Pupils learn the value of money

St James’ Primary is now one of only 13 primary schools to gain Accredited Centre status for the DebtAware Money Management Programme. A plaque was presented to the whole school during assembly.

DebtAware is a programme designed by national debt charity Debt Advice Foundation, which teaches children how to avoid unmanageable debt and establish money skills for life, before bad financial habits are formed.

The lessons and supporting materials have all been created by secondary school aged pupils, which are then taught to primary school children by selected fellow classmates known as Money Mentors.

The scheme was originally written and pioneered by the town’s Southlands High.

The Money Mentor pupils from St James’ also recently recorded a short film all about debt and money in conjunction with students at Edge Hill University, which will be edited and used within the DebtAware programme and website.

Deputy headteacher Andrew Clark said: “The DebtAware money mentor programme has been a very important part of our curriculum over the last two years.

“It has been a real privilege to see the money mentors grow in confidence over the programme and a delight to see them imparting their knowledge to their peers.”

One of the money mentor Lauren Waddington, 11, added: “We have learnt how to teach our class about the importance of money and how to look after it.

“Everyone enjoyed the lessons and we have enjoyed teaching the class. It is great experience for us all.”