A REIGATE school says it is the first in the county to teach business from Year 7 as an addition to its usual curriculum.
From September, Year 7 students at Dunottar School for Girls will study business as an "enrichment subject", with studies rolling in to Years 8 and 9.
Head teacher Nikki Matthews said: "Girls joining Year 7 in 2014 will enter the job market in 2024 and retire in 2077 at least.
"We can only prepare pupils for a world we don't yet know, for jobs which do not yet exist, using technologies not yet invented, solving problems we can't begin to imagine, by giving them the transferable thinking and interpersonal skills that extend beyond paper qualifications.
"To achieve this, we have a unique programme based around our changing economy – whether it be creative, financial or industrial. All our girls will go on to be involved in some sort of business in their future lives and we believe it is important to prepare them for this."
The course has been designed by Nicola Wintle, who heads A-level business and economics teaching at the school.
Mrs Wintle said: "It will cover topics ranging from how to successfully run a small business to the use of branding by large multinational entities via lessons on personal finance and the value of strategic planning. An inspiring programme of outside speakers will enhance the taught curriculum to give students a real insight into the way businesses work."
