Enterprising youngsters take on soft drinks challenge

Posted on Wednesday 4 June 2014

More than 450 primary school pupils will take part in a Soft Drinks Challenge on three Enterprise Days from 9 to 11 June. A collaboration between Tadcaster Grammar School, Sherburn High School and the York Entrepreneurs Society – a University student-run group – the events are designed to teach Year 6 pupils new skills in a fun and stimulating way. 

The event, held at the University’s Law and Management building, will also help to raise aspirations and give pupils an insight into university life.

The challenge involves the children being ‘hired’ by a soft drinks company for the day to help to design a new drink to bring in more sales. The children’s designs will be judged by an expert panel from Nestle.

Keith Aspden, Family of Schools Coordinator for Tadcaster and Sherburn, said: "The Tadcaster and Sherburn schools are delighted to be able to offer this opportunity to hundreds of pupils before they join secondary school. The days test out their enterprise skills in a fantastic University environment and allow pupils to work together across a number of primary schools. We are looking forward to seeing what soft drinks the pupils create!"

The Enterprise Days are part of an initiative by the York Entrepreneurs Society to forge stronger links with local schools, businesses, the University and wider community.

Tracey Che, President of the York Entrepreneurs Society, said: “We are very happy to be running this event for a fourth year in partnership with Tadcaster Grammar School, Sherburn High School and the University. It is always great fun for all involved. Not only does it provide pupils with enterprise experience and a chance to see the University, but it gives University students a chance to volunteer.”