Mini Company is a key element of first year and Transition Year at Moate Community School. Student Enterprise  provides students with the opportunity to set up their own business and it allows students to combine classroom learning with real life experiences. Students take their business from the idea generation stage, through market research to production, selling, record keeping and management.

On Tuesday 5^th March last, Moate Community School had 4 teams representing the school at the Student Enterprise County Final in Golden Island. They set up their stands, sold to the public and then were interviewed by a panel of judges.

Two Transition Year groups participated in the competition “Beeswax Wraps”- Aoife Bolger, Ava Norris, Zoe Boland and Kayleigh Magee produced beeswax wraps- a sustainable alternative to clingfilm and tinfoil.

“Stress X”- Jack Heavin, Marco Grieco and Joe Cunningham created a range of sensory products to help students de-stress.

Moate Community school won both 1st and 2nd place in the Junior Category. The first place winners will now represent Westmeath in the All-Ireland final in Mullingar in May.

This Mini Company ‘Eco Estate’ is ran first year students Jack McGuinness, Aodhán Cullen, Conor Cunniffe and Will O’Brien. They produced homemade honey and bird boxes. Family history within the group of beekeepers and carpenters influenced the groups business idea.

The mini company that received the second place prize was called ‘Wooden Wonders’. They produced homemade window boxes and wooden products with sustainability at the heart of the business ethos. The group members included Evan Allen, Senan Hatton and Oisin Collins.

It was a very enjoyable day for all and we wish “Eco Estate” every success in the National final.