Last October, Hallam Schools and College Engagement Team embarked on a brand new, totally original project; a Team Building Day for year 12 students, that was piloted this march.
Spearheaded by graduate interns, the premise was to create a full day activity that encouraged thought about H.E/Careers, team work and problem solving, and also incorporated various aspects of the courses that Sheffield Hallam offers.
Similarly, the aim was to create an experience for year 12 students that gave them an opportunity to work together and develop team-work and problem solving skills, as well as exposing them to university study and academia.
The initial concept was based around the idea of a start-up business, where-by participants had to work together and make decisions to come up with a plan for a new venture, which would be presented at the end, in a ‘business pitch’ style.
Over the course of a few months, this business building concept morphed into what was eventually piloted with Hillsborough College; a full day ‘brand building activity’, based on a toothpaste company, in which students had to create jobs roles, decide on advertising, design packaging and address the many aspects of running a business. Participants earn credits for each activity they complete, with winners for most credits, best marketing campaign and best team-work being announced at the end.
Branding and graphics for the day, including logos, images and power point slides were designed by local designer Matt Storr, an example of which you can view above.
The pilot took place at the SHU students union on the 29th of March, as way to fully gauge how the Team Building day would run practically and to gain invaluable feedback from participants and teaching staff as to what went well and what didn’t.
Hillsborough College were chosen to pilot the programme, as part of their ‘Pathways’ session, which runs regularly as way to encourage students to think about about further study and careers. 65 students turned up to try the new project, a great number to work with and glean opinion from.
The day was a resounding success with students being, lively engaged and involved throughout. Please see below for some quotes and feedback;
FEEDBACK
STUDENT FEEDBACK
“I really enjoyed the session. it was fun and engaging and allowed us to work with new people”
“SHU staff were very pleasant and straightforward with the tasks”
“My favourite part of the session was working towards a final products”
“Don’t usually enjoy this type of thing but the topic of business and how it is organised was good”
“I’m not doing anything course related to the topics today but the skills I have learned will be beneficial”
“Was fun throughout, always had something to do”
“Liked the creative aspects”
“Well organised, interesting ambassadors”
“I didn’t think I would enjoy it, but I came in with an open mind, and it was actually really good”
STAFF FEEDBACK
“Would definitely bring students again“
“Resources were excellent”
“The ambassadors worked very hard to ensure that the learners became, and stayed engaged”
“Was interesting and very well thought out”
Moving forward, we are making final tweaks and adjustment to the programme, with a view to having the activity ready and bookable by the end of April.
If you would like more info, or to book you school group onto this event, please contact sclo@shu.ac.uk
