Background to 'The Business Game'

Background

The Business Game has come about as a direct result of current views toward enterprise learning across the UK. PIXELearning, with a core competency in the delivery of games-based simulations, and businessdynamics, who have a wealth of experience in the delivery of enterprise learning within schools, have worked together to meet this need for new learning approaches.

The government has become increasingly keen to encourage an entrepreneurial culture across the UK, and the first stage in fostering this culture is widely perceived to fall within the classroom. In 2001 the government asked Sir Howard Davies (then chairman of the Financial Services Authority), to conduct ‘a review of Enterprise and the Economy in Education’. Acting upon the findings of this study the government has agreed to fund the “equivalent of five days of enterprise learning for all pupils at Key Stage 4 from 2005” (OFSTED 2004).

OFSTED (2004) see the need for enterprise education as relating to the fact that “Businesses need employees who are innovative in their approach to solving problems, can cope with uncertainty and change, communicate well and are able to work effectively in teams.” OFSTED (2004) go on to argue that “The development of these skills in young people is therefore an essential part of the preparation for adult life.”

The need for a more entrepreneurial culture was not purely focused on those individuals who would go on to start their own enterprises. Increasingly, as Sir Davies (2002) has proclaimed in his report, young people will need to become more ‘marketable’ in the real-world. Indeed, “young people seeking work in the future are likely to need to be more flexible and entrepreneurial” in all aspects of their working lives (Davies, 2002).

Becoming aware of enterprise and developing those ‘life-skills' which will become useful throughout pupils careers is seen as something best delivered through the classroom. As Sir Davies (2002) also noted, “The education system plays a crucial role in preparing young people for the world of work and employability.”

However, although the education system is the perfect medium through which to deliver enterprise learning it is recognised that there currently exists no clear framework to reach this goal. The Davis (2002) report concludes that “New teaching and learning materials should be developed for enterprise learning.”

PIXELearning and businessdynamics have, on the back of these developments, come together to offer a solution to this Key Stage 4 enterprise learning requirement. To see how we have done this please click here: ‘Delivering Enterprise Learning.’

For further details on any of the resources referenced above please click here.