School pupils from Isle of Dogs turn traders for the day at Canary Wharf’s Citibank

Youngsters from poor backgrounds in east London have taken part in a day of City dealing at a leading bank to find out if they have what it takes to be stockmarket traders.

Pupils from George Green’s Secondary on the Isle of Dogs joined others from low-income families from 40 schools across London who worked with volunteer traders at Canary Wharf’s Citibank.

The A-level students took part in a simulation ‘trading’ game, exchanging commodities and shares to make as much profit as possible.

They worked in teams to solve problems and learned communication skills during the trading game, to give them an insight into what they need for careers in finance.

It was organised by Teach First education charity as part of Citibank’s ‘E for Education’ annual programme which raises funds for seven education charities.

Teach First is one of the benefiting charities in the programme which works to ensure that no child’s educational success is held back by their social background. It finds and develops top graduates and professionals making career changes to teach in schools in tough social areas like London’s deprived East End. The charity also works with SkillForce to prepare youngsters for their next step in education.