by Tim Nuttall
Roos C of E Primary School has been recognised for its commitment to financial education by one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.
Members of the HSBC UK Education Network worked alongside school staff to deliver a series of finance-themed lessons, developed in line with the national curriculum, to pupils from EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) to year six.
Thanks to the success of this work reinforcing the importance of financial literacy as an essential life skill, Roos C of E Primary recently became one of about 500 schools across the UK to be recognised in the inaugural HSBC UK Smart Money Awards.
Schools who have received five or more financial capability lessons over a 12-month period are eligible for the award, which celebrates the work that has taken place to help equip pupils with the skills needed to manage their future finances.
Presenting the school with their trophy at a special financial education and awards assembly was HSBC’s Gareth Smith – a Universal Banker based at the bank’s Jameson Street branch in Hull.
Mr Smith said: “I was delighted to recognise Roos C of E Primary School with a HSBC UK Smart Money Award, celebrating their efforts to help pupils build their financial health and develop important skills for the future.
“In an increasingly digital world, money is becoming invisible to young people making it harder for them to grasp the concept of what money is.
“Together, we explored real-world topics such as how a bank account works, budgeting, understanding the difference between needs and wants, credit, ways to pay for things, gaming safely, starting their careers, and keeping their finances safe.”
Aimee Christian, head teacher of Roos C of E Primary School, said: “We are delighted to
have been awarded the HSBC Smart Money Award from HSBC. This follows six weeks of sessions across all classes in school which covered topics such as the origins of money, saving and spending, and banking security.”
HSBC UK has actively supported the delivery of high-quality financial education programmes to help people of all ages build their financial health for more than 35 years. Programmes are mapped closely to the curriculum and support the objectives of the Money and Pensions Service Strategy to give two million more children access to meaningful financial education.
The bank’s financial education team works with schools around the country to deliver lessons and resources to young people aged three to 25 years. In 2022, the bank helped more than 445,000 young people build financial skills through their partnerships and the HSBC UK Education Network.
A number of free on-demand resources for parents/carers and educators are also available on the bank’s Financial Education Hub at hsbc.co.uk/financial-education.
These include a range of First Steps tips and resources to help young children aged three to seven to become familiar with money and monetary terms.
Building on this initial learning, children aged seven to 11 are encouraged to learn about the importance of making wise choices through a focus on Developing Skills, which aims to develop an understanding of the decisions that we make around money based on our needs and wants.
Smart Money resources, aimed at 11 to 16-year-olds, are available to help guard young people against scams and fraud.
Meanwhile, resources for young adults, designed for those who are 16 and over, aim to support the transition to financial independence with support and guidance for moving out of home, entering the world of work, spending, saving and borrowing, and how to bank safely and securely.
HSBC UK’s free financial education programmes can be delivered digitally or in person and are available to schools, colleges, youth groups and charities. Sessions can be tailored to focus on specific needs and/or age groups so that participants can get the most from each session.
Those interested in running financial education sessions at their organisation can find out more by visiting the online Financial Education Hub or by emailing [email protected].
