Enterprising Doon pupils open new shop in Dalmellington
16 November-
Enterprising pupils from Doon Academy are starting their own shop
Doon Academy pupils are going into business in a big way, with the school opening a shop ‘The Miner’s Lamp’ in Dalmellington in a side room of local youth project The Zone.
The new shop is part of East Ayrshire Council’s ambitious £1million Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) programme in schools.
Pupils chose the name ‘The Miner’s Lamp’ for the new shop in the village, which will sell products made by the pupils and local artists. The school’s art department has now begun work with graphic designer Allan McKeown to produce a logo for the new business.
Principal Teacher of Enterprise Shonagh Borthwick said: “The pupils in the Enterprise Team range from S3 – S6 and will be involved in serving customers, merchandising, financial management of the shop and planning promotional events. Other groups of young people have been involved in producing stock for the shop”.
Teachers working on the project include Depute Headteacher Lyndsay McRoberts and the Enterprise working group, which consists of members of staff from across the school.
Shonagh Borthwick added: “We intend to sell gift products made in school. We have input from the photography course and master classes making jewellery, felt goods and silk painting. We are also looking to develop our product range by including other departments such as music and biology. Later in the project, we would like to stock goods made by members of the community”.
Councillor Jim Roberts, Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, said: “It’s good to see that Doon Academy is forging ahead with plans to take forward this exciting new business idea, backed by the Council’s BEF. The young people will develop valuable skills in teamworking, communication and planning, which will build their confidence and help make them ready for the world of work in the future.”
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