SWR students enter the Dragons’ Den and win council cash

IN A bid to win a £500 cheque from the local council, pupils from Sir William Romney’s School in Tetbury recently pitched ideas – ranging from vending machines and drama equipment to 3D printers to music recording equipment – in a Dragons’ Den style event.

Tetbury town councillors Sandra Ball (mayor), Dr Tony Walsh (deputy mayor), Stephen Hirst and council administrator Tara Niblett played the role of ‘dragons’ while 12 groups from all years made presentations trying to persuade them to give the allocated £500 kindly donated by the council.

In the end, Year 7s Jack Thorn, Madeleine Wardle and Stella Streetman won the prize for their idea, ‘Make A Movie Day’ and will be able to purchase new cameras and equipment.

Jack commented: “I had no clue our group would win. I thought there were so many good ideas that we didn’t stand a chance. I am flabbergasted and can’t wait to implement our plan.”

Sandra Ball was so impressed by the idea for new drama equipment by Year 7s Sophia Hines, Nell Grant Evans, Matilda Simonin and Layla Jordan that she promised she would donate money from her own Mayoral Fund.

Dr Walsh added that the council would also help find funding for other ideas, including the music recording equipment.

“A huge thanks to the council for donating the £500,” said Year 8 Learning Manager Donna Findlay, who helped organise the event.

“It was so kind of them and a fantastic experience and opportunity for the pupils to get something they feel will benefit them.

“They presented their ideas with confidence and I felt very proud of them all. Jack was in shock when he won and his face was a picture! What is even better is that the councillors spoke to all students and said they could help point them in the direction of funding for their projects – so everyone was a winner.”