For the first time five year 11 Business Studies students participated in the Stock Market Challenge, which was held in Abbey Grammar School, on Friday 9th March 2012.
This event gave pupils a unique insight into the exciting high-pressure environment of the trade room floor. They were given the opportunity to experience buying and selling shares in company stocks and foreign exchange (Euros) just like brokers do on trading floors and online all over the world every day.
The challenge lasted the whole day but simulated live trading taking place over a week. The team had to be responsive to the quick changes in the markets. They had to look at information from various sources including newspaper, TV and radio and use their knowledge and judgement to decide on where best to invest their money.
Each member of the team had to fulfil a certain role: Finance Manager, Investment Analyst, Media Analyst, Floor Trader (Buyer) and Floor Trader (Seller).
The Rathfriland High School team was:
Jessica Crozier – Finance Manager
Wayne Cochrane – Investment Analyst
Hayley Ferguson – Media Analyst
Gareth McCabe – Floor Trader Buyer
Jason Weir – Floor Trader Seller
It was a rewarding and enjoyable activity, which provided pupils with a platform to develop their decision making, problem solving and numeracy skills. Pupils were also able to gain confidence working in a team whilst strengthening their communication skills. These skills are key employability skills highly valued by employers in Northern Ireland across many industry sectors.
