Accounting in Action: Real-World Projects Bring the Classroom to Life
Earlier this year, the Accounting Department offered an exciting, hands-on project experience for the Grade 12 and Grade 10 girls, aimed at deepening their understanding of real-world financial principles. Continuing this initiative, the Grade 11 girls participated in their own Accounting project on 20 June. These projects provided our girls with a valuable opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in practical settings, encouraging critical thinking, teamwork, and entrepreneurial insight.
What follows are reflections on the experience—shared by two of our girls and the guest presenter from Trimico Traders in the Grade 11 session.
“A day filled with innovation, enterprising and overall enjoyment.
We, as the Grade 11 Accounting group, were afforded the opportunity to learn beyond the walls of our classrooms. We were tasked with completing a simulation project, the Banago project, where we would be selling variants of a hybrid fruit, a Banago, for 4 weeks on Clifton Beach during the December holidays. You may be asking yourself what in the world is a Banago. I know I did. A banago is a fruit that peels like a banana but tastes exactly like a mango, hence the name. The main objective of the task was to generate the most sales and surpass the current, reigning amount of R66 410 generated by a group from Woodhill College. The task entails taking supply and demand trends during the 4-week sales duration into account when making certain financial decisions for your imaginary business. The winning school would reward the respective group R10 000. In the end, one of our 4 participating groups only managed to generate over R44 000, thus placing St Mary’s DSG at second place.
Nonetheless, it was such an amazing opportunity to further develop our entrepreneurial skillsets, combined with our collaborative qualities, and all while, fostering critical thinkers as the task proceeded.”
Ambesa Magazi
“On Friday 20th June the grade 11 accounting students had the opportunity to take part in an exciting and competitive Banango trading exercise from the Johannesburg School of Finance. The activity required us to act as traders, buying and selling goods while trying to make a profit.
Throughout the experience, we learned how important it is to balance cost price and marketing. We discovered that making sales is also about understanding the market, knowing when to adjust, and sometimes just taking a risk in the market. Although my group did not win, we all walked away with valuable lessons.
The separate project aspect gave us a chance to review what we had learned in the Grade 11 syllabus and to pinpoint areas where we could improve. The atmosphere was friendly and supportive, and working together as a team made the experience both enjoyable and rewarding.
In the end, the Banango trading activity was a hands-on lesson in entrepreneurship, critical thinking, and teamwork that I will certainly remember in the upcoming exams.”
Scarlett Lim Ah Tock
“I had the pleasure of visiting St Marys for the 18th time for the Accounting Project. I wanted to take a moment to sincerely commend the school for your students' exceptional discipline.
I was highly impressed by their respectful demeanour, attentiveness, and conduct throughout my visit. It was evident that the values of responsibility, courtesy, and dedication are deeply ingrained in the school culture. Such discipline speaks volumes about the efforts of the leadership, faculty, and staff in fostering an environment of excellence.
Please extend my appreciation to the students and the entire school community. It was a pleasure to hear and witness such a positive and well-structured learning environment. “
Mr Morne Meiring, Managing Director: Trimico Traders
The Accounting projects across Grades 10 to 12 have not only deepened the girls' understanding of real-world financial concepts but also ignited their curiosity and confidence. The projects showcased the girls’ growth, teamwork, and creativity in applying theory to practice. It’s encouraging to see how Accounting continues to shape future-ready students equipped not just with knowledge, but with life skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.
As we reflect on the success of these projects, we look ahead with excitement. The enthusiasm and dedication displayed are proof that our girls are capable of great things. With continued support and engagement, the subject of Accounting will remain a powerful tool for empowerment, understanding, and opportunity.
