Year 9 Business Studies students, at Richmond School, experienced a brilliant taste of business when they visited “The York Chocolate Story”, a new and interactive museum which showcases a detailed account of the history of chocolate in York.
Forty-nine students learned about the Quakers and the importance they placed on chocolate for staff wellbeing and motivation. Students also found out about the economic importance of chocolate to the city of York and its well-known, iconic brands, such as Smarties, KitKat and Terry’s Chocolate Orange.
Students attended a workshop, where they made and decorated their own chocolates. They went on to identify a target market, branded their products, and developed marketing ideas – all of which support the GCSE Business curriculum and promote learning outside the classroom.
Clare Clish, Lead Teacher for Business and Economics said: “The Year 9 students showed a great deal of focus and their marketing plans were creative and realistic. Students have only been studying Business since September and they are making excellent progress.”
Nicole Fenwick, a Year 9 student commented: “It was a great day and I enjoyed making the chocolates and packaging them.”
After the Chocolate Story, students had the opportunity to visit York St John University and enjoyed a campus tour to help raise aspirations and let them experience a university first-hand.
Ms Mannion, Manager Careers and Employability added: “The campus visit was impressive, student ambassadors showed us around and really engaged with our students. As it was graduation day, the Year 9 students watched the university students, wearing caps and gowns, heading towards York Minster for their graduation ceremony.”
Jacob Moore, Y9 student said: ”I really enjoyed visiting the university and seeing the sports hall, library and accommodation. The people we met were all so friendly.”