The Junior MBA programme is a 12-week programme designed to deliver an MBA style curriculum to primary school students. The essence of the programme is to deliver MBA modules to students aged 11+ with four learning goals:
The Junior MBA programme was the creation of its founding teacher, Navin Valrani, Arcadia Education’s award-winning CEO, who was not only educated in the finest business schools in the world but who has also successfully led a number of companies across a variety of industries.
The programme is considered essential for students as it provides them not only with financial literacy skills but also the basic tools of entrepreneurship that will serve them well in the long run. Due to the discussion-based nature of the class, the programme gives students the ability to think critically and encourages collaboration, with the intention of preparing students for their academic and personal journey ahead.
The course is taught in a discussion-based format by the class teacher and supported by Mr. Valrani. In every lesson, students spend the first half discussing theory and the last of the lesson on real world applications. The programme also gives students the opportunity to interact with business leaders, visit companies and learn how to prepare and pitch a business plan in front of an engaged audience.
All Arcadia students from Year 3 through to Year 6 (ages 7-11) are required to take the course as part of their schedule during Term 1 of the academic year. Year 1 and Year 2 students (ages 5-7) have the option to take the programme as an elective choice in Arcadia’s Enrichment Learning Programme. Non-Arcadia students over the age of 11 can also take the course at Arcadia Secondary School hosted on Sundays.
Based on a first year MBA programme, the course has been designed such that it is easily comprehensible for young students. The course delivery and level of complexity are tailored according to the age group being attended to. The core topics covered are:
The programme culminates with every student preparing and presenting an investment pitch around a business venture of their choice. Students must come up with a business idea, research it and develop a presentation around it that covers the idea, the application of Porter’s Five Forces and the Marketing Mix, the fundraising plan, the profitability projections and the social impact the venture can create. Students are encouraged to look beyond their learning in the programme while preparing their decks.
Once students complete their projects, they participate in a shark-tank style presentation in front of external investors and business leaders.
Assessments are a critical part of the programme. Students receive feedback on programme tasks and activities during lessons, on assignments and on their summative project. Below is a summary of the formative and summative assessments in the programme:
The final presentation is graded against a rubric that covers the following areas:
