Report on National Conference of the Secondary Curriculum Support Programme for PSHE education: Economic Well-being and Financial Capability
Source: John Lloyd, Policy Adviser - PSHE Association
26 Jan 09
The launch of the programme for the PSHE education Economic Well-being and Financial capability (EWBFC) curriculum in secondary schools, supported by CfBT Education Trust on behalf of DCSF, was held in London on Monday 26th January. It was organised by CfBT and the PSHE Association and led by the National Subject Leads for PSHE Education Economic Well-being, Sue Barr and Jenny Wales. Speakers included Gary Forrest and Mick Waters from the QCA, David Butler HMI, and Nick Boddington and Kath Wright from Essex Local Authority. Delegates were also able to participate in workshops on PSHE education, Work Related Learning, Enterprise in Schools, the CEIAG Support Programme and Personal Finance.
The keynote speakers reinforced the need for schools to see economic well-being in the broader context of PSHE education which includes Personal Well-being and to recognise the relationship that the two programmes of study together can make to learning and real life experiences. Emphasis was also given to its relevance for young people and to the achievement of the aims of the curriculum for all schools, not only in raising attainment but also for the development of civic participation, healthy lifestyles, and engagement in economic and financial life. The link to Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS), and to employability were also highlighted and made explicit.
Speakers drew particular attention to the need for effective teaching and the role of specialist teachers in schools, recognising the opportunities for many subjects across the curriculum to contribute to economic well-being. This should include challenging and compelling learning experiences that young people can participate in through enrichment days when such experiences are part of a coherent, well planned cross curricular approach. Effective learning about economic well-being was exemplified through a short film clip of work being undertaken by young people in one secondary school studying the fashion industry in Art. Available on the CfBT website, schools can use these clips and other examples to support the development of their own practice.
All the speakers agreed that it was vital to address the needs of young people, and to link activities to their real lives beyond the classroom. Attention was drawn to the support that local authority advisers, and especially Advanced Skills Teachers, can provide in supporting PSHE education and the two programmes of study within the Healthy Schools context, along with the support provided by CfBT’s partner organisations, the PSHE Association, EBEA, ACEG and pfeg.
Following this event there are a number of regional conferences for lead teachers in schools to attend, which explore the programme of study for economic well-being and materials and resources that are being made available, to disseminate good practice and explore innovative approaches to this growing area of the curriculum.
