Key Stages 4 & 5

Personal Finance

The following modules have
been developed to cover the
financial capability syllabus
which forms part of PSHE. Each
key stage takes the issues to
a new level of depth and complexity.
The following learning outcomes
are included:

  • Exploring career and personal finance
  • Exploring capability and personal finance
  • Exploring risk and personal finance
  • Exploring economic understanding and personal finance

Module 1: Home 
Be able to balance income and expenditure - weekly and longer term budgeting.
Explore attitudes to sacrificing current spending for long-term benefits (investments, pensions, higher education).
Understand how insurance works.

Module 2: Work
Understand how wages and salaries are calculated and about deductions.

Module 3: Shopping
Be able to compare different methods of payment.
Be able to work out the best deal in products and services.

Module 4: Banking
Understand implications of credit and debt, how costs accumulate over time.
Understand about keeping money safe and financial record keeping.
Be able to calculate compound interest (AER, APR).
Understand how banks make money.
Be able to make a basic risk/ reward assessment in relation to saving and borrowing.

Module 5: Holiday
Understand how holiday currency is arranged and how to calculate exchange rates.
Understand how and why foreign exchange rates fluctuate.

Module 6: Stock Exchange
Understand how the stock market works and the risks associated with it.
Understand the differences in risk and return between saving and investment products.

Module 7: Government
Understand national and local government finance and spending.
What is done with our taxes?
How are local services paid for?

Start your own Business
A detailed version of Dragon’s Den. It will include development of a business idea, crafting of a business plan and budget, and presentation to the potential investors with Q&A. In addition students will understand how companies are financed and the skills needed and risks involved in setting up and running a business. 
From the Cotton Field
to the High Street		A more detailed look at the value system for a final product that students' recognise. The discussion will focus on many of the key economic, business and social responsibility issues along the way. We combine this with a hands-on simulation where students experience the world of business. Students will explore attitudes to personal spending in relation to fair trade and ethical trading.
Springboard into WorkThis course will focus on the students' approach and attitude to finding a job, terminology and latest developments in the world of business, confidence in public speaking and presentations, and how to interview, network and stand out from the rest.