All the fun and flair of the College Trade Fair
18 Nov 2024
After extensive “brainstorming and overcoming technical setbacks”, students Gus Cummins and Tony Duder have created Fidget 3D – one of the best sellers at College’s Trade Fair 2024.
Their spiral cone fidgets – produced on Tony’s 3D printer – have been in big demand at the College marketplace, with 80% or their stock having been snapped up by students.
“Our Fidget 3D is ideal for relieving stress,” the Somes House students explain. “While you ‘fidget’, you can better focus on the task at hand. It is an ideal aid for the exam period, and made from sustainable, recycled material.
“We came up with the concept, dug out the 3D printer, and – after overcoming some technical setbacks – it all came together. It certainly appeals to students of all ages. We believe that 3D printing is more mainstream now and the way of the future. It has been great doing the Commerce course this year. It opens the door to possibilities, builds team management, and presents a rare opportunity to drive your own ideas.”
Fellow Year 10 student Cole Moffatt has also been inspired by the chance to put himself in a business originator’s shoes and “help to come up with engaging products to sell to students at the marketplace”.
His business team’s Candle Castle – a sustainable scented candle made from nationally sources products – has also proved popular.
“With Trade Fair, it is an opportunity to do something different outside the classroom,” Cole says. “We have all spent a lot of time on our products to ensure they are the best that they can be, and the opportunity to showcase our work has been brilliant while also growing our marketing and sales skills.”
The Trade Fair has featured about 15 companies offering a diverse range of products that appeal to a teenage market.
“It is important to learn about different lines of work and make the most of your opportunities to put yourself in another person’s shoes,” Cole says. “By creating a product, market plan, and business case, it is an ideal start to learning those skills and putting those classroom lessons with our Commerce teacher, Mr Ball, into practice.”
Among the many other impressive business start-ups were Ocean Potion, a salt spray to create a textured hairstyle; Ropecraft Creations, mini rope toys to help relieve stress; Choco-Fuel, a bite-sized high-energy snack; Periwinkle Plush Slimes, The Soap Shed, and Pranksters’ Paradise offering an array of water guns and silly string.
