Sponsors
Week 1
Team name: VJS Bright Stars
Tell us what you have been doing this week
During the first week, the pupils visited Jigsaw in Carlisle. They received a warm welcome from the staff, who explained the role of Jigsaw and how it supports children with life-limiting illnesses. Pupils learned about the charity they were raising funds for and gained a clear understanding of exactly where the money would go—to support and provide care for the children and their families. The visit included a tour of several areas, such as a bedroom, sensory room, garden, and classroom. Following the tour, Vicky from Jigsaw led a session focused on fundraising ideas.
What did you learn this week?
Pupils gained a clear understanding of Jigsaw as a charity and how the charity cares for children. They also learnt where the money would spend - to provide care.
What did you find difficult this week?
Some pupils were apprehensive before visiting Jigsaw, unsure of what to expect. But once everything was sensitively explained, their worries quickly faded, and they engaged positively.
Pupils looking at ideas to raise money in small groups.
Pupils arriving at Jigsaw in Carlisle for the very first time!
Vicky leading a session on product design.
Here Vicky and pupils are attempting to name the social enterprise and think of a slogan.
Week 2
Tell us what you have been doing this week
This week, Vicky from Jigsaw visited for a session with the VJS Bright Stars. We explored fundraising ideas and listed a variety of options. Pupils wanted to create something simple to make but meaningful—something that would inspire others or make them feel good. Their idea began to take shape as a jar filled with positive quotes. They then worked together to come up with a name, eventually settling on VJS Jigsaw Gems with the slogan: "Spreading Love, Supporting Care." Everyone agreed they were happy with both choices.
What did you learn this week?
Pupils learned about product design and identifying target markets. They discovered how making people feel good can add value to a product, and how a carefully chosen name and slogan can significantly impact sales.
What did you find difficult this week?
Pupils found naming their social enterprise challenging and realised how often slogans are used in business. Creating an effective slogan for their own product was also a tricky but valuable task.
Week 3
Tell us what you have been doing this week
This week, the VJS Bright Stars set a challenge to design a logo and invited all three Year 5 classes to participate. Each pupil was asked to create a logo featuring the name VJS Jigsaw Gems and the slogan "Spreading Love, Supporting Care." Designs were created on iPads and printed out. Afterward, the team met in the staffroom to shortlist just ten designs. These final ten were displayed during the VE Day celebrations, where parents were invited to vote for their favourite. Pupils felt it was important to involve parents in the initial design process.
What did you learn this week?
Pupils learned to use software to create professional logos and understood the importance of debating and respecting others' viewpoints when presenting a design. They discovered that the logos in the final ten featured bold, bright colours, legible text and simple designs that stood out effectively.
What did you find difficult this week?
Pupils found logo design challenging, especially when trying to create something that connected both Jigsaw and VJS as one cohesive concept.
Pupils analysing logo designs for VJS Jigsaw Gems
Mr Barton helping the pupils whittle the designs from 42 down to just 10!
The team busy researching quotes, designing and making a template.
Alfie with his winning design from the parents vote on VE day.
Week 4
Tell us what you have been doing this week
The team met again with Vicky from Jigsaw to unveil the results of the parent vote, and the pupils were delighted with the outcome. They then used Pic Collage to create a template for the quotes. This process took some time, as several factors needed to be considered for efficiency—such as the correct size to fit into the jar, ensuring enough on the page for photocopying, and aligning everything properly for easy trimming. Pupils also experimented with different borders and colours. We discussed a potential price point for the jars, and all agreed that to reach £1,000 in sales, the price must
What did you learn this week?
This week, pupils learned about product design and the importance of considering various factors. For example, some pupils created great quotes but made them too large. They understood that to repeat the process efficiently, a system must be in place to make the product scalable.
What did you find difficult this week?
Pupils found it tricky to design and align an effective quote template, but once strong examples were shared, others quickly picked up on the ideas and improved their own designs.
Week 5
Tell us what you have been doing this week
This week, the team met to count the jars and plan the next steps for the upcoming school hall event. During the discussion, some pupils expressed concern that time was running out, and we may need to consider alternative methods of raising funds to ensure our goals are met.
What did you learn this week?
This week, pupils showed great teamwork and communication. They listened respectfully, shared ideas, and worked towards a common goal. As the trading period nears its end, they recognised the need to explore other ways to raise funds and made thoughtful decisions together.
What did you find difficult this week?
Pupils found it challenging to come up with alternative ideas for 'the event'. However, one helpful suggestion was to make the jars available to the public through ParentPay, which could provide a sim
Bright Stars discussing extra options for raising money.
Week 6 - Half Term
Tell us what you have been doing this week
What did you learn this week?
What did you find difficult this week?
Week 7
Tell us what you have been doing this week
This week, the Bright Stars team met again to count the jars and test whether the quote cards would fit inside. However, we have now realised that many of the jars are too small, and we don’t have enough to fulfil all the orders. As a result, the team discussed alternative ways to package the quotes to ensure we can still deliver a high-quality product. We also decided to make the Jigsaw Gems available to buy online via ParentPay, which removes the need to hold an event in the school hall and will help us reach more people while simplifying the fundraising process.
What did you learn this week?
Pupils learned that product design can be challenging and pulling everything together takes time. We considered resizing the quotes to fit the smaller jars but decided against it, as the lengths varied too much and it would take too long to adjust each one individually.
What did you find difficult this week?
Pupils found it difficult to decide on an alternative to using jars. Boxes and bags were discussed as possible options, but the team was mindful of the limited budget and didn’t want to spend too much
The Bright Stars Team busy bagging the cake and sealing with our 'Jigsaw Gems' labels.
Week 8
Tell us what you have been doing this week
This week, the Bright Stars team met with the kitchen staff to discuss how much cake would be needed to fulfil our orders. We talked about portion sizes per tray and politely asked if the kitchen would bake the cakes if we provided the ingredients. Two days later, the cakes were ready, and we began packing! In the music room, we set up a production line with everyone wearing blue gloves for hygiene. While some pupils packed the cake, others cut out the Jigsaw Gem quotes to include with each order. The pupils worked brilliantly together, and we successfully smashed our order target.
What did you learn this week?
The children learned teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. They worked well together, followed hygiene rules by wearing gloves, and stayed organised to meet deadlines. They also gained real-world enterprise experience by helping to package and deliver products for fundraising.
What did you find difficult this week?
The children found it tricky to estimate portions, stay organised, and manage tasks under time pressure. Cutting quotes neatly and keeping each pack presentable was challenging.
Week 9
Tell us what you have been doing this week
This week, the Bright Stars team met for the final time and reviewed the money raised—£335 from Jars of Joy and £75 from the raffle. To boost their total, pupils suggested linking Sports Week to their project. They organised a Dance-a-thon, which raised £182, and a Football Darts competition, raising an impressive £240. Both events were arranged via ParentPay. In total, the team raised £832. After subtracting the £50 start-up fund and £20 in costs, their final profit was a fantastic £762.
What did you learn this week?
This week, the Bright Stars team reflected on their achievements and learned how teamwork, creativity, and careful planning can boost success. They improved their money skills, linked ideas across school events, and discovered the power of working together for a good cause.
What did you find difficult this week?
Pupils wanted to raise more money and found it tricky to fit extra events into a busy week. Despite this, they stayed motivated, worked hard, and were proud of what they achieved together.
For pupils to answer:
In one sentence please tell us what bright stars has meant to you?
I have loved being part of Bright Stars and it makes me feel happy that sick children have a happy place. (Harper) I'm happy that we were able to make the children of Jigsaw smile.
For teachers to answer:
Can you tell us the impact this programme has had on your school?
From a teacher’s perspective, the impact of the Jigsaw Gems project on the school has been incredibly positive. It has created a real buzz across year 5, inspired purposeful learning and given pupils a meaningful sense of responsibility. The project has brought together skills from across the curriculum - maths, literacy, art, and PSHE - while also building confidence, teamwork and entrepreneurial thinking. Parents and staff have been genuinely impressed by the children’s creativity and maturity and the project has helped raise the profile of social responsibility within the school community.
Please provide your business plan.
Please provide your marketing plan.
Please provide your finance report/template.
Charity name/money donated to.
VJS Bright Stars have raised a total of £762 this year and 100% will go charity.
Final profit (minus the £50 seed funding).
£762
Pupils taking part in the Dance-a-thon.
