Chester Zoo was the unusual location for a Year 11 Business Studies trip this week, as Rydal Penrhos pupils examined marketing, accounting and customer retention.
Accompanied by Mr Sanders, the group visited Chester Zoo Education Centre where they heard from a Zoo representative who discussed the significance of visitor numbers in order to cover the cost of running the Zoo, highlighting the importance of continual and creative marketing campaigns. Pupils were challenged to analyse the recent rebranding exercise carried out by the Zoo and the impact it’s had on advertising campaigns, in turn gaining wider appreciation for the importance of marketing.
A second lecture concentrated on customer care. With a return rate of 75%, it is vital that each customer at the Zoo is impressed with their overall experience to ensure future return visits. Pupils completed exercises on monitoring and improving customer care, which developed their understanding of its significance within a business.
Meeting experts and going on educational trips, like Chester Zoo, are essential elements for learning and absorbing knowledge at Rydal Penrhos School.
The Economics and Business Studies department at the School consists of three dedicated teachers, all of whom aim to provide an effective and stimulating environment in which to carry out their teaching. This enables pupils the ability to transition throughout their education from GCSE to A-level or IB, some choosing to carry this further to University and a prosperous career
From Year 9, pupils have the chance to take part in enterprise and young apprentice business societies, whilst further up the school team building, leadership days and clubs are all aimed to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit within each pupil. The Rydal Penrhos Society has also set up a new career mentoring scheme which allows pupils to get in touch with Career Mentors for advice on their chosen field. The Mentors are former pupils who have volunteered to dedicate their free time to help give advice, answer questions or under some circumstances provide work experience for pupils from the school as they choose their future career paths.