A team of four boys from Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys School in Hertfordshire have beaten over 30,000 other teenagers to win an all expenses paid educational trip to New York and thousands of pounds for their school.
Team Excel, consisting of teenagers Kelvin Wong, Akash Jhunjhunwala, Rohan Sheth and Mario Kyriacou won the 2007-8 ifs Student Investor Challenge – a financial education challenge operated by the ifs School of Finance and sponsored by Deutsche Bank and Foreign & Colonial Investment Trust.
The free to enter annual competition was open to teams of 4 students aged between 14 and 19. The challenge commences with students investing a fantasy £100,000 in the stock market over a four month period before the top performers progress to regional finals which take the form of a business & finance quiz. The top 2 teams from each of these 4 regional finals went through to the national final in London last week.
The national final was in two parts – a business challenge in the morning that related to Corporate & Social Responsibility issues and an afternoon presentation on whether or not consumers can trust the financial services industry. Team Excel narrowly defeated second placed Qui Audet Vincit from Horsham and third placed team Dividend Dudes from Plymouth.
In addition to winning an all expenses paid trip to New York, the winning team also receives £2,000 for their school.
Gary Millner, Director of Financial Capability and Further Education at the ifs School of Finance, said:
“The ifs Student Investor Challenge is a useful tool in educating about finance – giving students a practical insight into stock markets, savings and investments as well as improving general financial awareness. The team from Haberdashers did incredibly well to beat off stiff competition from a record number of entrants this year. All the finalists can take great pride in their achievements.”
Team Excel member Akash Jhunjhunwala said, “…The ifs Student Investor Challenge has been a truly wonderful experience with every stage being trying and challenging, while at the same time developing skills such as teamwork, presentation skills and financial awareness…”
Team mate Kelvin Wong added, “The ifs Student Investor Challenge has ignited my interest in the financial world… I would never have thought that researching financial topics could be so enjoyable… it’s a must for everyone!”
For further information about the ifs Student Investor Challenge please click here.
