Developing pupils’ financial skills makes economic sense
Context
Bishop Hedley Catholic High School is an English-medium, mixed, 11-19 voluntary-aided school in Merthyr Tydfil County Borough. There are currently 656 learners on roll. The school serves an area of economic disadvantage. Twenty-five per cent of learners are entitled to free school meals. This figure is above the national average of 17.1%.
Strategy
The assistant headteacher has co-ordinated a range of activities across all key stages to develop learners knowledge, skills and understanding of financial matters. Staff from a number of departments across the curriculum are involved in planning and delivering the financial education programme. Due to the location of the school in an area of economic disadvantage, staff at the school have for a long time placed great importance on developing this aspect of the curriculum.
Action
Through its personal and social education programme and by other means it has provided activities that include year assemblies with a focus on aspects of borrowing money, debt and savings as well as a number of enterprise activities.
To ensure that learners make good progress, the assistant headteacher has carefully mapped the activities to be undertaken and meets regularly with the teachers who deliver personal and social education.
Regular meetings make sure that teachers have access to the most recent resources, including guidance documents, and that they discuss with their learners the recent relevant developments in this area of the curriculum.
Outcomes
All learners have the opportunity to apply the skills they have developed and use their knowledge and understanding whilst participating in enterprise activities. Older learners take part in competitions with local schools. During these events, learners meet with local business people and develop their skills and understanding in real-life situations.