Students at a private school participated in a Shark Tank-style pitch competition as part of a module on entrepreneurship.

Known as Enterprise Week, the hybrid programme inspired by the American business reality television series combines business studies and design and technology.

The school contest split 54 students into groups of three that complete against one another.

Each group was tasked with creating a product and developing a business plan for how they could turn a profit by selling their product. The students created an array of items, including children’s toys, jewellery boxes, pet supplies, bags and technology storage.

Elyse Rayner, a secondary business studies teacher, said: “Enterprise Week is a testament to the incredible potential within our students. It's about more than just winning, it's about embracing the process — creativity, collaboration and the entrepreneurial spirit. I'm immensely proud of all the teams for their hard work and innovation.”

Starting with a preliminary round of pitches, each group had to present their product to their peers and a panel of judges, including teaching staff and entrepreneurs from Ignite Bermuda.

From the first round, six groups were selected to advance to the final. The groups were encouraged to adjust their pitch presentations based on feedback given.

The final panel of judges was expanded to include Rachel Nightingale and Aleisha Hollis, representing Walkers (Bermuda), which sponsored the event. The finalists were also permitted to invite family members along to join the audience of their peers.

First place was awarded to Aki Holders for a portable jewellery storage presented by Iona van Niekerk, Kiara Buckley and Ava Ritchie.

Night Owl, a sleepover-themed game box created by Maya Williams-Johnson, Carla Futter and Poppy Martin, was awarded second place.

Maggie Adderley, Rielle Gaglio and Journee Belboda, who pitched Tails and Trails, a pet storage solution, were awarded third place.

Each of the winning teams will receive a cash prize courtesy of Walkers (Bermuda), and mentorship hours donated by Ignite Bermuda.

Rachel Nightingale, Walkers partner and training committee co-chair, said: "Walkers is delighted to have been a headline sponsor for the first-ever BHS business pitch competition.

“Aleisha Hollis, an associate at Walkers Bermuda, and I enjoyed the opportunity to judge the impressive and innovative pitches presented by the students. We are proud to provide guidance and inspire future female entrepreneurs in our community."

Georgia Rego, programme manager, added: “Ignite Bermuda is thrilled to have been a part of the first Enterprise Week pitch competition.

“We’re really proud to have so many of our alumna represent as guest judges and volunteer mentors, knowing that they bring invaluable experience and enthusiasm with them.

“We’re excited to see how this collaboration enables the continued growth and development of aspiring entrepreneurs in our community. Congratulations to all of the girls who pitched."

The Enterprise Week competition will continue to be an annual event for the Year 9 students.