What A Showcase!

Greenock Town Hall was transformed into a venue with Bafta-style buzz, giving the red carpet treatment to the real stars of the second annual DtS Enterprising Inverclyde Showcase - hundreds of pupils from all Inverclyde schools ably abetted by their teachers.

Along to see enterprise in action for themselves were parents, families, friends and the business community at large, all captivated by the sensational atmosphere that filled every last space in the hall.

Visitors were warmly welcomed by cocktail waiters in evening dress offering champagne flutes colourfully overflowing with tempting sweeties. The entrance was adorned with lanterns, young ladies with a bit of ‘bling’, stretch limo, the customary red carpet and the hoard of paparazzi obligatory to any top awards show.

From the balloon filled entrance, people were directed into the Saloon where the bustling Trading Zone saw a wide variety of stalls selling products pupils had created as part of enterprise activities, all for charity or to help fund similar school projects. Everything from fridge magnets to seasonal cards and jewellery proved popular.

Next up was the main hall exhibition, where visitors were met with more than 40 stands showcasing just some of the hundreds of exciting enterprise projects, innovative learning practices and DtS developments in the area. Greenock Academy’s talented jazz band played on in the background.

Rounding of the day’s events was a glittering evening awards ceremony, recognising enterprise within schools and individual pupils and also the fundamental support of the local business community, who had been treated to a Provost’s VIP reception. In the true spirit of DtS, this was no ordinary awards ceremony. Instead, it was peppered with entertainment that was both energetic and enlightening.

Young pipers marched into the assembled throngs in the main hall to kick off the ‘star-studded’ evening. Silence fell on the packed hall as St Kenneth’s Primary School Boys Choir opened with the rousing Enterprise Song. In a welcome address, Corporate Director of Education & Social Care, Ian Fraser, spoke of the tremendous culture of enterprise he had witnessed locally and thanked the assembled business scommunity for their part in it all.

Taking to the stage, DtS Enterprise Development Officer, Robert Lamb painted the local picture highlighting that enterprise development was evident in every school. He welcomed hosts, Gourock High School fifth year pupils, Jennifer McGill and Scott Peden, who delivered a truly professional performance.

More than 30 businesses were nominated by school pupils to receive the coveted Business Support Awards, presented by Ian Fraser, with a little help from two St Kenneth’s Primary pupils – alias the Proclaimers. Up next was the Enterprise Drama with two fun packed performances courtesy of Inverkip Primary.

Eleven-year-old Iain Beattie of Overton Primary gave a 100% performance in Mastermind – specialist subject, Enterprise in Education. The audience was also treated to a film of Iain’s captivating opening address as guest of honour at the recent IBM Innovation Awards.

Once again this year, the School Enterprise Awards saw every school pick up either a Gold or Platinum award. In the words of Robert Lamb, no categories were really needed as, for the second year running every school had either met or exceeded the high standards set by the DtS scheme. Following a theme, Barry McGugan of IBM presented the awards, with a little help from Scott Simpson a pupil at St Kenneth’s Primary School – alias ‘Rod Stewart’.

Outstanding Achievement Awards, presented by Provost Ciano Rebecchi, went to pupils in recognition of their individual enterprising successes. The Provost was helped by a show stopping performance from Kenneth’s Primary School pupil, Ryan Gibson – alias ‘Tina Turner’.

Robert then provided an overview of the exciting new business challenge The Recruit, and a rousing welcome was given to the 36 young hopefuls as they stepped on stage looking the part in their branded black Recruit clothing with special portfolios.

Some energetic entertainment rounded off the evening from wannabes, the ‘Spice Girls’ and ‘McFly’ - all pupils from Gourock High School.

“This entire event throws the spotlight on our local schools, giving them the opportunity to showcase some of the fantastic activities and enterprise developments that are embedded in the school curriculum,” said Robert.

“It allows us to share with the wider community the impact that our local DtS strategy is having throughout Inverclyde. And why not do that in an innovative, creative and fun way with a bit of pizzazz that really does sum up the whole ethos of DtS? We send out a huge thank you to everyone who made Enterprising Inverclyde Showcase another resounding success!”

While everyone else crept away to recover from all the excitement, it was no rest for these enterprising youngsters and their teachers. It was back to work for them and the DtS team first thing next morning for an energy-packed enterprise challenge in the Town Hall. Pupils were set three challenges including Bags of Style, where they made eco-friendly clothes from re-useable and recyclable materials. It is clear to see that these young people are truly determined to succeed.