Students put to the test in Stock Market Challenge

PUPILS across West Yorkshire proved to be a class act when they took part in the annual Stock Market Challenge hosted by Leeds Metropolitan University.

The competition, an initiative funded by the university in partnership with 10 Lane Learning, was held at Headingley Carnegie Stadium and saw students from years eight and nine apply their knowledge of mathematics, business and economics and develop their communication, problem-solving, decision making, teambuilding and negotiation skills.

The initiative aims to help students prepare for the world of work with the confidence to handle future higher education and career decisions.

The event involved more than 100 students from local schools. Pupils from Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School were crowned the winners of the competition, and were presented with a trophy by Keith Loudon, senior partner at Redmayne-Bentley.

The winners were also offered a visit to the Redmayne-Bentley offices.

Mr Loudon said: “This was a great event, incorporating learning and fun. The students certainly got the thrill of trading on the stock market. Congratulations to Leeds Metropolitan University for hosting the event which gets more popular every year.

“I am looking forward to being present next year, where I am sure there will be even more participants and more excitement – a real highlight.”

The other schools which took part in the event included: Ryburn Valley High School; Cockburn School; Halifax High School; Pudsey Grangefield School; The Morley Academy; Allerton High School; Allerton Grange; The Farnley Academy; Carlton Bolling; Guiseley School; Roundhay School; Carleton Community School and Castleford Academy.

Working in teams, their task was to manage a fund of shares and foreign currency by interpreting information and investing in the markets. The team with the highest total fund at the closing bell of each competition were the winners.

Mandeep Bhogal, from Leeds Metropolitan, said: “At Leeds Met we think it is essential that we focus on developing the qualifications and skills of our young people, to ensure the appropriate skills base is in place to take advantage of the job opportunities now and in the future. Initiatives such as the Stock Market Challenge provide us with an opportunity to introduce the University to young people whilst also helping our next generation of business leaders to consider a high value qualification in finance, banking or accounting.”

The events were supported by Leeds Metropolitan student ambassadors who participated as traders to recreate a real time trading floor.