Hebrides pupils learn about money

Sgoil a’ Bhac pupils, in Gaelic Medium P7 & S1 classes, have won a prestigious UK-wide award for a 5 scene DVD dealing with various aspects of personal finance for young people.

This teaching resource was developed with the support of Learning & Teaching Scotland (LTS) and the professional scriptwriter Catriona Lexy Campbell.

The DVD was originally scheduled to be distributed to all schools offering Gaelic Medium education but a version with English subtitles is currently being prepared for national circulation.

“National stage”

The scenarios scripted by the pupils focus on:

• borrowing and friendship.
• lottery and the love of money.
• store card credit.
• cost versus function – real value.
• spend or save?

The DVD is targeted at pupils in upper primary and early secondary stages.

As well as working with LTS staff, a scriptwriter and other adults, the pupils had the opportunity to film at various locations in the community.  This experience enabled them to develop skills in media, drama and teamwork.  These skills which are central to the new Curriculum for Excellence.

On Thursday 17th June 2010, two pupils and members of staff attended the national awards ceremony in London where the school was presented with the overall trophy for the most innovative PFE awards project.

This is a major achievement for a small, rural, island school and the pupils are to be commended for their efforts.  It also highlights the potential for success of Gaelic Medium education on a national stage.

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