you are welcome; varied subject backgrounds mean more ideas — just volunteer! There are formal company meetings once a week which are also attended by our advisors from industry and link teachers. The autumn term is the main time for organising and selling. In the spring, the company continues to develop and diversify and achievers take the examination. The beginning of the summer term sees the heats and finals of the competition — all over before the AS Levels.

“I learned the value of attention to detail and the vital role of communication. Although the work was challenging, the experience was amazing and very worthwhile.” Katherine Blear

You need to be committed, motivated and keen. We can guarantee that you will develop in all sorts of ways and be a true achiever. The whole experience is superb preparation for the professional woman of the future.

“As Managing Director of Belt–Up! I learned many valuable skills: how to delegate, meet deadlines and motivate a group of people when there are a lot of other pressures. It was hard work but, given the opportunity, I would definitely do it again!” Sarah Jackson