1. (c) Swanlea School, 2007 UK Virtual Enterprise Network Simon Firth, Swanlea School

2. (c) Swanlea School, 2007 The idea… To allow students to develop more ambitious Business ideas than YE or other mini-enterprise projects. To reflect how a business really works.

3. (c) Swanlea School, 2007 Turning the idea into reality We have paired up with one of the Business teams at Merrill Lynch. Our virtual enterprise will mirror their trading unit – including the back office function. The students will receive training at Merrill's and we are due to start trading in September.

4. (c) Swanlea School, 2007 How does it work? A virtual enterprise network already exists and contains thousands of practice firms from across Europe. The idea is that Virtual BusinessesTrade with each other in their own enclosed economy according to strict commercial principles.

5. (c) Swanlea School, 2007 Key Functions European Telecommunications Network for Virtual Businesses Database Mailbox ISDN Modem Telephone analogue Practice Firm Modem ISDN Telephone digital Disc ISDN Telephone digital EGNI UK Central Office Practice Firm Clearing Centre Mail ISDN WW Central Offices Telephone analogue World wide Network of Practices Firms

6. (c) Swanlea School, 2007 Key Reasons for Joining the UK network of Virtual Business

7. (c) Swanlea School, 2007 Why Join the Network of Practice Companies and Virtual Firms? It gives a wide breadth of learning and teaching strategies. It enables a variety of assessment opportunities to be developed. It gives flexibility to the delivery of courses with complementary but different qualification aims. It enables inclusivity and a holistic approach to education. It can be used to promote languages and bilingual curriculum.

8. (c) Swanlea School, 2007 Employees learn to work as a team, and develop inter-personnel skills in working with others. They improve their learning experience by performing the various Business Tasks. They are involved in Problem Solving with their colleagues as well as with their customers and suppliers. KEY SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

9. (c) Swanlea School, 2007 Key Questions Post or pre 16 Do students become employees? Does the curriculum become staff development? Whats in it for the students? Can VE be used as credit in any qualifications?