Some 200 pupils from schools across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire had their decision-making and risk-taking skills put to test in a two-day simulated trading task.

The Stock Market Challenge, a joint initiative funded by HSBC and supported by the University in partnership with 10 Lane Learning, saw teams of students from year 10 battle to manage a fund of shares and foreign currency.

Applying their communication, teambuilding and negotiation skills, the youngsters had to understand vast information and invest in the right markets at the right time.

They dealt with HSBC’s staff, who were ‘traders’ recreating the ‘real time’ trading floor of old.

The teams with the highest total fund at the closing bell, and therefore the winners were Wrenn School, who took home a gong provided and presented by HSBC.

Year 12 students were involved in a similar competition , the Investment Challenge, on the next day.

Their task, in teams of two, was based mainly on computers where they got a feel of real-life stock and shares investment trading as it is today in the real world.

The winners were Alex Skone and Jacob Mizen from Walton High, in Milton Keynes.

The event was aimed to help students leave school prepared for the world of work with the capabilities and confidence to handle future higher education and career decisions, whilst developing their mathematics, business and computer science knowledge.

The initiative offers a unique engagement opportunity between schools and local companies like HSBC, whilst supporting the local financial services and IT sector in its need to create a world-class competitive workforce.

Gregg Carnaffan, HSBC Regional Services Manager Retail Banking and Wealth Management South and East Region, said: “The Stock Market Challenge is a fantastic way for young people from schools 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.

“Both at the event and with the use of the learning resource funded by HSBC for use in-school, students will develop their cross-curricular skills. All these attributes are highly valued by universities and employers.

“We are also delighted to provide support to the University which is hosting this exciting and challenging activity on their campus and hope the experience will encourage students and increase their awareness of the various academic opportunities available."

Michael Kennedy, University Head of Department of Accounting & Finance, said: “At the University we believe 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.

“The University of Bedfordshire Business School has developed a practice based vision that enables students to work with real business environments. This activity is consistent with this, and enables potential candidates how we can provide a learning environment which will significantly enhance their employment prospects.”