BUSINESS studies students from The Meridian School, Royston, were given a lesson on beating the credit crunch during their field trip to France. They attended a seminar at Disneyland Paris, and gave the staff a grilling on how the company stays ahead whil

BUSINESS studies students from The Meridian School, Royston, were given a lesson on beating the credit crunch during their field trip to France.

They attended a seminar at Disneyland Paris, and gave the staff a grilling on how the company stays ahead while the world's economy is in freefall

Business studies teacher Mike Perry, who led the group, said: "It was a very informative."

The pupils were given an insight into the company's customer services, teamwork and communications, budgets (including SWOT analysis) and marketing techniques.

After a morning of study they spent the afternoon experiencing the theme park at first hand. The following day they took a tour of Paris which included a stop at the Eiffel Tower.

David Atkins, assistant head at The Meridian School, said: "Off-site visits in this country and abroad are an essential part of students' development.

"They gain skills in leadership, team working, increased self esteem and, through this experience, a range of social experiences not available in the classroom.