With government plans to further integrate financial literacy skills into the KS2 primary citizenship curriculum from 2028, we're excited to launch a new KS2 primary programme this academic year, currently being delivered in partnership with schools in Darlington and Bath and North East Somerset.
Developed specifically for younger learners in year 5 and year 6, there are four fun workshops, full of hands-on activities and practical tasks to build children's understanding. We focus on saving and budgeting, interpersonal, teamwork and interview skills and help children to think about resilience, overcoming obstacles and growth mindset. We also encourage children to think about what happens financially in the future too, with an introduction to debit and credit cards, credit scores and loans.
The sessions are closely aligned to the current primary citizenship curriculum, but also help to build core numeracy, literacy and oracy skills, along with some Art and Design and technology activities such as designing a bin bag costume while working effectively as a team.
Designed by literacy specialist and experienced teacher Katharine Matthews, Head of our North East Programme, feedback from our partner schools for the pilot programme has been excellent.
According to leading think tank, The Social Market Foundation, just 1% of primary teachers currently believe their pupils have adequate financial literacy. Worse still, 81% cite lack of time as the biggest barrier to teaching it effectively. A University of Cambridge study (2013) found that children's attitudes towards money develop as early as age seven, so we believe that starting early with financial literacy is essential.
Sources: University of Cambridge: Habit Formation and Learning in Young Children and Social Market Foundation
We support partner schools by sharing our expertise in financial education and delivering a programme that builds foundational knowledge and children's confidence in talking about money.
Get in touch so we can work together in your primary school and build a programme that fits your children's needs.
Headteacher Janet Donald & Victoria Emms, Kalder Academy