Why don’t we show students how to manage money?
When was the last time you spent a whole day not having to think about money, not having to make some kind of financial transaction or not considering a money related decision? … Struggling?
Russell Winnard, a former teacher who now works for education charity Young Money (formerly pfeg), says that whenever he asks teachers this question, they are usually a few who tentatively suggest Christmas, but the vast majority cannot think of one day in which they have not interacted with money in some way.
This is exactly why it is so important that we educate all young people in the essential knowledge, skills and attitudes relating to money before they reach independence.
Disconcerting Misconceptions Children Have
“You don’t have to pay back the money you spend on a credit card.”
and
“If you run out of money, you just go to one of those special money shops on the high street.”
Both of these statements have come directly from the mouths of young people. Initially, it is surprising, even disturbing to hear such statements, but is it really so unexpected if we are not providing this education in school?
Money Management in the Curriculum
Financial education is actually on the Secondary National Curriculum in England, and has been since 2014, but you’d be forgiven for not knowing about it – there has not been any support from the government for teachers in delivering this crucial area. And let’s not forget how important financial education is for younger children in primary school. This early formative stage in a young person’s cognitive development is crucial in developing attitudes and behaviours in relation to money that may remain for the rest of their lives.
Financial Education CPD
Young Money supports teachers to develop and deliver high quality financial education, so that eventually every young person can leave school more able to make informed financial choices and be better prepared for independence.
We understand the challenges and constraints that exists in schools, and would certainly never expect financial education to be shoe-horned into an already packed curriculum. This is why we have created a range of teacher training sessions to help provide solutions which overcome those barriers of curriculum time, teacher confidence and just being aware of what to teach and to whom. These sessions take place throughout England and Wales and are all delivered by our team of education consultants (all former teachers).
I hope you too consider financial education to be important for all young people! If so, go along to one of Young Money’s training sessions where you’ll be provided with a range of tools, resources and information to kick start your own school’s financial education provision.
