The experimental learning program replaces their usual curriculum with a series of business-related activities for an entire week, with students creating innovative product ideas from scratch and marketing them.

From 'Jagzz' thongs to 'Sunny Cycle' shades, the collective effort of the student cohort left ABW facilitators Kara Sergi and Nadine Cox feeling proud.

"I think proud is the best word we can use to describe how we feel about what they've created here," Ms Cox said.

"The way they've come together as groups, worked together, helped and supported each other, it's been great to see."

The theme for Australian Business Week in 2019 was upcycling, so students had to try their hand at creating something new and environmentally friendly, plus sell it to the public.

From Monday through Friday the students worked overtime to deliver their products - creating advertisements, display stalls and business slogans that matched professional standards.

"The week was so stressful," student Chloe Richards said.

"But it was really good, I had lots of fun."

The program saw six groups of 10 to 12 students develop their financial and environmental learning, through a hands-on approach that kept them actively engaged in class.

Each group was supervised by a teacher, known as the mentor, with one student being awarded the privilege of CEO, who delegated tasks to their classmates ensuring maximum productivity.

"The teachers didn't have anything to do with the decision-making," Ms Sergi explained.

"It was run by the kids, for the kids."

The initiative helps teenagers understand how businesses operate, giving them a taste of the high-stakes market involved with running your own organisation.

After the resolution of the program, some students even developed their own hunger for business ownership.

"The kids are already planning for next year," Ms Sergi laughed.

"They all loved it, the week was a very tiring but amazing experience," Ms Cox added.

The students celebrated their hard work with big smiles, a laugh, and a cheeky early lunch break.

READ MORE

***

While you're with us, did you know that you can now receive updates straight to your inbox every Monday at 6am from The Area News? To make sure you're up to date with all the Griffith and MIA news you can sign up here.