CURRICULUM// ICT
BTEC ICT STUDENTS LEARN
THE POWER OF SOCIAL
MEDIA IN BUSINESS AT
SPARK YORK
Lower Sixth BTEC Information and Communications
Technology (ICT) students had a wonderful afternoon visiting
the new business venture ‘Spark York’.
This is a collection of independent local businesses housed in
a series of abstract container units that offer a vibrant mix of
food, drink, shops, a community theatre, a brewery, art and
more. All the businesses have predominantly used social media
to publicise their ventures and opportunities.
The students were welcomed by Old Pocklingtonian Lucy
Scarah, who operates a wonderful store named ‘Helson Street’
offering a unique take on rustic pieces and floristry.
The visit gave students the opportunity to talk to Lucy and
social media coordinator for Spark, Jo Little, and learn
more about the practical applications and impact of social
media for small businesses. They explained in detail how
Instagram and Facebook in particular have been integral to
their success, with popular posts ‘trending’ and getting ‘likes’
to get messages out and raise the profile of both Spark and
individual businesses.
They also discussed the use of ‘hashtags’ to gain more likes,
and the power of the perfect photograph.
The interviews conducted by the students supported the social
media BTEC unit perfectly and the students all came back
buzzing with ideas and discussions that will lead them well into
their next unit of work.
THE POCKLINGTONIAN
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