Breaking Down Money Myths at Powick CofE Primary

The Grey Area of Money: Why Financial Education Isn’t Just About Right and Wrong

At Make Sense of Pence, we’re on a mission to help young people build strong financial foundations through engaging, thought-provoking workshops. Our latest Money Wise Workshop at Powick CofE Primary School in Malvern was another brilliant session filled with energy, debate, and lightbulb moments!

A huge thank you to Kim Henstock and the team at arrangeMY, who generously sponsored this session. arrangeMY has supported our project from the very start, and their ongoing commitment means we can continue delivering these vital financial education workshops to schools across the region. This time, their sponsorship had an extra personal touch, as some parents of Powick students work for arrangeMY—a perfect example of local businesses making a real difference in their community.

Empower Future Generations

How Do We Spend Money? A Changing Landscape

One of the most eye-opening moments of the workshop came when we discussed how we pay for things. We asked the Year 5 students to list ways money is spent, and here’s how they ranked them:

  1. Debit cards
  2. Apple Pay
  3. PayPal
  4. Online purchases
  5. Cash

It was fifth on the list! That’s right—cash, once the dominant form of payment, barely made it into the conversation. Previously, cash would have been at the top, yet today’s children are growing up in a world where digital transactions are the norm. Despite this shift, the National Curriculum still teaches money using physical coins and notes, highlighting a real need for modernising financial education.

 

Brand Awareness at 10 Years Old?

A recurring theme in our workshops is the power of brand—and Powick was no exception. When we held up an Air Up water bottle, the teacher simply called it a “water bottle.”

But before we could say another word, Sophia, a fantastic participant, confidently pointed out:


“That’s a fake Air Up!”

Not only did she instantly recognise the brand, but she also identified that it wasn’t the real thing. This level of brand awareness at just 10 years old is astonishing and reinforces just how much marketing influences children’s financial decisions. If kids are already spotting “dupes” and fakes, we need to ensure they have the skills to navigate consumer choices wisely.

To explore this topic further, check out our recent blog:
🔗 The Power of Brand: How Marketing Influences Children’s Financial Decisions

The Cost of a Hobby: Chloe’s Surprise

Chloe, another bright student, loves her horse and knew that keeping a horse costs money. But when we asked about all the extra expenses involved, the discussion opened her eyes to a whole new world of costs:

  • Livery fees
  • Vet bills
  • Insurance
  • Feed and bedding

It was a brilliant realisation about hidden costs—a conversation that will help Chloe and her classmates make better financial decisions in the future.

Workshops That Spark Conversations

One of the things we love about our Money Wise Workshops is how naturally these discussions evolve. Whether it’s debating “needs vs. wants”, exploring where money comes from, or breaking down financial myths, every session proves just how much these conversations are needed.

This workshop at Powick was no exception. From start to finish, students were engaged, curious, and full of great questions—and we can’t wait to return next year!

A massive thank you once again to arrangeMY for sponsoring this workshop, and to the fantastic staff and students at Powick CofE Primary School for making it such a great session.