Ross Smith - Principal, Elanora State High School, QLD
"We have found ABW to be a rich learning task for teenagers, engaging them in 21st Century real life activities. Further, the opportunity for our students to network into the community with the support of our business mentors and sponsors has been invaluable. Finally, I believe the personal gains which students make regarding leadership, teambuilding and self-esteem are very concrete outcomes of the program."
Ms Donna Freak - Teacher, Mercy College Chatswood, NSW
"I thank you again ABW for creating this state program, it's as much an educational tool on the business world as it is an insight into life. I am sure that many participants would agree that when they look back at last year this program would be something they can carry through their lives...
...to sum this up I would say that ABW Enterprise Education program was rewarding for every student that was lucky to have the chance to be involved in it. I feel that the benefits of this intense program will successfully flow into our future lives and career paths."
Melanie Ashford - Student, Wilderness School, SA
"I learned more than ever before. I gained a better understanding of how a company is run in the real world, how to handle problems and make decisions. The intensity of the week was so exciting, exhausting, stressful yet fun and fantastic. It was an excellent experience."
Ayesha Murrey - Student"
It was brilliant. Totally wonderful, I learned so much. If only all education was like this - hands on, practical and simulating real life. Best program I have ever done."
Hamish Wyllie - Student
“It was far better than I’d ever imagined. I gained business knowledge, teamwork and leadership skills as well as confidence in myself. I just thought it was really, really great!”
Teacher
An excellent program that I know from marking journals, has given the students a whole new understanding of the world of work and business and I know from listening to their conversations during the week that now they see the school in a more positive light as well.
Student
For a week it was great to step into the reality of the business world and experience first hand some of the challenges it throws towards us.
Parent
My son who is in year 10 asked me to pay for a course being run at the school. At first I thought “another waste of money” but I am happy to say that I was wrong and I feel very uplifted to see my son interested in school for the first time since year 8.
Teacher
ABW is one of the best opportunities and experiences that will ever be offered to any student. It is a chance to discover qualities and talents about yourself and others, work and form friendships and take on leadership roles and responsibilities all while gaining insight to the world of business.
Student
ABW was a key impact in my senior schooling studies and was one of the more predominant events that shaped my skills, proficiency and overall perspective of business and its industry.
Parent
My son goes to school every day unhappy and comes home the same. I came home from work on the Monday and he was bouncing around all excited about the business he was running. He sat down and told me all about it and asked what I thought. He is now really into his school work and I can see that ABW has built his confidence.
Teacher
The ABW program provided students with a real life situation, which was conducted in a manner that meant the learning process was made enjoyable, challenging and fun.
Student
ABW was a fantastic challenge. I learnt about myself, others and the modern day in business world. I gained valuable skills that will be priceless to me for the rest of my life. ABW is an opportunity that everyone should take advantage of.
Parent
I find it hard to describe the pleasure I receive from seeing my son experience a little of the life that is out there waiting for him. He said to me “I know how you feel after a hard day at the office”. This meant a lot to me and I encourage more people to participate in more life related programs like ABW.
Teacher
ABW is an exciting program for ‘the real world’. The social and team work skills that students develop as a result of working with team members they did not previously know is one of the very significant benefits being provided by this program.
Student
Before the ABW program I had no confidence, organisation or direction in my life. ABW taught me how to become a leader and utilise my skills in creating a team that runs efficiently. It has taught me how to be a professional in projects I take on and has not only ensured me a bright future but has really improved my way of life.
Parent
I would like to congratulate ABW for having a program like this. I can see many benefits to my son already. The most obvious is an increase in his confidence and a greater certainty that his future will be in business. I believe this is a valuable program and I thank ABW for offering this.
Teacher
It was an absolute delight to see students growing in confidence as they tackled challenges and tasks for the first time.
Parent
The program increased my daughters’ confidence and alerted peers and staff of her hidden talents. She also learnt a lot about her self and it has opened her eyes to the world of business. I cannot recommend ABW highly enough to prospective parents.
Teacher
Many of the participants had no idea they would be capable of designing an eye catching trade display, interpreting a balance sheet and making decisions. Problems were faced and resolved, often with great ingenuity and always as the result of a team effort.
Teacher
ABW provides a wonderful opportunity for students to foster relationships with the community through business mentors and to hone their networking skills.
Teacher
The culmination of the weeks activities allowed many students to experience the world of business from a different perspective. If only all school learning could be such an exciting and rewarding experience for students.
Teacher
For all students the understanding that each member of their team had different strengths and yet all could contribute to the teams success was a valuable lesson on using the talents that are available. .
