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On Thursday 15 January, Year 11 students who are studying Economics at Westminster City School took part in an interactive investment workshop delivered by facilitators from The Talent Foundry as part of the M&G plc Investment Challenge.

Over the course of the morning, students were introduced to the foundations of financial literacy through a series of practical activities and simulations. They explored how the stock market works, the difference between saving and investing, and why investing matters over the long term. Key concepts such as risk versus reward, compounding, asset classes and variable returns were brought to life through discussion and interactive group tasks.

Students also examined real examples, including what happened during the 2008 financial crash, learning about economic bubbles and negative equity and why periods of market uncertainty can be challenging for investors. Working in groups, they completed risk profiles to test their own risk appetite and reflected on how different personalities can influence financial decision making for individuals. Facilitators encouraged students to work with peers who thought differently to them, highlighting how balanced perspectives can lead to better or alternative decisions which is an important lesson students can apply both in school and outside of school.

One of the highlights of the session was a fast-paced trading simulation. Students were given trading slips and a newspaper style market updates where they had to decide, as a team, how to invest their money across different asset classes. As students spoke amongst themselves and across the room from each other, their voices recreated the buzz of a trading floor, the activity challenged them to think quickly, communicate clearly with each other and explain their decisions under pressure.

The workshop helped students build confidence in understanding money, investing and long-term financial planning, while developing teamwork and strategic thinking skills.

Horacy, a Year 11 student studying GCSE Economics at Westminster City School, said:

“I found it really engaging because of how interactive it was. The financial games made me think about the decisions I would like to make when I start investing in the future.”

The workshop provided students with a practical and realistic insight into the world of finance, providing them with knowledge and skills that will support them and help them to understand the world of Economics.