Students at Talbot House Trust in Walbottle, Newcastle look set to gain a national qualification in business and enterprise, thanks to an innovative, football-based initiative led by the Newcastle United Foundation.
Talbot House Trust provides schooling for pupils aged 7 – 18 who struggle in mainstream education.
Using Newcastle United Football Club as a case study, Key Stage Four students learned all about the different departments and job roles within the football club such as HR, marketing and customer services and how each function works together.
Talbot House students who completed the Enterprise Academy initiative are now on course to achieve a national (OCR Level 3) qualification for their efforts.
Kate Warner, Senior Project Officer at Newcastle United Foundation, said:
“I delivered the enterprise sessions in Talbot House last term and really enjoyed working with the students and staff there.
“As the course progressed, there was a measurable increase in engagement and concentration levels of students. And, while the sessions were based around business and enterprise, the students also learned additional skills along the way, with one pupil noting he’d gained valuable ‘people skills’ too.”
Kate continued:
“During the Enterprise Academy initiative at Talbot House Trust, I also got the chance to see for myself their brand new key Stage Two Educational facility and some of the fantastic work other students have completed. I was given a tour by the students in my group and the manner in which they conducted themselves in front of guests was impeccable and a testament to the hard work of all the staff and students involved. I look forward to working in the school again soon.”
Mick O’ Brien, Head of School at Talbot House Trust, added:
"Newcastle United Foundation provided the expertise and knowledge to give Talbot House youngsters the opportunity to develop their understanding of how a business works. The theme of enterprise is easier to deliver as pupils already have a common understanding of Newcastle United. This provided the motivation to engage in a positive manner in order to learn about the background behind the organisation."
Talbot House Trust is a registered charity which provides a caring, nurturing and supportive environment for children and young people with complex needs. It comprises a special educational needs school, a residential care home for children and a vocational skills centre.
