Enterprising Day at Woodbridge School – Jun 2026
We were thrilled to welcome staff from EDF into School once again, to facilitate our annual Year 9 Enterprise Day; this fantastic event gives students valuable insight into the world of work – and is also great fun!
The day began with an introduction to EDF and the wide range of careers available within the energy sector, giving students a valuable insight into how science, engineering and business work together in a real-world context.
Students were then challenged to work in teams, forming their own companies to complete an engineering and enterprise task. Using a limited set of materials, each team designed and built a freestanding structure capable of supporting a load (a marshmallow!), while also considering cost, potential profit, safety and overall design.
Alongside the practical build, teams developed presentations to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges which included our Head, Miss Norman. Explaining their design process, teamwork and decision-making, as well as challenges faced. The competition encouraged students to think creatively, problem-solve under pressure and develop key communication skills.
The winning team wasn’t necessarily the one with the most profit or the tallest structure; teamwork, collaboration, and time management were all taken into account – congratulations to Elsie, Imarah, Otto P-S, George L and Fergal.
It was also wonderful to be able to extend a similar workshop to Year 9 students from schools in our local community, as part of our secondary enrichment programme. Students from Holbrook Academy, Stoke High School and Farlingaye High School took part in the workshop.
In total, 11 teams from across the participating schools took part, including a team of our Indian exchange students; across the day the standard of teamwork and enthusiasm, skills and application of knowledge was extremely high. The day provided an excellent opportunity for students to engage with industry professionals, gain insight into future career pathways, and experience the importance of collaboration in a dynamic and supportive environment.
Thank you to everyone who took part, including our own students and those from Holbrook Academy, Stoke High School and Farlingaye High School; the feedback was immensely positive:
“The workshop was collaborative and innovative, it was great to see the different streams coming together.”
“It was so engaging!”
“It was a good level of challenge, we had to be considered but also bold in our decision making.”
“It was a great chance for collaboration as well as development of oracy skills.”
“The workshop, staff and hospitality was wonderful and we were delighted to be part of it.”
