DNA Wales at St Josephs Catholic Junior School, UK

In September 2009 the Head Teacher at St. Joseph’s Junior School, Mr Michael Daley, asked four pupils to embark upon a small business venture that would lead to an enhancement to the school environment. The four pupils were all in Year 6, the final year before moving to Comprehensive School, with their age range between 10 years and 11 years of age. All four children were the elected Year 6 members of the newly formed School Council and in Mr Daley’s words, “They were the perfect choice to embark upon such a new and innovative school project.”

Philip Crocker, School Parent and DNA Wales Adviser was invited to provide business advice and support to the fledgling school project.  Soon the four children Danny Dobson, Kathryn O’Leary, Kiara Parker & Caitlin Thomas organised themselves into a formal team, with a flat structure, operating as equal Senior Partners in the project. They named themselves “DKKC Project @ St. Joseph’s”.

It was decided the project would consist of asking school pupils to design 4 panels, each one depicting a colourful interpretation of the four Seasons. The results were overwhelming and a total of 130 pieces of Art were passed to Mr Davies to be incorporated into the final products.

DKKC set about developing their idea into a business with objectives, timescales and a framework for achieving their Aims. Having completed this phase of the project they then developed their ideas into a formal compelling business case. The project would be based around the notion that they could develop the indoor panels which could then be expanded in years to come with outdoor panels, ensuring the project would not be a one-off. The business case was comprehensive and very impressive.

On Tuesday 9^th February, a Special Assembly was held at the school led by Mr Michael Daley. Present were the Senior Partners of the DKKC Project, Special Guest Dr Paul Thomas (DNA Wales Founder), Mr John Davies (Bright Ideas Ltd), and Mr Philip Crocker (DNA Wales Adviser).

During the Assembly much praise was given to the efforts of the four children and to all parties involved in the project. Dr Paul Thomas addressed the Assembly and spoke about the virtues of teamwork.

Much has been learned and achieved via this project but one of the most important rewards of all, must be the true and lasting friendships made.


Many thanks to Dr Paul Thomas (The Business Doctor); Mr John Davies, the DKKC Project and of course all of the pupils!


Philip Crocker