iNet ran it’s first workshops on teaching business on 26 and 27 October 2006. Sarah Liu, who teaches business and is also the business manager at Djanogly City Academy, Nottingham, led the workshop. As a fluent Chinese speaker, Sarah was able to deliver the sessions in Chinese.

Business is not taught in Chinese schools, although it is the most popular subject for Chinese students applying to UK universities. A significant part of the workshops was therefore to demonstrate a successful business lesson.

On the first day, at Jinsong Vocational School in Beijing, 50 students took part in a role play exercise to explore the concept of stakeholders. They were given the scenario of a large 24 hour supermarket and warehouse being built in a residential area. They were divided into groups representing local small businesses, the government, pressure groups, residents and so on. They then engaged in lively discussions, all very keen to express the views of their group. Teachers observing the lesson were surprised at the level of enthusiasm.

After the live lesson, Sarah and Rosemary Potter (also from Djanogly City Academy) gave a briefing on education in the UK. This was followed by a discussion with the school's leadership team, together with directors from two other vocational schools, Beijing Qiushi Vocational School and Beijing Changping Vocational School.

On the second day, 60 students participated in a similar live lesson at Beijing No 57 School. One student was so enthused by being told about Djanogly Academy’s enterprise day that she leapt to her feet, and demanded that No. 57’s principal organise a similar event! Once again, the school’s staff were very interested in the effect the different teaching style had on the students.

In both schools many students and teachers aim to establish contact with UK schools to continue exploring business education.