Money worries top the list of teenage concerns according to a new survey of young people’s New Year resolutions for the coming year. Almost two-fifths (38 per cent) of Scots secondary school pupils are vowing to improve how they manage their cash in 2011  – beating health and environmental concerns – in a clear sign that the next generation are well aware of the current financial climate.

Thanks to the Curriculum for Excellence, pupils wishing to improve their money know-how are getting more help than ever before to prepare them for the financial realities of adulthood. 

Support includes a range of activities led by Learning and Teaching Scotland (LTS) designed to ensure that teachers have access to up-to-date resources and guidance about the place of financial education in the curriculum.  

Resources available on-line from LTS include – On the Money which is a collection of stories from four of Scotland’s children’s authors, Tackling Debt – a resource to aid discussion of debt in the classroom which includes the mini soap opera: Wilma’s Story. In addition, Talk Money, Talk Solutions is a collection of practical problem solving activities for use in primary school. 

Michael Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, said:

“Young or old, money worries are, unfortunately, an unavoidable part of everyday life. That is why it is essential that we provide our young people will the skills they need to cope with the financial pressure they will inevitably encounter. 

“Curriculum for Excellence provides young people with opportunities to be taught about managing budgets and to reconcile that they may not always be able to afford things they want.  

“In addition, the financial sector in Scotland offers teaching materials and continuing professional development support for teachers in an effort to ensure that young people have access to good quality advice and guidance concerning issues such as money management, the range of financial products and services available and activities to make lessons engaging and relevant. 

“Let’s hope that we all make the most of our money in the coming year.” (Click here to hear the quote)