In our Maths department, students have been working on a trio of team challenges inspired by "The Apprentice'. All challenges, which involved the use of practical mathematical skills in real world situations, were designed to allow students to put their learning into context.

For task one, students were challenged to work together to create a range of revision resources and this was followed by an industry-inspired research and data handling project, in which students investigated and gathered data on the topic of media streaming. They later analysed their findings in terms of ratio and proportion, averages and percentages, and presented their results using charts and graphs.

In the final challenge, a friendly in-class competition entitled "Rethink Your Drink', students were tasked with developing ideas for a new drink that would provide a healthy alternative to those currently favoured by teenage consumers. This challenge allowed them to consolidate the knowledge developed in previous tasks, whilst building upon creative thinking and marketing skills. Teams were given complete freedom by Mr Fox and encouraged to use their own initiative to develop a viable product based on consumer and market research, and profit and loss projections, alongside an effective marketing campaign and sales pitch. This pitch was delivered to competition judge, Mr Shearer, Teacher of Business Studies and Head of Sixth Form.

Innovative presentations were heard for drinks including 'eLemonator', 'Fiery Fizz', 'Genie in a Bottle' and 'Neon Blast', however Chloe B, Beth H, Rebecca H and Aaliyah C were declared the winning team for their outstanding campaign for "Panda Pop', a range of non-alcoholic fruit cocktails. Their extensive research evidence, excellent financial forecasting and fully developed branding and promotional materials for the product, clearly demonstrated the importance of Maths in a business environment.