Young entrepreneurs turn a tasty profit

The 12 S4 pupils have named their company Olive it Woodfarm and, for a small delivery charge, are collecting sandwiches and baguettes each week for hungry school staff.

According to teacher David Stevenson, Olive it Med owner Michael Reynolds was soon swayed to take part when the pupils approached him with their entrepreneurial idea.

Mr Stevenson told The Extra: “The pupils have used many cross curricular skills such as numeracy, literacy, business management, presentation skills and an awareness of design and food safety to turn the project into a success.

“The company has now been up and running for five weeks with pupils using their financial skills to collect and bank money, as well as calculating their profit.

“It has been fantastic to see these pupils learning employability and business skills that they will use outside and beyond school.”

Maths teacher Sheila Marshall and PE teacher Stuart McCracken have also pitched in to help, with Mr McCracken encouraging pupils to write a reflective diary.

Kasim Jameel, a member of the Olive it Woodfarm team, commented: “I’m thoroughly enjoying the experience and feel I’m gaining invaluable life skills.”

It’s not all about profit, as the Woodfarm youngsters will donate a portion of their earnings to a chosen charity, setting the rest aside to plan a class activity — and a record of their successes will gain each team member a National 3 wellbeing award.