Havering pupils impress at Social Enterprise Dragons’ Den event
Pupils in Havering schools showed off their entrepreneurial skills when they had the opportunity to pitch their skills to a den of dragons.
Six primary and five secondary and SEND schools presented their ideas to an expert panel when they took part in the Social Enterprise Schools programme, an initiative run by the Social Enterprise Academy.
The aim of the programme is to support pupils in Havering and other areas to start their own pupil-led social enterprises to solve the social issues they care about and develop key skills for the future.
Their ideas included:
- an upcycling scheme that uses crisp packets to make keychains
- a cookbook with affordable recipes that tackles the cost-of-living crisis
- hygiene packs that aim to support rough sleepers
- educational kits that introduce children to climate change and environmental conservation in an engaging way
The Dragons’ Den event gave pupils the opportunity to gain professional advice on their ideas and to hone their public speaking skills.
While the Dragons were able to gain valuable insights into the issues that matter most to the next generation.
The event was attended by the Mayor, Councillor Stephanie Nunn and Councillor Oscar Ford, Cabinet Lead for Children and Young People.
Councillor Ford said:
“I was very impressed with the ingenious ideas that the young people came up with.
They were passionate about the issues that they chose and delivered them in a confident and professional manner. Every one was a winner in their own way.”
Maya Wenzel, Delivery Lead (England) at the Social Enterprise Academy said:
“One of my favourite parts of my job is being able to see the next generation of social entrepreneurs in action!
"I was blown away by the calibre of the initiatives presented at the Havering Dragons’ Dens. They all shared creative and thoughtful responses to local social and environmental issues and have a great future ahead of them.”
The overall winner of the Primary Dragons’ Den was Tasty for Ten from Hilldene Primary School receiving £75.
The runner-up was Eco Crunch at Langtons Primary School and received £50 for showcasing the best product.
Drapers’ Maylands School were also recognised for their Community Impact; Towers Infants and Junior School for the Best Teamwork and Rise Park Junior School for winning the Best Vision.
The overall winner of the Secondary Dragons’ Den was Peaceful Presents from Sanders Draper School winning £100.
"They won the award for their plans to address the mental health issues experienced amongst young people since Covid.
However, the dragons were blown away by all the pitches and also recognised Hy-Genius at Sanders Draper School for the Highly Commended Award; Harris Academy Rainham’s Eco Warriors for the Best Environmental Enterprise; Lime Academy Forest Approach for the Most Creative Pitch; Havering Heroes at Redden Court School for Best Business Plan; and Corbets Tey School for the Most Developed Enterprise.
The panel of ‘dragons’ in the morning session included Kat Ferguson from Lower Thames Crossing, Alison Callan-Day from Havering Council, James Bates from software and technology company, SAP and Carol O’Donnell from equity investor BGF.
The afternoon panel included Matt Joyce from Prospects training, Karen Wardell from accountants Moore Kingston Smith LLP, Rory Barton from funding managers Artemis, and Darren Duporte from BGF.
Schools who presented at the Social Enterprise Schools - Dragons’ Den competition
- Hilldene Primary School
- Drapers' Maylands Primary School
- Rise Park Junior School
- Towers Infants and Towers Junior Schools
- Langtons Junior Academy
- Redden Court School
- Sanders Draper School
- Lime Academy Forest Approach
- Harris Academy Rainham
- Corbets Tey (not present, submitted a video presentation)