The 1908 Club: Dragons’ Den Initiative
- Bridging the gap between education and industry
- Sponsored by local businesses and our Alumni network
- Become a 'Dragon' join our panel and judge the winner
What Is Dragons’ Den?
- Funds are Donated by Alumni & Local Businesses
- Students develop a business style proposal that must 'Bridge the gap between Education & Industry'
- Students pitch ideas to industry experienced Alumni
- Finalists present to Dragons for school investment to make your their idea come to life
- Selected Dragons from our Alumni network sit on a panel with Head Techer and Alumni Co-ordinator
- Final winning idea rolled out to make live the investment and cement into ongoing school life
- A legacy of support for the students at the school
How It Works for Students
- Brainstorm ideas in class
- Create your own project concept
- Submit your pitch via Microsoft Form to Jo Bell & Mr Furness • Top finalists pitch to The 1908 Club Dragons
- Winner receives investment from the school
Personal skills students develop
- Learn how professionals think and make decisions
- Gain confidence presenting to senior stakeholders
- Explain and justify ideas clearly and persuasively
Real-World Skills Students Build
- Analyse problems and evaluate solutions
- Design realistic action plans
- Understand budgets, costs, feasibility, and ROI
- Practice a professional-style pitch process
- Experience deadlines, feedback, resilience
- Mirror what happens in start-ups and corporate innovation teams
Teamwork & Leadership
- Work in teams and delegate tasks
- Take ownership of a full project lifecycle
- Lead with confidence from concept to pitch
Students thinking about their future
- Influence how real funds are spent
- Make meaningful improvements to the school
- Build a portfolio for UCAS, apprenticeships, CVs, and interviews
Your Impact as a Dragon Donor
- Fresh perspectives & exposure to young people's attitudes & ideas
- Enhanced professional reputation
- Personal fulfilment & legacy building
- Giving back and improving students outcomes
- Leaving a lasting legacy at the school you once attended
- Expand your own network, supporting alongside other alumni
Ready to Start?
- Please do contact Jo Bell on alumni@twbs.co.uk with any specific queries