Budding entrepreneurs at a Swansea Primary School have branched out into the retail business by setting up a brilliant pop-up shop in the heart of their community this week.

Craigfelen Primary school pupils have been developing entrepreneurial skills for a number of years now. The staff at the school feel passionately that education should be motivating, fun and prepare pupils for the world they will grow up in, preparing them through the development of skills and values that will ensure they grow up to become creative, ambitious and capable citizens of the future.

Head Teacher Alison Williams said: “We’re hugely proud of what pupils are achieving at the school. Pupils have been turning their creative ideas into ‘businesses’ including a bakery, smoothie making venture and even creating a book ‘Monster Under the Sea’ that has been published and been on sale in many shops in Swansea.

“The school also runs its own pupil-led community breakfast café in the local community centre and also has its own pupil led bank to encourage regular saving.”

Mrs Williams said the publication of the ‘Successful Futures’ document by Professor Donaldson and subsequent curriculum reform for Wales has ensured that the school’s drive and commitment to develop these skills has accelerated in recent years. Staff received training on the ‘four purposes’ of the new curriculum and as a result the idea of the ‘pop up shop’ was born.

She said Clydach was a village on the gateway to the Swansea Valley, rich in history from the industrial revolution and once a very important part of Swansea’s high standing in this part of history. And she added that special thanks should go to local businessman Ceri Bowden who has kindly donated the use of the shop to the school for the week.

Mrs Williams said: “Our Pop Up shop played a small part in rejuvenating the village, creating footfall along our High Street and creating a ‘buzz’ of excitement as the pupils ‘set up shop’.”