A Record-Breaking Success: The Largest Year 10 Market Day in 30 Years

Just under 100 students brought energy and entrepreneurship to the courtyard for the largest Year 10 Economics market day in 30 years. This landmark event gave students the chance to put classroom theory into practice, mastering teamwork, financial planning, marketing, and advertising by running their own live market stalls.

The bustling marketplace featured an impressive range of products and experiences designed to tempt students and staff alike. Culinary offerings included classic cheese rolls, freshly made waffles, flavoured popcorn, lolly kebabs, sherbet, spiders, sausage sizzles, s'mores, decorated cupcakes, cookies, and refreshing drinks. Non-food stalls were equally popular, offering stickers and figurines.

The undisputed highlight of the day, however, was the favourite "soak the teacher" event, which elevated the atmosphere to another level. Although the weather was a little kinder than before, the cold buckets of water were not kind to the wonderful teachers and head students who took part.

This year’s record-breaking market day did more than just teach practical business skills—it made a meaningful difference, with each group choosing to donate a portion of their profits to Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand. Through the hard work, financial planning, and dedication of our Year 10 Economics students, these contributions from the stalls and the freezing "soak the teacher" event will support Caritas’s vital humanitarian work for vulnerable communities locally and globally. Combining real-world entrepreneurial experience with social responsibility proved to be a powerful lesson in empathy, community leadership, and the true pūtake of business.

Reflecting on their experiences, the following are some comments:

What was your favourite aspect about the market day?

That I did it with my friends.

The favourite part was selling to customers.

Making and learning how to make mocktails.

Counting our money.

Watching the teachers/students get dunked.

Talking with other students that we haven't talked to before.

Having lots of customers.

Helping the other group with their products.

My favourite part of market day was interacting with customers.

People enjoying the products.

Eating the products that didn't sell.

What advice would you give next year’s Year 10 Economics students?

Be calm and have a smile on your face. Don't forget to yell out what you're selling so you can attract customers.