Students bank on business challenge

Dragons-Den-style design a bank competition at Rastrick High School, with Lloyds Banking Group.
Back, from the left, year eight achievement leader Leo Timmins, Lloyds Banking Group volunteers Lindsey Pollard, Michelle Hedley, Stella French and Gavin Morton. — Dragons-Den-style design a bank competition at Rastrick High School, with Lloyds Banking Group. Back, from the left, year eight achievement leader Leo Timmins, Lloyds Banking Group volunteers Lindsey Pollard, Michelle Hedley, Stella French and Gavin Morton.

Year 8 pupils at Rastrick High School spent the last six weeks working with Lloyds Banking Group business connector for Calderdale Gavin Morton and change services manager Lindsay Pollard to design the ultimate bank, as part of the Design a Bank competition.

The project was aimed at encouraging teamwork, developing communicational skills and understanding of personal finance and customer service.

After each student designed a bank, the best was chosen in the class and all the year 8 forms went head to head in the final competition, with the winning team designing a Despicable Me themed bank.

The winning team were presented with trophies and a £25 voucher each.

Mr Leo Timmins, Year 8 achievement leader, said: “The partnership with Llloyds has been a tremendous success and the Year 8s through themselves into the project and thoroughly enjoyed the contact with real people from a local employer.”

Gavin Morton, said: “It was fantastic to be involved in the project.

“It gives the students the opportunity to learn real life skills.”

While Year 8’s spent time designing banks, Lloyds Bank Banking Group held interview practice sessions for the Year 10 students.

Pupils were faced with 15 minute interviews and a feedback sessions to improve communication skills.