Professor Douglas Weir, a member of the Strathclyde University team which carried out the research study, described the general messages as “positive” and consistent with the view that enterprise in education will take a number of years to become an accepted part of the school system.
“There are also messages about enterprise being more acceptable to school staffs when it has more of a social aspect than simply being about business enterprise, and other messages about effective primary schools using enterprise as only another vehicle through which to ground their core values of respect for others, respect for community and self-realisation.”
The study found that in one primary:
* Children’s confidence and behaviour improved.
* All aspects of the curriculum were covered through enterprise.
* Pupils’ self-esteem and knowledge of their own abilities and talents were developed.
* Links with parents and other stages in the school benefited.
* Practical elements improved teaching and learning.
* Children worked better together and took pride in themselves.
* Transferable skills were enhanced.
Among the challenges remaining are:
* To develop enterprise in education across the school as a whole.
* To embed enterprise within the curriculum, not as a subject on its own.
* To promote business links, with formal partnership agreements if possible.
* Further work with parents and families.
