Our Year 10 GCSE Business Studies pupils recently visited the Museum of Brands, where they explored the famous Time Tunnel and studied how branding has evolved over the past century. Pupils examined iconic products from different eras, analysing what made them instantly recognisable to consumers and how businesses adapted their marketing to changing trends. They carried out focused market research, comparing past and present brand strategies and identifying the features that made certain products stand out in competitive markets.
The group then took part in a practical workshop sponsored by Innocent. Working in teams, pupils were challenged to design a brand-new smoothie product from concept to creation. They considered customer needs, developed a clear unique selling point, designed packaging, selected ingredients and calculated costings. Their ideas were then brought to life as they produced small batch versions of their smoothies, which they were able to taste-test and refine. The session gave pupils firsthand insight into product development, brand positioning and the commercial decisions that shape what ends up on supermarket shelves.
After the workshop, pupils shared lunch together in a small local Italian pizzeria, a complete contrast to the polished uniformity of large commercial chains. This gave them a different business lens, seeing how independent venues rely on personality, character and a strong sense of identity rather than mass-market branding. The handmade dishes, distinctive flavours and authentic atmosphere served as a fitting end to a day focused on what makes a product or experience stand out in a crowded marketplace.
One pupil said: ‘The workshop was like being on the Apprentice. It gave me a more in-depth, hands-on insight into what is involved to get a product to market, and how getting the marketing of the product right could be make or break for a product launch.’