Bromsgrove School in Worcestershire have won the national final of the ICAEW Business, Accounting and Skills Education (BASE) competition.
The team of six beat off competition from twenty nine other schools to be crowned 2011 BASE champions. The event, which took place yesterday (Thursday 30th June) at The Hilton Metropole Hotel in Birmingham, followed twenty six regional heats, which saw sixth form schools and colleges from around the UK compete to be in with a chance of reaching the grand final.
Aimed at 16-18 year olds BASE links schools, students and employers together in a bid to, not only to increase awareness of a career in business and finance, but to develop desirable skills in the future workforce. Assuming the role of chartered accountants, the students had just 1.5 hours to analyse, discuss and decide on the next steps of a fictional organisation before presenting their ideas to a panel of business professionals.
Commenting on the day Brian Boswell, a member of the Birmingham Society of Chartered Accountants, were the concept for the business game originated from, said: “The business game succeeds in showing chartered accountancy as a quality profession. It gives students a real insight into the world of work and provides them with important careers information. It gives me real hope to see the application and commitment of so many young people working as part of a team, which speaks volumes for the future of the profession.”
After the competition participants were invited to attend a celebratory dinner and awards presentation. Commenting on their win Roberta Keys, who teaches Business and Economics at Bromsgrove School, said: “One of the real magic points of this competition was seeing the blend of skills as the students worked together. This team shone because they really played to their strengths, be that research, numbers or presentational skills. Each gave 100% and were deserved winners.”
In addition to being crowned national BASE champions students from Bromsgrove School each received a cash prize of £500 towards their education and a visit to Chartered Accountants Hall, where they will enjoy a celebratory lunch and get the chance to meet and interview ICAEW Chief Executive, Michael Izza.
St Olaves Grammar School in Kent was named runner up and each student received a £100 prize for their efforts.
Other awards on the night included: Best Creative Ideas which went to Devonport High School for Boys in Plymouth;
Most Charismatic Performance which was awarded to Wales High School in Sheffield; Best Presentation which was picked up by Lady Eleanor Holles School in Middlesex; Best Business Recommendations which went to East Norfolk Sixth Form College in Great Yarmouth and Most Organised Team which was awarded to Balcarras School in Cheltenham.
Photo: BASE 2011 Winners Bromsgrove-School
The competition was made possible thanks to sponsorship from AAT, BDO, Directions, Ernst & Young, Grant Thornton, Kaplan Business School, PKF, PWC and SMAART, all of whom were represented on the day.
For further information about BASE please visit www.careers.icaew.com/events/BASE. Further images are available on request.