1. Finance Courses ifs School of Finance Suzanne Barltrop s.barltrop@st-paulshigh.glasgow.sch.uk suzanne@barltrop.co.uk

2. Introduction Reason for introducing the courses Reasons for choosing this course: –Well recognised throughout the UK by SQA and UCAS –Something new and ‘adult’

3. The diet of courses aimed at 14 –19 year olds 1.Foundation Certificate in Personal Finance 2.Intermediate Certificate in Personal Finance 3.Certificate in Financial Studies 4.Diploma in Financial Studies (run at universities and colleges)

4. Level 1: Foundation Certificate in Personal Finance Target group: Access 3 and Foundation (grades 4-6) 5 th year (unlikely to pass Int. ) Able 3 rd years taking Numeracy Pupils who have completed Access 3

5. Level 2: Intermediate Certificate  Could be taken in the 5 th or 6 th Year  Direct entry for more able pupils  Direct entry for 6 th year who have passed Intermediate 1 or 2  Two levels can run in parallel

6. The course is worthwhile because: A new course not linked to qualifications they have failed or found difficult Interesting as it relates to them e.g. pay slips; their legal obligations,; their rights as employees Excellent online materials and computer quizzes Pupils are enthusiastic and are already talking of taking the course next year

7. Other Information Answer to many of the worries and concerns of mathematics teachers and mathematics departments. The materials are relevant and online and the ‘ifs’ very supportive of teachers The Christmas leavers would finish the course at Christmas if they started the course in June or August.

8. Budget Implications Registration fees £24 per course The ‘ifs’ refunds any registration fees of pupils who do not sit exams Photocopying of materials but no text books required

9. And finally:

10. Level 3 Certificate in Financial Studies Naturally leads on from the level 2 course or could be run instead of Higher Credit of 60 UCAS points: equivalent to a Higher, Grade B Alternative to Higher for those who would prefer to take a subject within maths that was more relevant to them Alternative for those wishing to study Arts or BIS courses at University