Carrick pupils turn pennies into pounds during money week

Pupils from Carrick Primary School, Lurgan, with staff from Danske Bank, Lurgan and Principal of Carrick Primary School, Brian Jess, Maths coordinator, Julie Gorman and Sharon Paul, Customer Advisor, Danske Bank, Lurgan.

The school’s ‘Money Week’ ran from October 21 to October 25 and is part of its commitment to ensuring that its pupils understand how to manage money.

‘Money Week’ included a visit from Pondus, Dankse Bank’s money mascot, and financial capability sessions for pupils, complementing Carrick Primary’s ‘School Bank’, which it runs in partnership with Danske Bank.

Brian Jess, principal of Carrick said: “Financial capability is part of the Northern Ireland curriculum and a key life skill to teach pupils.

“Our maths Coordinator, Julie Gorman has helped make financial capability an integral part of school life. Julie has worked on ‘Money Week’, as one of the ways to do this.

“Our ‘Money Week’ helps to ensure that school children understand where money comes from and teaches them how to incorporate this vital life skill into their lives.

“Our school bank, which we run with Dankse Bank, allows the children to gain valuable experience in managing their money and has been an ideal way for the school to encourage financial awareness”.

The school’s budding bankers act as cashiers, balancing their tills, taking in the lodgements and completing balance sheets.

Sharon Paul, customer advisor at Danske Bank’s Lurgan branch, said: “Getting off to a good financial start is really important for young people. Through School Bank we can help young people today to understand money, take responsibility for their own finances and avoid expensive mistakes in the future. This also helps to develop their confidence in making the right financial choices when they leave home to work or start further education. Were were delighted to support their Money Week initiative.”