School currency aims to give pupils financial skills

Pupils can earn Penguin Pounds by doing jobs around the school

Enterprising pupils are learning about the basics of personal finance after creating their own school currency.

Children at Frome Vale Academy in Somerset have been using Penguin Pounds designed by Year 5 teacher Ross Fossard.

The currency is earned through doing jobs such as play buddies and recyclers.

Pupil Yara said the scheme helped others understand that not "everything is free".

Layla said doing jobs in school gives her a sense of "responsibility"

"You have to earn things," she said.

Play pod monitor Layla said her job makes her feel like she has "responsibility".

" I enjoy tidying up after people."

Pupil Zara said applying for the jobs gives them experience they can use when they are older.

Principal Jan Saunders came up with the idea to help prepare students for life beyond school.

The money features the school's mascot - a penguin.

"This is a natural step in the development of Frome Vale Citizen and how we develop children as both citizens at FVA and in the wider community," she said.

"It is key to our main curriculum aims of developing self-agency."

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