On Tuesday 20th May, I took five children to Dodworth for the final of the competition that they entered in May, to design a music centre for a school playground. The winning team would have their design actually made and sold, so the stakes were high! There were also some lovely trophies that we were itching to get our hands on.
The children had spent time adjusting and improving their pitch and design, but there were still some nerves! After an introduction, the 24 teams were split into 2 groups. We were in group one, which meant we had to pitch first! Before attending, the children and I had presumed that they would have to present their pitch on a stage in front of all the schools and judges. However, what they had to do was actually much more intimidating! They went into a small room with four judges, all of whom were local business leaders, and had to present their pitch to them (even I wasn't allowed in). This was followed by some really challenging questions, forcing the children to think on the spot.
The children had spent time adjusting and improving their pitch and design, but there were still some nerves! After an introduction, the 24 teams were split into 2 groups. We were in group one, which meant we had to pitch first! Before attending, the children and I had presumed that they would have to present their pitch on a stage in front of all the schools and judges. However, what they had to do was actually much more intimidating! They went into a small room with four judges, all of whom were local business leaders, and had to present their pitch to them (even I wasn't allowed in). This was followed by some really challenging questions, forcing the children to think on the spot.
 Preparation!  A nervous wait before going in - more practice time. |  I had to peer through the window in the door to see what was going on, but couldn't hear anything! There was lots of nodding and smiling from the judges though. Afterwards, the children said some of the questions were really hard, but some they had prepared for. |
Team Drummersaurus!
After a short break, we had great fun participating in a Samba session. The children had the opportunity to try all of the different Samba instruments, but the big drums were definitely a favourite.
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After lunch, there was a short talk by some business owners and the leader of enterprise at Barnsley College, as well as the opportunity to ask them questions and for advice.
Then came the awards ceremony. Although we did not win the overall prize, the children were very proud of what they had achieved and learnt through the whole process (and rightly so). In addition, one of our fabulous girls won the "Most Enterprising Girl" award - and very well deserved it was too! It had been her idea to design their music centre as being accessible to both able bodied children and those with disabilities. Her pitch reflected her passion for this cause beautifully and I can completely understand why it won over the judges.
All in all, we had a great day, and a wonderful and challenging experience. I was incredibly proud of our team. Their behaviour was impeccable all day and they reflected High View in everything they did. Well done Team Drummersaurus, and a huge thank you to Louder than Life for organising the day!
Mrs Mundy
Then came the awards ceremony. Although we did not win the overall prize, the children were very proud of what they had achieved and learnt through the whole process (and rightly so). In addition, one of our fabulous girls won the "Most Enterprising Girl" award - and very well deserved it was too! It had been her idea to design their music centre as being accessible to both able bodied children and those with disabilities. Her pitch reflected her passion for this cause beautifully and I can completely understand why it won over the judges.
All in all, we had a great day, and a wonderful and challenging experience. I was incredibly proud of our team. Their behaviour was impeccable all day and they reflected High View in everything they did. Well done Team Drummersaurus, and a huge thank you to Louder than Life for organising the day!
Mrs Mundy
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