Savings earn top prize for pupils
SCHOOLCHILDREN in Bridgend are celebrating their success after winning a prestigious award from the Credit Unions of Wales.
Pupils from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School on Llangewydd Road visited the Senedd to receive the top prize from Welsh actress Ruth Madoc.
They were nominated for the School Partnership Award by Bridgend Lifesavers Credit Union after running a successful junior savings scheme for pupils over the past three years.
In total 140 children are members of the scheme – more than half of the school – and save their pocket money weekly. Run by the children, the scheme also helps improve their numeracy, lit- eracy and social skills.
Teacher Ben Wooding said: “Pupils and staff are absolutely overjoyed to have won the Credit Unions of Wales Award because not only do we derive a great deal of pleasure from running a junior savings scheme but it also helps with the development and educa- tion of the children themselves.
“The weekly collection point is operated by a group of Year Five and Six pupils who spend every Wednesday morning running the scheme before bringing their findings into the maths lesson. That means we not only provide a saving club for the pupils but also use that as part of the curriculum.
“The pupils save their pocket money for many different reasons, either to buy a new DVD or an Xbox game. Sometimes their parents send money with them to save towards a school trip – such as the visit to France next summer.”