Enterprise

Enterprise
In St. Mark's we approach Enterprise Education as an integral part of the curriculum, developing Enterprise skills through creative and critical thinking, careers education, active PSD and citizenship, as well as "stand alone" topics.
We are about to embark on some new enterprise activities this term from October to Christmas. P1: Personalised Christmas tree baubles P.5/6 Reindeer Food	Schools across Scotland are showcasing their enterprise activities this month of November.
	In addition to our commercial enterprise activities, and using our Environmental studies topic as a focus, children will create a character with an occupation that uses and develops the skills they will learn from that topic. This character will be developed through a cross curricular approach- for example through art and drama. E.g P.6 Topic- France Occupation- Translator for BBC News P.3/4 Topic- "Including Others" Occupation, Teacher, Samaritans
Enterprising People are: Self-aware/aware of others Team players Decision makers Responsible Driven to achieve Independent Creative Able to use initiative Positive Good Communicators Flexible Risk takers Resilient Co-operative Able to cope with change	Upper school pupils developing their enterprising skills on an Outward Bound day : working together; being reliable; being trustworthy; co-operating and working well with others.
We at St. Mark's want the best for each of our pupils and we are determined to encourage a "can do" attitude that will equip our children with essential life-skills making them: Active citizens Effective employees, employers and entrepreneurs in the future Lifelong learners
As well as providing our pupils with positive learning experiences, Enterprise Education improves achievement and attainment too.
How?
As well as providing the best possible Enterprise Education for our pupils in the classroom, we use other "Real Resources" too.
Business Links
We now have "Partnership Agreements" with 3 links which have provided support and encouragement to our pupils including visits to their place of work and visits from them to the classroom to talk about their work. These links are with:
Mr Scott McCormick of McCormick Printers
Mr John McLaughlin, "The Govan Chairman"
Mr Thomas Kearins, Musician
Mrs Theresa Kearins, Personal Shopper at Debenhams
Parents
Our parents provide invaluable support and time to our school and we always encourage more to come forward and share their skills and expertise. Most recently, parents have helped out with our new Eco Garden. In the past we have had a very successful "Bring your dad to school day" which provides a fantastic careers education opportunity.
Community
This summer every class in St. Mark's is taking part in the Barrhead Gala Day by producing something to sell at our stall. In the past we have also had a float on the day.
The Enterprising School
First impressions are inviting and welcoming The atmosphere is busy, exciting, and it's fun to be there! There is a positive environment of achievement Everyone is valued and is encouraged to develop a positive set of values Each person is unique, is listened to and given respect for who they are Each individual is encouraged to realise their potential Everyone is involved and given ownership for their part Creativity and initiative are encouraged Everyone looks for opportunities to improve Everyone is expected to take responsibility and to be an independent learner Visitors are welcomed There is a commitment by all to achieve agreed goals	Enterprise activities are fun!
An enterprising school is a smart, successful school
If you feel that you have anything to offer us at St. Mark's as a parent, carer or grandparent please contact our Enterprise Co-ordinator, Gillian Hamilton. Even if you don't know what you could do to help, we could give you lots of suggestions!