Pupils at Thames Ditton Junior School were given the challenge of coming up with innovative ways of making money last week.

Each class at the Mercer Close school was given a budget of £20 and pupils were then given guidance on basic principles of business before conducting market research to develop products that would sell at a profit.

Using skills taught in core areas of the curriculum, including maths, design and technology, literacy and art, pupils came up with a product development plan, which included marketing, pricing and design.

Top sellers included picture frames, rock pets, coasters, hot plates, bookmarks and tea light holders.

The school said the event had been a huge success, with some classes raising £200.

Headteacher Nick Fry said: “The children had a fantastic week, working with true team spirit and the atmosphere on sale day was electric. It was encouraging to see pupils of all age groups really getting into the idea of coming up with some innovative and money making ways of raising funds for their classrooms.”

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