Dragons' Den come to Hull Collegiate
Two Hull primary schools experienced their very own “Dragons’ Den” at Hull Collegiate School on Thursday 17 November. Year 6 pupils from Craven Primary School and Francis Askew School took part in a unique school event organised by 17 year old sixth former, Alex Ellis.
In a joint venture with Hull’s Children’s University, the 40 young children were invited to create a new board game and, given only one day’s notice, told to draw up adverts and posters before delivering a six-minute pitch for their new game to a panel of “Dragons”.
The “Dragons” were competition organiser Alex Ellis (Hull Collegiate School); David Kitney (Director of Emmerson Kitney); Lucy Thorpe (manager of the Beverley-based Lakeland Ltd) and Tony Moffatt (Chair of Hull Collegiate School Local Governing Body).
The winning team was from Francis Askew School, Team Dynamite, with their Monopoly-based pirate game. Runners-up were:
- 2nd = Kinetic, Craven Primary School
- 3rd = Express Yourself, Francis Askew School
- 4th = Explosion, Francis Askew School
The special prize for the team who showed the most dedicated and determination to its particular idea or product went to The Examiners, Craven Primary School.
All the children were given certificates of participation and going-home presents.
Alex organised the event as part of his sixth form Personal Development Programme which is part of the Hull Collegiate School sixth form curriculum. Part of the programme involves charity work and the Children’s University provides many opportunities for sixth form pupils to work with local school children in an educational aspect. Alex was ably supported by a team of Year 13 pupils who were in charge of the technical and logistical side during the day.
“I devised this competition to provide local school children with a fun, thought-provoking challenge which they can relate to, especially as the TV series Dragons’ Den is so popular with kids,” says Alex.
Dr John Buttrick, founder and manager of the Children’s University, said, "I am absolutely blown away by the commitment, passion and excellence of Alex's proposed module. I do believe that Alex is destined for a successful career in whatever field he decides to explore. All of us at Hull Children's University, particularly our young people, are so grateful for his support."
Miss K Jones, Year 6 teacher at Craven Primary School, said, “The children have thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity from start to finish. It has given them valuable experience about the competitive world of business.”
Mr M Mullen, Year 6 teacher at Francis Askew School, said, “Our children fully enjoyed the exciting challenges. It was a fantastic opportunity for all our children to develop skills which will prepare them for the world of employment. They have all grown in confidence!”
Miss Sarah McDowell, Head of Sixth Form said: “The Personal Development Programme is designed to give our Sixth Formers new opportunities and experiences. Working with children from Ganton School and the Children’s University gives them lasting memories and skills that are essential for Higher Education and beyond.”
BBC Radio Humberside conducted an outside broadcast live from the Dragons’ Den which aired during the David Burns morning show.
The show is available as a “listen again” feature on http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00hdcpr (dated 17/11/11) and the item starts two hours, 13 minutes into the show (02.13.20).
The Hull Daily Mail also covered the event and Alex was interviewed for KCFM as a pre-recorded telephone interview which aired on Saturday 19 November.
