VOCATION, VOCATION, VOCATION

PROGRAMME 6: LIAM

ACTIVITIES

Guidance

This programme could be used to teach students about enterprise and would make a good introductory activity. A clip showing Liam giving his presentation to the panel could be used as a preparation exercise before students themselves give a presentation about a subject of their choice. The clip where Liam visits the university could be useful in higher education preparation lessons or to show students before they go on a higher education open day.

Before viewing

Discussion questions for small groups or pairs:

• What skills and qualities would you need to be an entrepreneur and start your own business?
• Which of these skills and qualities do you think you have?
• Discuss the statement, 'There is no point in going to university if you want to start your own business.'

After/during viewing

Some or all of the following activities relate to specific clips from the programme. We regret that we cannot make these clips available on the website. Teachers and other users can access the programmes free of charge from the Channel 4 video on demand service, 4oD (PC only), or the programmes may be taped off air for use in the classroom (see TV listings for the current term's schedule). Please note that the clip times will vary on different viewing platforms and devices.

Activities linked to clips

Video clips will be available on this page shortly.

Download activity sheet for clips 1-4 [Word doc, 48KB]

Apples and pears!
Clip 1: 04.57 – 09.43

• Opens with David saying, 'So it's Liam's first challenge and time to put him through his paces with some good old-fashioned hard work.'
• Closes with David saying, '…but it's all for nothing if he still doesn't know what he wants to do. And that's what we need to look at next.'

Complete the question sheet (included in the downloadable activity sheet) in pairs. Questions repeated below:

Having seen Liam work at the market stall, what other skills and personal qualities does it take to run a successful business?

How successful was he in attracting people to the stall? What did he do? What would you have done to attract more customers?

What does Liam learn from this experience?

Getting down to business
Clip 2: 09.44 – 13.57

• Opens with David saying, 'He says he wants to retire at 30, but he doesn't have a clue about the business that will make that happen.'
• Closes with Anne saying, '…and as difficult as that might be, that has to be his next challenge.'

Complete the question sheet (included in the downloadable activity sheet) in pairs. Questions repeated below:

Liam visits a furniture design business run by two designers who give him lots of tips and advice, but what does he learn from this challenge?

What have the two designers had to do to make a success of their business?

Why is it crucial to feel passionate about the business you are running?

Does Liam have a great idea for a business that he feels passionate about?

How successful is he in designing a piece of furniture? What feedback do the designers give him?

What does Liam need to do if he is to set up his own business?

Presentation skills
Clip 3: 13.59 – 18.38

• Opens with Ann saying, 'Starting a business straight after school is jumping right in it.'
• Closes with Ann saying, 'Before he makes his choice we need to show him what university can offer as well.'

Complete the question sheet (included in the downloadable activity sheet) in pairs. Questions repeated below:

Why would you need to be able to give presentations like this if you were going to be an entrepreneur or businessman?

What was his business idea? How had he thought of this? Was he passionate about it?

How good was his presentation? What did the panel of experts say about his presentation? Complete the following chart. What is your opinion of the following aspects of Liam's presentation:

• His confidence
• Dress
• Body language
• The way he answered questions
• Enthusiasm and passion
• The way he explained his business idea.

In pairs, list five or more golden rules about giving a presentation.

A taste of university
Clip 4: 19.04 – 22.00

• Opens with Ann saying, 'It's time to show Liam what university can do for him.'
• Closes with Ann saying, 'But he has to decide whether this is the path for him or whether he needs to take on the entrepreneur challenge straight away.'

Complete the question sheet (included in the downloadable activity sheet) in pairs. Questions repeated below:

Having visited a university that runs a great business studies degree, Liam is now more interested in higher education. What are the main advantages and disadvantages of going to university and starting a business after school?

What do you think Liam should do after leaving school and why?

What do you think he will decide to do next?