Pupils asked to design new toy

Youngsters will get their creative juices flowing when they’re tasked with designing a new toy.

Around 200 primary seven pupils are set to take part in the two-day enterprise event being held at the University of the West of Scotland.

It’s is being delivered by the Paisley campus in collaboration with Renfrewshire Council.

The workshop is designed to develop the creative confidence of every child in Scotland and encourage them to embrace entrepreneurship.

Pupils will be in teams of six and be tasked with designing a toy, emphasising the profile of the market, the distinctive features of the toy and, finally, pitching their final product to a panel of judges, comprising academics from UWS.

Prizes will be up for grabs for the top three teams on each day.

The teachers will also select two pupils per day who started the day nervous or shy, but who went on to stand out as a key team player.

Dr Sandra Hill, assistant dean (education) of the school of business and enterprise, said: “We are delighted to be hosting this event for a second year, which will stimulate the pupils to think outside the box and inspire them to become creative, inventive and innovative.

“This event highlights the key role played by our Enterprise Academy in engaging with educational partners and local young people to promote enterprise activity and to hopefully inspire them to become the entrepreneurs and business leaders of future Scotland.”

R aymond Ka n e, o f Renfrewshire Council, said: “This initiative demonstrates the strong partnership that exists between UWS, Renfrewshire Council and schools.

“Our young people deserve the very best opportunities which support the development of their skills and confidence, in environments that will engage and excite them.

“This particular event will encourage young people to think differently and to consider how an enterprising attitude can help them on their learning journey.”