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Dragons Wanted!!

Doncaster Chamber are looking for volunteers to go into a Doncaster School any time between the 22nd June and 1st July to take part in a Dragon’s Den style lesson.

Background: The students involved are Year 8 (12-13 years old). Their only experience of formal business/enterprise education has been for the approx 16 x 60 minute lessons since September.

Each class has between 10 and 30 students. The groups are setted by ability in Maths. The set 4 groups include some very weak students with reading ages of low Primary School level.

The students have been shown clips from the BBC ‘Dragons Den’ series, so have an idea of what they will be facing i.e. to deliver a ‘pitch’ then answer questions from the ‘Dragons’.

Since September students have followed a scheme of work to:

Undertake market research – both Secondary (to find out about existing mobile phones) and Primary (to question prospective customers). This research should have been summarised and analysed to draw conclusions which support their business proposal.

Produce a marketing plan including the following elements of the marketing mix – Product, Packaging, Price and Promotion. We have delivered formal input on the terms here and expect students to use appropriate terminology in their presentations. For example they should be able to explain their pricing strategy (cost-plus, penetration, market, skimming etc), identify appropriate advertising media (poster, TV, radio etc) and explain why these are appropriate, explain appropriate promotional activities.

Their presentation should include the use of appropriate visual aids and handouts and show an understanding of business terminology. 

Your Role:
Listen to each presentation (or pitch)

Ask appropriate questions and for clarification where needed. Students do need to be ‘grilled’ and shown the weaknesses of their presentation but bearing in mind age, experience, ability etc. Offer advice and feedback where appropriate.

Judge each presentation (assessment sheet attached)

Decide which presentation you think is best based on their idea and quality of presentation.

If you would like to take part contact Ian Mason on 01302 640170 or email imason@doncaster-chamber.co.uk