Years 7-9 Entrepreneurship & E-School  

Entrepreneurship is more than starting a business, it’s a way of thinking and acting. It’s about identifying opportunities, finding ways to solve problems, and taking calculated risks. It is the process of creating solutions, ideation, design, and iteration. It’s about creating, delivering, and capturing value. In a 2017 research study by Deloitte, it was found that 63% of all jobs by 2030 will require entrepreneurial capabilities.

During this term in E-school, our students in Years 7-9 are working on different projects that are developing their entrepreneurial thinking skills. 

The Year 7 and 8 Students have been introduced to Tilaneh, a fictitious island nation in South East Asia. They have gained an understanding of the area’s topography, environment, climate, history, government, economy, ethnic groups, religion, health, and education. In small groups, they have constructed a visual representation of the country and now the focus will move to a small remote town within Tilaneh. 

Students will adopt various local roles and begin a journey of discovery about the process of “development” and “community transformation”. They will be faced with a range of complex problems and challenges, including the long-term sustainability and viability of the project in which they are involved. As the project continues, students will make mistakes, try out some new ideas, conduct research, consult with others in their community, and learn a great deal about themselves, others and the richness and complexity of the community development process.

In Year 9 E-school, students have learned about the importance of social enterprises.  In this class, they work together as a group to complete a project or enterprise that has a social impact aligning with at least one of the UN’s Social Development Goals. This semester the students have chosen to run an Asian snack business that will contribute profits to a charity organisation called OnePlate, which funds sustainable food projects for children in need. They are currently in the beginning stages, completing their market research and soon will move on to preparing a viable business model.

Christina Douglas

Careers, Business & Entrepreneurship Teacher