Professional Development

Ofsted recommends that schools establish a clear definition of enterprise, commonly understood by staff.

So a London comprehensive organised an in-service day for all its staff which involved visits to look at enterprise values in local organisations as diverse as the Bank of America and Pentonville Prison - and even the DfES. On their return, staff reflected on and debated what enterprise meant to them in their own faculties - arts teachers talking with other arts teachers, science with science. The day ended with a Q"A session with the DIES Enterprise Unit leader.

The teachers appreciated that enterprise education was perfectly compatible with their everyday practice, and everyone could make the changes to their teaching that would let students learn the value of enterprise across the whole curriculum. The training was reinforced and developed throughout the following term, and culminated in a week of displays and events celebrating enterprise in all parts of the school. As a result, the school has transformed its approach to enterprise education.

One teacher commented:

"It sparked a debate which should have started a long time ago."