Slime, glitter tattoos, and 3D printed frogs were just a few of the products that Year 5 pupils at Fairfield Prep School pitched in an outstanding business enterprise competition last week.

Year 5 was a hive of activity during STEAM week at Fairfield Prep where they focused on utilising skills in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts and maths, whilst developing some incredible business ideas. The pupils were competing for the Eadon Enterprise Trophy, which saw the competition culminating in an exciting ‘Dragon’s Den’ style finale.

Pupils were able to make or buy products to sell and create inspiring sales pitches to excite their prospective customers. Teams Random Stall, Fusion, Team Bean and Chills, Thrills and Frills all made it through to the shortlist and pitched their business concepts to a panel of judges and the rest of their year group.

The presentations covered their proposed business model and sales plan, whilst evidencing their market research and showcasing business logos that had been carefully designed. Some teams had even written their own jingle for an advert which was delivered as part of their pitch.

The teams were judged on several criteria including logos, budgeting and presentation. The judging panel comprised Helen Foster, Head Designate at Loughborough Grammar School, Donna Tolley, Assistant Head at Loughborough High School, and Laura-Jane Ryves, Director of Development for Loughborough Schools Foundation.

In an extremely tight decision, Team Bean scooped the top spot and were presented with the Eadon Enterprise Cup, which was kindly donated by a Fairfield Prep and Loughborough Grammar Alumnus, in memory of Mr Eadon, who was Headmaster at Fairfield Prep School from 1988-2001.

The winning team’s business idea focused on the sales of hand-made bookmarks, slime, teddies, loom band bracelets and 3D printed frogs. The judges particularly liked the dance and song that the team created, as well as the variety of products on sale.

Jamie Moseley-Sarsfield, Deputy Head Academic at Fairfield Prep School said: “We are privileged to introduce the Eadon Enterprise Cup as part of our STEAM Week. The Year 5 children have worked incredibly hard developing a business over the week and to be in a position to deliver a presentation encompassing market research and projections to our esteemed judges, so confidently and so enthusiastically, is truly amazing.”

“Each finalist was a worthy winner but Team Bean had that little bit extra to see them awarded the inaugural cup.”

The exciting enterprise activity will continue over the coming weeks as all the shortlisted teams will be selling their products to the rest of the school; assessing their stock levels and topping up as necessary for the summer sales to continue.

Tim Wilbraham, Head of Year 5 at Fairfield Prep School said: “It has been wonderful to see the children so thoroughly engaged with their business processes all week. We are looking forward to seeing all of the teams sell their products and services to the Fairfield children at their Fiver Challenge events over the next fortnight.”

Another prize will be awarded to the team who has earned the most profit, with all proceeds being donated to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Charity.