Getting Down to Business

Year 8 Business and Economics students have kicked off their studies this year with a challenge inspired by Canadian Blogger Kyle MacDonald. Kyle MacDonald successfully managed to engage in a series of trades to upgrade from a paperclip to his very own house.

Our Economists and budding Entrepreneurs were introduced to the concepts of scarcity, opportunity cost and barter as part of this challenge and each given a paperclip to begin their journey. Students had one week to see how ‘far’ they could trade up from their paperclip and were asked to document their journeys and present back to the class.

Some of our students showing particularly impressive negotiation skills and bright futures ahead as entrepreneurs include Raphael Soares Padilha, Harrison Clark, Sam Challenor and Bas Woodhill. Raphael managed to trade up from his paperclip to an Angels Baseball shirt.

Harrison engaged in a series of trades that took him from his paperclip to a red pen, from a red pen to $5, from $5 to two Lewis Hamilton Helmet Collectables which he was then able to exchange for $30.

Sam used his negotiating skills to trade up from his paperclip to a pen and glue stick, before obtaining multiple pens and ultimately trading up to a packet of Mentos and $4.60.

Bas worked his way around the College, putting the hard word on his peers and the likes of Mr Warr, Mr Stewart and Mr Thompson to maximise his trade outcomes. He went from a paperclip to an Apple and Cinnamon muffin. He then exchanged it for a packet of Oreos which he was able to then convince Mr Warr to trade for a packet of Caramello Koalas. Ultimately, Bas managed to trade his paperclip all the way up to $24 worth of Timezone vouchers and 20 icey poles!

Mrs Bitossi congratulated them on their impressive work and looks forward to a busy year in the Business Department!

Helen Bitossi, Head of Business, can be contacted by CLICKING HERE.