NFTE introduces young people from schools to the world of business and entrepreneurship teaching them how to develop their own small business.  Schools are provided with a comprehensive curriculum, teacher training and support to enable them to deliver a quality Enterprise Education programme.  NFTE also provides a range of learning materials, exciting entrepreneurial activities, and further student development opportunities inside and outside the school environment.

At present 40 students in Key Stage 4 are following the NFTE programme.  The programme is split into two areas as:

• Setting up and running their own company
• Completing a Business Plan Folder

Portfolios

By completing the folder students will achieve a BTEC Short Course Award called ‘Preparing for Enterprise’.  This is a new BTEC award at intermediate level (level 2).  That has recently been accredited to the NQF and has been allocated 46 performance points.  The award is eligible for public funding by the DfES as listed under sections 96 and 97 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000.

There is a recommended 90 hours to complete the course.  The method of assessment is non-exam based (i.e. portfolio and business plan presentation).

Companies

It is possible to achieve the BTEC without running your own company however running a company makes the class work relevant and students are more likely to be focused and engaged.  In order to run a successful company students would need to give their own time.  As an incentive NFTE offer competition, events and prizes including regional and national trade fairs, business plan awards and ‘Dragons Den’ style competitions.

Writhlington has now been accredited as a national and regional hub school for the South West, this means regional trade fairs can be held here as well as regional staff training.  We have been described as an example of good practise by the NFTE Directors.

We are in the process of establishing an international link with a school in Austria and hope to set up a business exchange programme.