YEAR 9 pupils at St Dominic’s got a chance to showcase their creativity, teamwork and entrepreneurial talent during an inspiring one-day enterprise challenge delivered in partnership with Hatch Coffee Shop and the Innovation Factory.
The exciting Dragons' Den event challenged pupils to step into the role of product developers and create an original menu item for Hatch. Working in teams throughout the day, students applied design thinking techniques to identify customer needs, generate ideas and develop innovative food concepts that would appeal to a real business audience.
The teams of students had to use problem-solving skills, refine their concepts, overcome obstacles and adapt their plans to meet customer expectations. Each team then pitched their menu concept to a panel of judges.
The standard of work impressed everyone involved. Ideas ranged from exciting twists on classic café favourites, to completely original menu options designed to attract new customers and enhance the Hatch dining experience.
Speaking after the event the staff from Hatch praised the pupils' imagination and innovation, commenting that they had "never seen such creativity". The judging panel was particularly impressed by the originality of the concepts, the confidence of the presentations and the professionalism demonstrated by the teams throughout the challenge.
Head of Business Studies at St Dominic's, Denise Murphy, said that “the event provides pupils with a valuable opportunity to experience the world of business and entrepreneurship first-hand, helping them to develop skills that will benefit them throughout their education and future careers".
The judges
"It also highlighted the importance of creativity, communication and collaboration in solving real-world challenges," she added.
The winning team, which came up with a unique twist on a Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap, are also going to see their vision turned into a reality as it will be created and added to the Hatch menu.
Mrs Murphy added that “a huge thank you goes to the Innovation Factory and Hatch Coffee Shop for providing such an engaging and authentic learning experience".
