The final two weeks of Term 2 saw our Year 11 cohort engage in the Australian Business Week competition. ABW allows for the development of key business skills and encourages students to take on roles such as CEO and COO as well as be part of a marketing and finance team. This year, a total of sixteen teams engaged in creating a business and designing a product aimed at achieving the Carbon Neutral 2030 goal. The school was a sea of blue as the students donned their ABW shirts, chose their roles and commenced the program. CEOs were selected and were tasked with supporting and guiding their businesses in meeting deadlines, attending meetings and collaborating in this corporate and competitive simulation.
Students were tasked with designing logos, websites, TV advertisements and radio jingles, along with making financial and production decisions whilst using the online simulation which required students to increase their market share and stock price. They were also challenged with preparing company reports, delivering an oral presentation to their stake holders and developing a market stall for the trade expo.
The students were not alone, however, as they worked closely with their staff supervisors, were guided by National Australia Bank mentors and gained invaluable knowledge from the guest presenters, Professor Robert Bianchi, Mr Sam Worboys and Dr Joan Carlini.
The program challenges students to work outside of their comfort zone and alongside individuals that they were perhaps unfamiliar with, in striving to create and market their product. By all accounts, the students found the challenge rewarding and enjoyable.
The program finale was a celebration dinner held at Southport Sharks in the President's Room. Teams were acknowledged for their hard work and achievements. Special thanks goes to our guest presenter on the night, Miss Maddie Walton, QAHS Class of 2015.
QAHS would like to thank our principal sponsors; Parker & Simmonds Solicitor and Lawyers, Gold Coast Heart and Lung Surgeons, Crescent Accounts, oneED Gold Coast Health, Organic Tea Club and The Palipana Company. We are also very grateful to our generous team sponsors; Studio Kirby and Âbode Australian Migration.
Congratulation's Year 11 on your fabulous achievements!
Daniel Graham
Year Level Coordinator