BRIGHT sparks were trading in silver, oil, coffee and cotton to learn about the boom and bust world of the commodities market.

Students at Colchester High School for Girls took part in an enterprise skills event to help them become the business owners, entrepreneurs and employees of the future.

The Year Nine pupils were split into teams and set the task of trading in commodities such as silver, oil and coffee.

Maths teacher Dominic Gosling drafted in the expertise of Mark Sexton, a director of Essex Work Skills and a former foreign exchange dealer, to help guide the students.

After 20 years in international finance, including four years of work in New York, Mr Sexton turned to the world of education.

After qualifying as a teacher, he and fellow director Anne Page set up the business education partnership in 2009.

Mr Gosling said: “We have been using Essex Work Skills for eight years and the students get so much out of events such as this.

“Mark patiently explains the rules of trading and how world events can impact on their prices.

“The teams get to speculate on the price of commodities they trade in and later find out the success of their ‘trade’ following fictitious world events.”

Mr Sexton added: “It is always a pleasure to see students enjoying and embracing this type of exercise. Our activities are designed to help pupils understand important employability skills such as decision making, team working and communication.

“The students really enjoyed the whole learning experience.”