160 students from 22 schools and colleges across the region took part in a two-day interactive Investment Challenge at Alliance Manchester Business School to develop their skills in finance and improve their business awareness.

The Year 12 students – studying at sixth forms and colleges across Greater Manchester and beyond (see full list below) – competed in pairs in Finance Lab, an online financial markets simulation game, on campus at the University of Manchester as part of the investment challenge.

The game transforms trading on the financial markets into an enjoyable collaborative learning experience, which enables students to use their maths and business knowledge and apply their team working and problem solving skills.

After two intense hours of trading, responding to frequent media reports which impacted on their trading decisions, there were two winners. A team from Runshaw College took the honours on day one, while Salford City College was victorious on day two.

The challenge is facilitated by Global Investor Simulations and is an opportunity for students to meet with University staff and students. While on campus, the students were given a tour of the Business School and experienced a taster lecture, to help ignite their interest in pursuing higher education.

Sarah Jenks, Head of Economics at Salford City College, said: “This challenge is a great opportunity to make students aware of the reality of world of finance. It will undoubtedly leave our students with a greater understanding of how to examine data to make business decisions and how these skills can be used in the workplace.”

Professor Fiona Devine, Head of Alliance Manchester Business School, said: “The Investment Challenge for A-level students follows on from our work with year 10 pupils in a similar simulated trading event, the Stock Market Challenge, which was held earlier this year.

“The challenge gave the students the opportunity to develop worthwhile skills such as team-building and problem solving, as well as an understanding of how these skills can be used at University and in their working life, whichever career path they choose.

“Developing the skills of students, as well as igniting their interest in the financial services industry, is a vital part of the University’s role, particularly if we are to continue to attract and educate the financial experts of the future.”

More information can be found on the Investment Challenge website.