Media Centre

27 October 2009

Youngsters trade in school for London Stock Exchange

Youngsters from schools across the region were given an insight into the world of stocks and shares last week (20 October 2009), as part of an outreach trip organised by the University of Sheffield.

19 pupils from the University´s Professions Progression Partnership (PPP) scheme visited the London Stock Exchange to give them a taste of the money markets in action.

After a visit to the Bank of England in the morning, the group took part in the `Inside the Markets´ activity at the Stock Exchange. This provided them with an overview of the workings of the capital markets and the dynamics of the financial system. They were also given a tour of the site to understand the role of the Exchange.

The PPP scheme is run by the University´s Outreach Team and designed to raise the aspirations of young people to have the expectations of professionals. The pupils on this scheme have an interest in studying Business, Management and Accountancy, and the activities and events organised by the University are designed to ensure they have the capacity to achieve their full potential.

Caroline Knight, Outreach Officer at the University of Sheffield, said: "We organised the visit to the capital to enable the pupils to see the money markets in action. The group spent a day in the business world to see what life would be like when working in the profession. The PPP scheme is designed to develop the youngster´s future career ideas and we hope that we can equip them with the necessary skills to turn their dreams into a reality."

Bessie Ma, a pupil at Silverdale School and participant on the PPP scheme, said: "The tour around London was great, and we learnt how the city has developed from a small trading market into an international financial centre. Overall, I think this was a great experience and I learnt a lot of information that I wouldn't learn in school. As I study Economics & Business Studies in school, this trip has really helped me to improve my understanding of the financial world and I would definitely join any similar trips in the future."

For further information please contact: Lauren Anderson, Media Relations Officer, on 0114 2221046 or email l.h.anderson@sheffield.ac.uk

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