Dragon’s Den style challenge tests marketing students

What makes a great business pitch? Learners at Capital City College (CCC)’s Westminster centre faced a new challenge with their Introduction to Marketing course this year.

Georgia Puckett, Sensory Science and Nutrition Lecturer at CCC, is the module leader for the Access to HE Business Studies. She explained:

“This year we have revamped the curriculum to include all learning styles and to bring innovative learning for our students. Our Business Studies students worked very hard to interpret two units of the diploma – Introduction to Marketing and Market Analysis in a creative, innovative and fun way.

“In Introduction to Marketing, the students went out and created an advert for a product that they later pitched to ‘investors’ in a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style. The ‘dragons’ were members of our department as well as colleagues from other departments, which was really good to see. It was a fun day and we all learned from one another.”

One of the popular courses at CCC is Business Studies, where students learn about business organisation and structure, human resources management, management and leadership, and more. They can also expand their knowledge by taking part in debates, writing business letters, compiling an HR staff handbook, and wellbeing leaflets for employees.

Elham Noori, who is studying Business – Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma, said: “From the very beginning, this course has been more than just a route to university for me. It’s been a space of transformation, challenge, and support. Georgia and her team have created an environment where students are not only taught the subject matter, but truly guided — with passion, care, and belief in our potential.

“I have grown not just academically, but personally. I have had the chance to explore meaningful projects like launching a sustainable tech business and have been encouraged every step of the way. I have also developed confidence, time management, and resilience; all skills that helped me run a marathon and keep pushing for a future at King’s College London.”

Georgia added, “The Access to Business Studies at CCC is a course like no other. It is an all-rounder and robust programme of studies that comprehensively prepares our students for academic life at university. The units of the course are varied and diverse and we have responded to all learning styles in innovative ways.

“The assessments stretch and enrich the students’ academic and creative abilities, as they range from essay writing, report writing, writing persuasive business letters to interactive quizzes, creating leaflets with relevant advice for stress management in the workplace, creating adverts, pitching their business in front of a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style panel, conducting debates, academic poster presentations in front of an audience and so on.

“We are even doing an oral exam, old-school thinking meets Gen-Z energy, for adding authenticity and counteracting AI in writing. There is something for everyone to get stuck in!”

Want to develop your business skills? Have a look at our range of Business and Professional Services courses. 

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