Stockton North’s Member of Parliament has called on local schools to get their pupils talking and learning about money as part of a charity’s new campaign to help improve the financial capability of young people.
Every primary and secondary school in Stockton North has been sent free “Get Money Smart” posters and teaching materials by national charity Personal Finance Education Group (pfeg), which aims to get children talking about money in the classroom.
The Get Money Smart posters are designed to encourage classroom discussions about things children can do to learn more about money and personal finance. Ideas for different ages include checking change, estimating the cost of a weekly shop, comparing mobile phone tariffs and planning and budgeting for a trip. Inspiration for a fifth scenario is being left for each class to decide, and ideas can then be shared with other classes across the country on Twitter using the #5thingstodo hashtag.
The move follows news that, after years of campaigning by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Financial Education for Young People, pfeg and MoneySavingExpert.com’s Martin Lewis, financial education will be taught in secondary schools as part of the National Curriculum from September 2014. The campaign has been made possible through a personal donation to pfeg from Mr Lewis, which has enabled the charity to send free copies of posters and teaching resources to primary and secondary schools in the Stockton North area and across the country.
Alex said:
“I am pleased to get behind the “Get Money Smart” campaign, and encourage schools not just in Stockton North but across the entire country to get talking about money. Having the knowledge to manage personal finances is a life skill that is becoming increasingly important, particularly at times when the cost of living is increasing and money is tight, so this is a welcome addition to the curriculum. Steps to build confidence in this area and improve the financial capability of our young people are a great start and I hope that schools will start talking and learning about money.”
Tracey Bleakley, chief executive of pfeg, said: “We are thrilled to have the support of Alex Cunningham for this free new scheme for primary and secondary schools in Stockton North. I hope all local schools will seize the opportunity to use their Get Money Smart posters to bring money to life in the classroom. This is a crucial topic that every young person should learn. Getting pupils talking about money and the financial decisions they will face in the future is a great way to start.”
