Trading bells ring across the region as schools take part in a unique skills challenge
Students from across North Wales got the opportunity to experience the excitement and the adrenalin of 
The winning team: Ysgol Friars, Bangordealing on a live trading floor thanks to a Bangor University initiative called Stock Market Challenge.
The challenge involved 165 students from 13 schools and took place on Wednesday 29th June at Bangor University. The event was sponsored by HSBC and supported by Bangor Business School.
Working in small teams, the Year 12 students were challenged to use their skills to manage a portfolio of shares and foreign currency. They made their investment decisions by interpreting and analysing information from the financial markets. The simulated live trading took place over a two-hour period and the team with the highest portfolio at the closing bell won.
Ysgol Friars Bangor stormed the trading floor and came out on top finishing with an exceptionally well-managed fund of £99,600. The runners up, Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen, Caernarfon were not far behind and made an impressive profit of £96,200.
Runners up: Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen, CaernarfonThis year the sponsors made this unique experience accessible to hundreds of students by giving the participating schools a free licence for the Stock Market Challenge online resource. In the run up to the events, Welsh BAC, Business Studies and Maths teachers ran in-school challenges to select the five pupils who represented them.
Rachel Thomas - HSBC Regional PFS Director for Wales said: “The Stock Market Challenge is a fantastic way for young people from schools across North Wales to build their understanding of the business world whilst developing their skills and having fun. The initiative links well with our community goals and gives pupils the opportunity to apply their learning at school to a highly realistic financial setting, whilst bringing their own fresh perspective.”
Meinir Llwyd of Bangor Business School added: “At Bangor University 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.”
Publication date: 7 July 2011