E-learning specialist helps pupils develop business and green skills

E-learning solutions provider Marked Improvement E-learning has teamed up with an education enterprise specialist to create a green shop, which teaches primary school children how to run a business – as well as care for the environment.

The Derby agency has supported Pupils Profit to launch Eco Refill Shops in school.

The initiative involves primary school pupils (typically in Year 5 and 6) setting up and operating their own Eco Refill shop, with parents and the local community as customers.

The pupils do everything from price setting, to marketing, to stock-taking and re-ordering – with teacher supervision kept to a minimum where possible.

The aim of the initiative is to allow youngsters to develop not only entrepreneurial skills but also green skills.

The original idea for the Eco Refill Shops came from Lizzie Gimblett, the founder of Pupils Profit.

Marked Improvement has been working closely with her over the last 18 months to develop the digital platform that forms the hub of each shop.

This includes what Marked Improvement believes is the first e-commerce system designed specifically for use by 10-year-olds.

So far, the initiative has been taken up by councils across the country, from London to Greater Manchester.

Charles Shields, director at Marked Improvement, said: “We were delighted to team up with Pupils Profit on this project.

“As well as developing entrepreneurial skills, the children learn green skills – and can see clearly the impact their actions are having on cutting down on single-use plastic waste.

“There has already been a great deal of positive feedback from schools and councils, as well as positive coverage in the media.”

Marked Improvement sets up, hosts, supports and maintains online learning platforms for clients across the corporate and public sectors.

Originally part of the University of Derby, the firm became an independent company in 2015.

Based in Derby, with an office in Barcelona, Marked Improvement has clients across the UK and Europe. Its local clients include Toyota Manufacturing UK, Royal Derby Hospital and the university.

To find out more about the Eco Refill Shops visit  https://ecorefillshop.com/.