The integration of practical entrepreneurship into school curriculums is transforming how students approach education, particularly at institutions like a school that serves over 4,800 students. Deputy principal Sever emphasizes the importance of teaching students that failure is part of the learning process and that resilience is a crucial skill to develop. Through a mandatory program called StartUp, students in Year 8 are encouraged to think creatively and launch their own businesses. This hands-on approach fosters a mindset where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks, illustrating the necessity of grit and perseverance in entrepreneurship.
As students participate in the StartUp program, they embark on varied entrepreneurial pursuits. For instance, a student named Yin operates a backyard barber business, highlighting the lessons of time management, commitment, and long-term dedication. Other students pursue different ventures, such as Oliver Schreurs, who runs a clothing label, and Amelly Chea, who manages an online decorative keychain business. Even Year 10 student Suvan Sujeendran has expanded his drone photography venture to include five employee hires. These experiences not only contribute to personal growth but also equip students with essential life skills—like problem-solving and effective communication.
Sever notes that the value of these lessons is best understood through experiential learning. By engaging in real projects, students gain insights that traditional education might overlook. Trials, errors, and the eventual triumphs of entrepreneurship become a rich learning ground, embodying a culture where innovation and the spirit of creation are celebrated. Sever points out that entrepreneurship is embedded in the school’s identity, suggesting that such initiatives align with broader educational goals of preparing students for dynamic futures.
Similar themes resonate at Mansfield Secondary College, where VCE Vocational Major students embrace entrepreneurial opportunities with government support. This funding aids students in launching small businesses, fostering a practical application of their lessons. Jade O’Connor, in charge of the program, acknowledges the success of initiatives like the Summit Society label and a highly profitable car wash service. These enterprises showcase not only fiscal responsibility but also the collective effort required for entrepreneurship, highlighting effective teamwork and collaboration.
O’Connor reflects on the rewarding nature of watching students develop business acumen and leadership skills, noting that these attributes often lead to unexpected levels of commitment and initiative. Assistant principal Janessa Burkhardt shares her pride in the students’ accomplishments, pointing to their swift execution and delivery of projects. Such initiatives reinforce the idea that entrepreneurial skills do not just benefit the students but also have a broader impact on their communities.
Julie Anderson, head of senior school, underscores the long-term value these entrepreneurial experiences provide. The skills developed during their school years will enable students to contribute positively to their local communities, engaging in activities like coaching sports, donating prizes, or participating in civic groups such as Rotary. The legacy of these programs extends beyond mere business proficiencies, nurturing responsible citizens who invest in their communities and continue to uphold the values of collaboration, service, and leadership throughout their lives.
