CedarBridge Academy pupils picked up a pair of prizes at an international virtual business competition.

And pupils from the Berkeley Institute were also recognised with an award.

LaToya Francis, the instructor of CedarBridge’s virtual enterprise class, said the experience was “awesome” for her pupils.

She added: “They really enjoyed themselves. It took them out of their comfort zone. It challenged them. It showed them a brighter and bigger picture of the real world.”

Mr Francis was speaking after the youngsters competed in the Virtual Enterprises’ Long Island Regional Conference and Exhibition this month.

About 2,000 high school pupils from 80 schools took part in the event — including pupils from CedarBridge and Berkeley.

The Virtual Enterprises International course allows schoolchildren to create, develop and operate a virtual business.

The CedarBridge business, Pink Sand Travel Packs, offered eco-friendly and biodegradable travel packs and accessories.

The group of eight was recognised with gold awards in the Best Website and Booth Design categories.

Ashley Pacheco, the chief executive of Pink Sand Travel Packs, said the event provided a real-world experience.

She added: “It shows that what you get done actually pays off.” Ashley, 16, said: “Being there, you get personal face-to-face feedback with judges.

“It was really a great experience, and learning from that helps us not only go forward, but also helps us improve on what we do.”

Kasia Burgess-Bean, a fellow classmate, added the event allowed her to meet pupils from different cultures.

Kasia, 19, said she was “shocked” by the quality of the products offered by competitors.

She added: “I was impressed with what a lot of people were selling.”

Susana Guerreiro said the experience also allowed the island pupils to act as ambassadors for their company.

The 15-year-old explained: “It was showing them what we are as a company, and our goals and aspirations.”

The other members of the class were Udori Henry, 16, Imani Paynter, 17, Juan Rodriguez, 17, Taquira Simmons, 16, and Thandiewe Stovell, 16.

Students from Berkeley picked up a silver award in the Booth Design category for their virtual business Leisure in The Triangle.

Steve Lawrence, a business and information technology teacher at Berkeley, said that the pupil company “promoted the island of Bermuda by capturing the essence, culture and spirit of our rock”.

Mr Lawrence said that the business offered customers products and clothing made in Bermuda.

Berkeley pupils Morgan Donawa, Andreaz Glasgow, Kyesja Jones, Seon Tatem, Robert Thomas and Tanzania Thomas attended the event.

Nick Chapman, the president of Virtual Enterprises International, said that it was the second year that CedarBridge pupils had participated in the programme and the third for the Berkeley Institute.

He added: “These were the only international students participating in the Long Island event.”