And finally… sprogs of war

The Ferret has revealed that a Dragons’ Den-style lesson plan developed by educational website Tes has been used in Scottish classrooms.

It sees pupils in S2 to S4 choose a weapon from World War I and pitch it to their “Dragons”, who can only buy two weapons for their army.

The kids are told: “It is your job to present a well-researched, well explained pitch of your weapon to the Dragons. Each Dragon can pick only two weapons to arm their military with. Make sure your argument is good enough to secure at least 1 order.”

“What problem does your weapon solve? Where are you up to with prototyping or testing? Who is your target market? Why would they want to buy your weapon? What advantages would it give an army?”

Tony McDaid, executive director of education resources at South Lanarkshire Council, defended the lesson plan.

He said it “appears to be popular with teachers and pupils” and he didn’t think any “fair-minded person would regard it as somehow glorifying weaponry or arms dealing”.