MakingCents for Teachers
MakingCents is a series of financial education units for primary schools developed by NSW Department of Education and Training in consultation with teachers and informed by education authorities in all states and territories. It supports current curricula such as Social Sciences and Mathematics and includes teaching strategies and resources that have been trialled and evaluated in a variety of school situations. It also incorporates a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy skills.

MakingCents materials have been matched to curricula of each state and territory and can be downloaded from the blue bar menu on the left.

Research shows primary school-aged children are engaged in financial activities such as saving money, making purchases and using mobile phones. As active consumers therefore, children need guidance and help to become confident, responsible and informed. Research also shows that financial education is most effective when it is started early and can help children to:

     • Develop the knowledge, skills and understanding to use money wisely
     • Identify and evaluate the value of money and credit
     • Take greater responsibility for their own financial decisions, and
     • Develop a sense of responsible management of resources.

The four components of financial literacy that underpin the MakingCents curriculum are:

     Financial understanding - knowledge about the nature of money, financial decisions and the      
     implications of these decisions.
     Financial competence - the application of knowledge and skills in a range of changing contexts.
     Financial enterprise involves initiative and informed risk-taking in the nature and use of money.
     Financial responsibility involves making financial decisions that display care for self, others and
     the community.

These components of financial literacy are supported by knowledge, skills and values related to competition, exchange, income, liability, power and value.