Pictured above: Arrow Vale students during their visit to
Oakland International, Redditch
Arrow Vale High School students dropped in on Midlands firm,
Oakland International, as part of their applied business studies
assignment, spending the morning quizzing staff on a range of
internal and external factors affecting day to day business.
The visit formed an integral part of the student's AS level
assignment and representing one third of their overall grade.
Student host for the day, Oakland's MD Dean Attwell, stated the
company encourages interaction and dialogue with local schools and
colleges: "Oakland is delighted to support educational initiatives
linked to the workplace, and is happy to assist students in their
research."
Oakland is known for its active promotion of greater links
between schools and the business community, supporting other Arrow
Vale students through projects such as language promotion to
students, a key element to student future employment prospects.
Said Dean: "The plan for the students was to explore Oakland's
business platforms and discover key aspects of our business; the
influence of external environmental and economic factors, the use
of market research within our business activities, and how
Oakland's teams work together to deliver a service bespoke to
individual wholesaler, supplier, manufacturer and retailer
needs."
A veteran partner, selected by major retailers and suppliers
across the UK and Ireland, and European wholesale and convenience
markets, Oakland works with multiples such as Sainsbury's, Tesco,
Waitrose, Asda, Morrisons, SPAR, Nisa-Today's, Lidl, Aldi, Iceland,
Somerfield, Landmark, Co-op, Makro, Dunnes, Superquinn, Supervalu
and Musgrave, Oakland's continued support is valued by the
school.
Steve Last Subject Leader for Business: "Leading on from our
successful visit from last year, students again were able to
collect data for their AS level Business assignment. It enables
them to apply various concepts and theories taught in lessons to a
real business and provided essential data they require. They were
able to get a clear understanding of the operation at Oakland and
through interviews with key personnel improve their communication
skills, knowledge and understanding. We are extremely grateful to
Oakland for their continued support and we will be using the
company in the future."
The students' deadline, in which they need to complete their
investigations, is well on target thanks to Oakland's support
despite it being the start of the company's busiest season.
For more information about Oakland International, please visit
their website here: www.oakland-international.com