Students Showcase Entrepreneurial Spirit in Creative Charity Challenge

Year 12 and 13 students recently put their entrepreneurial skills to the test by taking part in an innovative charity challenge, raising much-needed funds for a host of charitable organisations.
Each tutor group  was tasked with developing a business plan to support a charity of their choice, starting with a modest £10 seed loan. The challenge encouraged creativity, with some groups producing engaging video content in a bid to compete for a coveted place in the college’s very own ‘Dragon’s Den’.

Five teams progressed to the final stage, presenting their ideas to a panel of judges and answering probing questions to secure additional funding to bring their projects to life. Brandon Wood’s tutor group impressed the panel the most, securing an extra £30 loan to kickstart their fundraising efforts.

The anticipated challenge inspired a flurry of fundraising activities across the college. Students have organised bake sales, FIFA competitions, chess tournaments, raffles and the highly-anticipated Great Abbey Bake Off competition, where Year 12 student Maddie claimed the prestigious first place. One tutor group even shaved off their tutor’s moustache and beard selling tickets to watch.
The overall winners were Nicky Cathery’s tutor group with the Great Abbey Bake Off, who raised an impressive £797.59 for Shine, a charity providing specialist support, advice and community for everyone affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus across the UK. Elliot Henchy’s tutor group finished in second place, followed by Brandon Wood’s group in third.

In total, a significant £1,257.08 was raised, with the college community supporting a range of charities including Shine, Manchester based homeless charity Mustard Tree, UNICEF, Alzheimer’s Society and Feed Manchester.
Nicky Cathery and her tutees were awarded the coveted prize for the most money raised, while Brandon Wood and his group were recognised as the best team players. Individual awards were also presented to Chi Yan Ng, Mika Au Yeung and Brandon Wood for their outstanding contribution.

Chris Randell, Principal commented: “The students have shown incredible creativity, teamwork and community spirit throughout this fundraising challenge. The fundraising activities are a fantastic example of how learning extends beyond the classroom here at Abbey College Manchester. Students have developed important skills such as problem-solving, entrepreneurial and financial planning, while working collaboratively to make a real difference for charities that matter to them.”