Financial literacy/ How money works

Financial Literacy and How money works is a practical, engaging course designed to give children the confidence and skills to understand, manage, and enjoy their relationship with money. Through interactive discussions, real-life examples, and hands-on activities, students learn how money works in the real world—and how to make smart financial decisions from an early age.

We begin by exploring the history of money, tracing its journey from ancient trading systems and seashells used as currency, all the way to modern digital payments and cryptocurrencies. This helps children understand why money exists, how it has changed over time, and how these changes influence the way we buy, save, and use resources today.

Students then learn about the basics of personal and family budgeting: what a budget is, why every household needs one, and how to plan for both needs and wants. We break down concepts like income, expenses, fixed costs, and unexpected spending, helping children see how families make financial decisions every day.

A key part of the course focuses on saving – why it matters, how savings grow over time, and how setting small goals can lead to empowering long-term habits. We introduce the ideas of interest, loans, borrowing responsibly, and how banks actually work. Students learn what credit cards really are, how interest accumulates, and why good financial discipline is essential.

Since pocket money is often a child’s first financial responsibility, we teach practical skills for managing pocket money, including how to divide it into “spend,” “save,” and “share” categories, how to prioritise purchases, and how to avoid impulse spending. Through simple exercises, students practise making choices, analysing options, and understanding the consequences of their decisions.

Finally, we explore everyday strategies for managing money effectively—from comparing prices and spotting marketing tricks to setting financial goals, understanding value, and making thoughtful, informed choices.

By the end of the course, students develop not only financial knowledge but also confidence, independence, and a healthy mindset around money. They leave equipped with essential life skills that will support them throughout school, adulthood, and beyond.

Autumn Term 2026 dates:

• Monday 14th September 2026 to Friday 11th December 2026
  

• Monday 19th October 2026 to Friday 30th October 2026 – school holidays (no lessons)

• 11 school weeks