At Normanhurst, students from Year 3 to Year 6 have embarked on an exciting educational journey, learning the ins and outs of investments, stocks, and shares. With a virtual budget of £1000, our young investors have been exploring the dynamic world of the stock market, developing an understanding of how financial markets operate.
The students kicked off their investment adventure by looking at various companies and their share prices. They calculated their investments by multiplying the number of shares purchased by the share price, providing a hands-on approach to understanding the value of their ‘portfolio’. This initial step was just the beginning of a four-day-long experience filled with learning, excitement, and real-world scenarios.
Over the course of four days, Junior investors monitored their shares closely, tracking changes in stock prices. Each day brought new lessons in profit and loss, as they experienced firsthand the fluctuations of the market. This daily engagement not only kept the children excited and involved but also highlighted the risks and rewards of investing.
A key part of their learning involved understanding how global and local news impacts the stock market. For instance, students discussed how a shortage in coffee beans could lead to a drop in shares for coffee companies, or how the bankruptcy of small businesses can cause significant damage to shareholders. These discussions helped students make connections between current events and stock market, helping develop a deeper understanding of economics.
The investment project has been a great success, captivating the interest of our students and providing them with valuable life skills. Our pupils have learned about financial responsibility, risk management, and the importance of staying informed about world events.
At Normanhurst School, we are committed to providing our students with engaging and practical learning experiences. This stock market project is just one example of how we are preparing our students for the future, equipping them with knowledge that extends beyond the classroom. We are incredibly proud of our Junior investors and look forward to seeing how they apply these lessons in their future projects.