This year, as we look forward to the upcoming re-launch of our entrepreneurship co-curricular program, it seems timely to reflect on St Andrew’s broader strategy for developing entrepreneurial skills in our students.

In the spirit of fostering a forward-thinking and inclusive educational environment, St Andrew's is dedicated to preparing our students for a future marked by innovation and leadership. Our approach to entrepreneurship in education weaves together curricular initiatives, extracurricular opportunities and community engagement, crafting an ecosystem that nurtures the entrepreneurial spirit from multiple angles. We aim to prepare our students not just for the jobs of today but also for creating the opportunities of tomorrow; and we know that many of our students express an aspiration to be business owners.

A recent highlight in our calendar, the 'Engage and Elevate' Business Breakfast epitomised this commitment. Hosted at the Sunshine Beach Surf Club, this event brought together 120 guests many of whom are entrepreneurs themselves, to share insights and inspirations with our community. Mark Visser, renowned for his achievements beyond the surf delivered a presentation on resilience, mental health, and the pursuit of the 'impossible.' His message underscored the values we instil in our students: resilience, innovation, and the belief that no dream is too ambitious.

Also in attendance at the breakfast were students from our Future Ambitions program. This program ensures that students pursuing high-level sports, creative endeavours, or innovative business ideas receive the tailored support they need to excel. Recognising the diverse talents and interests of our students, we offer support to these students that range from mentoring and workshops to networking opportunities and beyond.

Our curriculum reflects a broad philosophy of entrepreneurship, integrating essential skills such as innovation, financial literacy, and problem-solving across various subjects. We aim to build entrepreneurship skills and capabilities not only in dedicated subjects such as Entrepreneurship (offered in Years 9 and 10), but also in other areas of the curriculum such as Economics and Business and the suite offered by Creative Industries. Our market day events, and 'shark tank' style pitches put students in the shoes of entrepreneurs, offering hands-on experiences that are invaluable for developing real-world skills and mindsets. This, along with our emphasis on entrepreneurship competitions, allows our students to test their ideas in real-world scenarios, giving them the opportunity to gain recognition and build confidence.

This year, we are excited to be re-launching the 'SAINTpreneurs' co-curricular program. With close mentoring and links to industry, students will have the freedom to genuinely develop businesses they are passionate about and become 'Young Business Leaders'. This gives them the chance to kick-start their business goals and fast-track their entry to entrepreneurship competitions and is open to students from Year 7 through to Year 12.

Our approach to entrepreneurship is designed to prepare our students for success in an ever-changing world. Parents and community members are an invaluable part of this, your encouragement, insights, and experiences enrich our students' learning journey, providing them with the inspiration and support needed to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions. Together, we are cultivating a future where our students can lead with innovation, resilience, and a profound sense of social responsibility.

If you are interested in learning more, please explore the following links to St Andrew’s Entrepreneurship Strategy and the SAINTpreneurs co-curricular program.