Year 11 is pretty exciting. You’re king of the roost, top of the school, sweet sixteen.
But it’s also a year of big decisions. What will you do after the post-GCSE euphoria starts to fade – go to college? Start at sixth form? Get a job?
With the Education Maintenance Allowance winding down and public spending cuts starting to bite, it’s difficult to know what to do.
You’re in a bit of a limbo – unsure if you can afford to go to college or university, but equally unsure if you should try your luck on a job market where a fifth of young people are out of work.
Wising up to money matters is not going to give you the answer, but it’s going to make it a whole lot easier to make an informed decision about what to do next.
Year 11s from Mount Carmel Technology College in Islington would certainly agree. Over the last two weeks, they’ve been taking part in MyBnk’s “Money Twist” workshops, learning how to earn and manage their cash.
“Money sessions like this are really beneficial as we grow up, especially in the current climate,” said Thamanna, aged 16.
By debating everything from tax to pensions, getting to grips with budgeting, and pitching needs vs. wants, the girls have emerged with a bank of knowledge and the confidence to make an informed decision about next steps.
“It’s good to know what’s going on in the economy and how that affects young people,” said Tina, aged 15.
One small step for the teens of today, one giant leap for the adults of tomorrow.
