Year 10 students at King’s Leadership Academy Hawthornes have been putting their presentation and interviewing skills to the test by recording a series of exciting podcasts focussing on the arena of business and entrepreneurship.
Supported by Jay Thakkar, Life Coach and Podcast Producer & Director, the students have begun interviewing successful local entrepreneurs, gaining valuable real-world insights and advice. The students have already chatted with inspirational guest Leon McCowan, Founder of Your Business Mobile Limited, and will be meeting with an additional five entrepreneurs throughout their series. Jay expressed his delight at being involved in this project, stating: “This is such an exciting initiative! Giving students the opportunity to engage with real entrepreneurs at such a young age is truly inspiring.”
The selected Year 10 students, who are studying GCSE Business, have been given this opportunity thanks to the academy’s Enterprise Education Programme, which is delivered in partnership with the University of Liverpool’s Management School.
Richard Leighton, Entrepreneur in Residence at the university, has secured £60,000 of funding to work with King’s Hawthornes over the next three years, developing the programme and offering all year groups an array of beneficial opportunities designed to boost their business knowledge.
The academy’s Careers Lead Yasmin Hagan works closely with Richard to deliver this unique programme across the school. She states: “The support package offered by Richard and the University of Liverpool offers great opportunities and reinforces a wide range of skills. The current podcast project is a brilliant way to support our GCSE Business students and develop their understanding of what it means to be an entrepreneur.