The penultimate week of term saw the conclusion to the Farlington Apprentice 2012 starting on Wednesday 27th June. The winning team previously selected (as reported in the last issue of the Focus) comprised Ellie Burnell-Price Annie Hart, Kate Jones, Rachel Nash, Bella Zanin and Adeline Zhang.
The girls started with a series of challenges set by Justine and Tracey Harris of Harris Lord Recruitment in Horsham. These included a team challenge; writing their CV’s and a letter of application for work experience, interview training – where the importance of positive body language and a firm handshake was stressed.
All of these activities were scored objectively and sadly at the end of the first day two girls left the process.
The remaining four travelled to Eagle 96.4 – a commercial radio station based in Guildford – where after a whistle stop tour the girls were tasked with designing, scripting, recording and pitching an advert for the “Make a Wish Foundation”, a charity who grant wishes to children and young people fighting life threatening conditions.
The girls all rose to the challenge admirably, and produced some brilliant adverts which really pulled at the heartstrings. Once again, however, two had to eliminated from the process. The finalists Annie Hart and Bella Zanin were tasked by Gary Shipton, Editor in Chief, Sussex Newspapers to develop a business plan to create a cultural centre of excellence at Farlington School.
They had to explain their idea, how it would be funded, how to promote and publicise and how it would enhance Farlington’s reputation. Both girls delivered excellent well thought through presentations ably assisted by the other Apprentice finalists, and although it was very close ultimately their can only be one winner. This year’s Farlington Apprentice winner was Bella Zanin whose innovative idea of an outdoor activity centre “Climb Higher” along with her skilled presentation ensured victory.
Gary Shipton, Editor In Chief of the West Sussex County Times group and a judge of the Apprentice competition at Farlington School, praised the very high standard set by all the entrants. "Year after year Farlington produces excellent finalists who combine clear logic and wonderful creativity in their presentations. They are self-assured, intelligent, and focused – a great credit to their school."