At Ysgol Bryn Gwalia, we are working towards becoming a Centre of Excellence for financial education with Young Enterprise. This accreditation is important as it signifies our commitment to equipping students with essential life skills that will benefit them in the future. Financial literacy is crucial in today’s world, where understanding money management, budgeting, and financial planning can significantly impact one’s quality of life.

We believe it is vital for our children and their families to be financially literate for several reasons. Firstly, it empowers students to make informed decisions about their finances, helping them develop responsible habits that can lead to financial stability. Secondly, understanding financial concepts can enhance their confidence in managing money, setting them up for success in their personal and professional lives.

Moreover, financial literacy can foster a culture of saving and investment within families, encouraging conversations about money that can bridge generational gaps. By prioritising financial education, we aim to prepare our students not just for their academic journeys but for their roles as responsible citizens in a complex financial landscape.

This initiative aligns closely with the Welsh National Curriculum, which emphasises the importance of developing essential skills across various subjects, including mathematics and personal development. Financial education contributes to the curriculum’s focus on equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate everyday life effectively. By integrating financial literacy into our teaching, we are enhancing our students’ learning experiences and ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of the future. This commitment ultimately supports the overall well-being of our school community and promotes a brighter future for everyone involved.

Our Vision Statement 

Our curriculum helps children learn about money so they can be smart with it for life, fostering ambition and preparing them to thrive in a changing, diverse world influenced by technology, while also equipping them to tackle the challenges of today's society. 

Financial Education in our Curriculum

As a school, we have worked hard to ensure that financial education is covered every half-term and is progressive across all year groups. We also celebrate My Money Week each year, providing our students with engaging activities that reinforce their understanding of financial concepts. To support this initiative, our staff have been upkilled in both the planning and delivery of financial education, ensuring they are equipped with the latest resources and strategies.

Additionally, our Head Teacher and Deputy Head presented at the Young Enterprise Financial Education conference in London in November 2023, showcasing our commitment to high-quality financial education and sharing best practices with other educators. This active involvement not only enhances our school’s reputation but also allows us to contribute to the broader conversation around financial literacy in education. Through these efforts, we aim to empower our students with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate their financial futures confidently.

 Our School Shop

Through pupil voice and the need to further improve attendance and uphold our school values, a school shop was established by our School Senedd. This initiative allows children to earn money for consistent attendance and for exemplifying our core values. Each Friday afternoon, students can choose to save or spend their earnings at the shop.

This programme has been a huge success, contributing to a 4% increase in attendance. Beyond improving attendance, it has fostered a sense of responsibility and financial literacy among students, as they learn to manage their money and make informed spending choices. The shop also promotes positive behaviour, as students are motivated to engage with our values in order to earn rewards.

Furthermore, the school shop encourages a sense of community and collaboration, as students work together to achieve common goals. It enhances social skills by providing opportunities for interaction and teamwork during shop activities. Overall, this initiative not only supports our attendance goals but also enriches the school experience by instilling important life skills in our students.