The Gold Level in 2020

Announcement made on 19/02/2020

The Gold Level has a new look in 2020. Read this article to find out all about it!

First of all, it’s important to know that the Gold Level is only for business teams which have already achieved the Bronze Level and the Silver Level. If you have not yet achieved the Bronze Level and the Silver Level you need to do that before taking on the Gold Level.

 

So, what’s new on the Gold Level in 2020?

There are 3 main changes to the Gold Level in 2020. You can see a very brief summary of the changes just below. Please make sure to read the whole article so you know what to expect from the Gold Level this year!

1. The 3 steps are now called ‘Business Idea’, ‘Business Plan’ and ‘Annual Report’ (instead of ‘Strategic Plan’, ‘Mid-Year Review’ and ‘Annual Report’)
2. There are now 14 Gold Level Business Guides (instead of just 3)
3. The timeline to complete the level is much shorter (you no longer need to allow 6 months between submissions)

 

The 3 steps of the Gold Level

Step 1: Business Idea

Step 2: Business Plan

Step 3: Annual Report

Note to those who took part on the Gold Level previously (in 2018 and/or 2019): The 3 steps of the Gold Level are no longer called ‘Strategic Plan’, ‘Mid-Year Review’ and ‘Annual Report’.

You might notice that these are the same names as the 3 steps of the Bronze Level and the Silver Level. In fact, the submission templates are also very similar too. However, to get your Gold Level certificate you’ll need to show that you have done the following:

And remember, whilst completing your submission templates you should regularly refer back to the Gold Level Achievement Criteria. It tells you exactly what the judges look for in an ‘exceptional’ submission!

 

The Gold Level Business Guides

There are 14 Business Guides to support you through the Gold Level and help you achieve your Gold Level certificate.

The table below shows which Business Guides relate to which step:

You can the topics covered in each of the Gold Level Business Guides by clicking here.

Note to those who took part on the Gold Level previously (in 2018 and/or 2019): Before you had only 3 Business Guides but now we have broken them into 14 smaller, easy-to-use Business Guides. These new Gold Business Guides are full of lesson activities, top tips and examples from other Gold participants!

 

The Gold Level timeline

The timeline of the Gold Level is as follows:

 

Note to those who took part on the Gold Level previously (in 2018 and/or 2019): This is probably where you’ll notice the biggest change. You no longer need to allow 6 months between submissions which means that you can get your Gold Level certificate within one school year! 

You can find out more about the Gold Level timeline, including when the submission dates are by clicking here.

 

Why did we decide to make these changes?

These changes were made based on feedback from schools taking part on the Gold Level in 2018 and 2019.

We gathered the thoughts and suggestions of Gold Level participants (teachers and students) through surveys as well as focus groups and individual consultations.

This was a collaborative process throughout and the final changes to the Gold Level were run past and approved by the Global Advisory Panels before being implemented from February 2020.

The School Enterprise Challenge team would like to sincerely thank all those who were involved!

 

How to take part on the Gold Level in 2020

You must have already achieved the Bronze Level and the Silver Level in order to take part on the Gold Level in 2020.

If you are new to the Gold Level in 2020 (i.e you achieved the Silver Level in 2019), you will need to register by clicking here (make sure to enter the username you used in 2019 in order to have the option of selection ‘Gold’ as your level of participation in 2020). So don’t delay, make sure you register by 31^st March 2020. We wish you all the best on your Gold Level journey!

If you started participating on the Gold Level in 2019 (i.e you registered AND submitted at least your Strategic Plan) and are continuing your participation in 2020, you do not need to register again. Your online account (the one you used in 2019) remains active and your username and password remain the same. Simply click here to log in to your online account and download the new 2020 Gold Level materials (Business Guides and Submission Templates).

 

Do you have any questions about the Gold Level or the School Enterprise Challenge in general?

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by email to info@schoolenterprisechallenge.org or by WhatsApp to +44 7722 481 841. We’ll be happy to help you!