Waconians tackle social impact challenges in Next Gen Waconian event

Designed to broaden pupils’ understanding of diverse career paths, the day was supported by Old Waconians, featuring a panel Q&A, interactive workshops, and networking over lunch.

The day kicked off with an inspiring keynote address from Old Waconian Evie Waxman, Class of 2012 and founder of D*MN GOOD. Evie shared her personal journey and offered invaluable insights into the realities of facing a real Dragons Den and her top tips for aspiring business owners

The Old Waconian panel then generously shared their insights, fielding questions ranging from overcoming setbacks to the impact of A.I. in various industries. Alongside Evie were Old Wacs Patrick Davenport-Jenkins (Class of 2013), Will Rosen (Class of 1985), Amanda Newman (Class of 1992), Matt Marfani (Class of 2010), Evie Ioannides (Class of 2014), Wasim Ashraf (Class of 2006), Naisha Vora (Class of 2024) and Matthew Batterbury (Class of 2010).

The core of the day saw pupils divided into teams, tasked with developing a social impact project, product or business with an aim of making the world a better place. The 35 teams then transformed initial concepts into impressive pitches, ready to face our Old Waconian ‘dragons’. From apps to promote reading to cutting-edge pollution solutions, pupils stepped into the Dragon’s Den to share their ideas. 

We are also incredibly grateful for the support of OWs Vicky Cunningham (Class of 1987) and Emma Henderson (Class of 2004) as additional workshop leads, and Tom Appleton (Class of 1994), Emma Hardy (Class of 1986) and Oliver Rayner (Class of 2002) as additional alumni dragons. 

Well done to all pupils who took part, and a special congratulations to the two winners of the day Bookworm and EAR!