iServi News | 17 September 2021 | Term 3, Week 9
On Friday 10 September 2021, all Year 10 students participated in Small Business Market Day; an event organised by the Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) team, as an inclusive way to investigate and simulate a realistic small business environment. In line with the Servite Way and Year 10 vision of ‘I Choose’, students were able to collaborate and manage a small business stall of their choice; taking into consideration the needs and wants of a Year 7 target market.
The stalls operated in Lower Shanahan, the Piazza and the basketball court, according to student choice and business requirements. Provided only an hour to set up, Year 10 students had to act strategically in terms of advertising to maximise business sales. Year 7 students were then allowed to browse the small businesses on offer and purchase their desired products, while limited to $8 worth of ‘Servite Money’. This provided the Year 7 students with an opportunity to apply their recent learning of economics concepts including demand and supply and opportunity cost. In this controlled environment, Year 10 students were pushed to effectively improvise and work efficiently together to ensure their small businesses were successful.
Although students were hesitant at first, Market Day was an incredible success. Many small businesses garnered great student interest in their goods and services and accordingly, were rewarded with fruitful earnings. Initially, it was overwhelming seeing all the eager Year 7 students come down the steps of the Piazza as an entire cohort ready to spend their ‘Servite Money’; however, this drove us to take the initiative and get things organised in a logical and systematic manner by prioritising customer service.
Market day required full participation and enthusiasm from all students, significant teamwork and leadership skills, independence, and effective adaptation. However, it also allowed students with diverse strengths to excel. As a group project, each member contributed their strongest asset, pushing each other to success. This task let everyone shine in their own way meanwhile teaching us the necessary skills needed for a successful, operative business. Overall, Market Day was an incredible experience and a highlight of our Year 10 experience.
Finally, we would like to extend our gratitude to the teachers of the HASS Learning Area for all their efforts in the lead up and during Market Day. Specially, we would like to thank Dr Thiveos for her amazing support throughout the entire process. Small Business Market Day 2021 would not have been such a tremendous success without her.
Alex Fiorenza (SA7) and Jenny Nguyen (SA3)
