Pupils from all over South East Wales will get a taste of the trading floor when Wall Street comes to Cardiff's Coal Exchange in the Stock Market Challenge, which takes place on July 1.
In this, the inaugural year of the Stock Market Challenge for South East Wales schools, Black Horse, part of the Lloyds TSB Group based in Cardiff, is not only co-sponsoring the event but its staff will also be taking part as traders running the pit for the pupils on the day.
The event is being organised and co-sponsored by the Cardiff "hub" of the First Campus project, based at Uwic's (University of Wales Institute, Cardiff) School of Lifelong Learning.
Stock Market Challenge gives Year 10 pupils the chance to experience the excitement of buying and selling shares on a live trading floor.
Five virtual days of trading are condensed into two hours, with teams dealing in shares on a live trading floor. Each team of five pupils begins with £35,000 and the one with the highest portfolio at the closing bell will receive a cheque for their school from Black Horse for £1,000, a trophy and individual prizes.
Stock Market Challenge is an exciting and enjoyable introduction to the stock market, which also broadens pupils' understanding of financial matters.
As well as giving young people an insight into what it is like to deal on a live trading floor, the event forms part of the pupils' wider business and careers education.
Ian O'Hare, head of corporate communication at Black Horse, said, "Stock Market Challenge provides a unique opportunity for pupils to learn how to work as a team, make decisions under pressure, take calculated risks and experience the excitement of the trading floor.
The event is action-packed and great fun - and not only for the pupils, as Black Horse's staff also have the opportunity to be involved in the event.
"We see education and working in partnership with schools as one of the most effective ways to invest in the future, and Stock Market Challenge is an ideal project to enable us to build our links with local schools. Our sponsorship with Capital Rugby has also given us the opportunity to invite star rugby players from Cardiff Blues to help promote the scheme and meet all the students taking part."