Sixteen Warwick Academy Year 13 IB business students set off to New York City over the October half-term break on what has become something of a rite of passage each year.

During what can only be described as an inspirational time, the students, accompanied by two staff members, visited and interacted with key business and financial institutions.

The five days commenced with an interactive tour of Macy’s, unravelling their marketing secrets and operational strategies — with some shopping at the end.

This was followed by a very detailed walking tour of the financial district, aptly called Wall Street Walks, where the history from the first stock trade through to present day business disasters was emotively delivered.

Madame Tussauds allowed more exploration of the marketing and advertising world and a greater understanding of the Merlin Entertainment group and their plans for global domination of this sector through acquisitions and mergers.

In business attire, the group then visited the Federal Reserve Bank and enjoyed a very informative talk on monetary supply and fiscal policy, with an interesting visit deep below the streets of NYC to see the gold vaults.

The highlight of the trip followed and was a visit to the New York Stock Exchange floor, where the students learnt about the various roles (brokers and designated market makers), how trading takes place, and they had the opportunity to spend time with the market maker who listed Alibaba and Twitter.

The tour ended with a visit to JWT Advertising agency, the world’s best-known marketing communications brand, where account managers presented their creative advertising ideas relating to brands such as Puma, Coca-Cola and Johnson & Johnson. They also engaged the students in how to best to enter this field as a career option.

A visit to NYC would not be complete without ice skating at the Rockefeller Centre, a visit to the One World Trade Centre, a walk around Central Park and the iconic Apple store, a New York Rangers ice hockey game and Time Square at night.

An educational and enjoyable time was had by all.