Sponsors
Week 1
Team name: Monkwray Monkeys
Tell us what you have been doing this week
We met with Gary this week and started thinking about our project.
We told Gary about our big celebration of 150 years coming up and that we wanted to tie our business idea into this too.
We discussed different options for products we could create and we decided on our Coffee and chat to be our big sales day.
What did you learn this week?
Gary introduced himself and told us about his job
We talked about the difference between a business and a social enterprise
What did you find difficult this week?
Week 2
Tell us what you have been doing this week
NO VISIT/PROGRESS THIS WEEK DUE TO RESIDENTIAL WEEK
What did you learn this week?
What did you find difficult this week?
Week 3
Tell us what you have been doing this week
This week we decided on the products that we are going to create.
We have decided that we are going to create beaded pens/bookmarks and keyrings to sell at our coffee and chat and we ordered the materials that we need.
We have also decided to create a 'make your own station' so that people can either buy ready made items or they can make their own.
We have also launched a mug design competition in school as Mrs Willis would like to purchase a mug to commemorate our big birthday for every child in school. Graham have agreed to help us with the pricing of this.
What did you learn this week?
We talked about making a profit and thought about how much money we are spending and what we can sell the products for.
What did you find difficult this week?
We found it hard to agree on pricing as we want to make a profit but don't want to sell things for too much money either.
We started looking into charities and are trying to decide who to choose.
Week 4
Tell us what you have been doing this week
We submitted our mug designs to the printers and ordered them. Graham, have helped us with the costing of the mugs initially and school are going to buy them back off us!!
Not so much progress this week as Mrs Holt had an appointment so Gary could not come in at our usual time.
What did you learn this week?
What did you find difficult this week?
Week 5
Tell us what you have been doing this week
CELEBRATION WEEK!!
We created our beaded pens, keyrings and bookmarks and sold them at our coffee and chat. We made £123.
We did not have enough materials to create the 'build your own' station, which was a shame.
What did you learn this week?
What did you find difficult this week?
We did not have enough materials to create the 'build your own' station, which was a shame.
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
What did you learn this week?
What did you find difficult this week?
Week 8
Tell us what you have been doing this week
What did you learn this week?
What did you find difficult this week?
Week 9
Tell us what you have been doing this week
We have decided that we are going to donate half of our profits to HIghfield house which is a local care home which we have a good relationship with already. We are hoping that the profits will be used for crafting activities for the residents etc.,
What did you learn this week?
This week, we learned the importance of researching local charities and local causes to understand their impact. We considered which options match our values and discussed how to check credibility and use of funds. This helped us make an informed decision and showed how giving can make a difference.
What did you find difficult this week?
We found it difficult to choose between local charities and local causes as many were equally deserving. It was also challenging to agree as a group and compare how each uses donations effectively.
For pupils to answer:
In one sentence please tell us what bright stars has meant to you?
Bright Stars has helped me build confidence, work as part of a team, and understand how we can use our ideas to make a real difference in our school and community.
For teachers to answer:
Can you tell us the impact this programme has had on your school?
The Bright Stars Programme has had a highly positive impact on our school, developing pupils’ confidence, teamwork, and understanding of enterprise. It has provided meaningful, real‑life learning experiences, strengthened relationships across the school community, and empowered pupils to see how their ideas can create positive change both within school and in the wider community.
Please provide your business plan.
Please provide your marketing plan.
Please provide your finance report/template.
Charity name/money donated to.
Highfield House - Whitehaven
Final profit (minus the £50 seed funding).
£620
Prize categories and reasons
Best team work, collaboration and leadership
Our school demonstrated outstanding teamwork, collaboration, and leadership. Pupils worked together across craft, marketing, design, and finance teams, supporting each other and sharing ideas. Strong pupil leadership and a shared goal led to a successful, inclusive social enterprise.
Most profitable social enterprise
Our social enterprise was highly profitable through strong planning, teamwork, and smart pricing. By selling handmade crafts and anniversary mugs, we generated income while keeping costs low, ensuring funds could be reinvested to benefit the school and wider community.
