Brian Keith, a Year 4 teacher at Three Kings School, is deeply committed to preparing his students for the financial challenges they’ll face in life. With the help of Banqer, Brian has found a way to teach his students about money that not only aligns with the New Zealand curriculum but also fosters real-world conversations, both in the classroom and at home.
The importance of financial literacy in primary education
For Brian, financial literacy is an essential skill that should be taught early on.
I think financial literacy is really important at schools - even primary school
he explains. It’s about getting into those good habits about saving and looking after their money and realising that it’s not just something that falls into their laps from their parents. It actually comes from somewhere, and you have to make good choices around it.
By introducing financial literacy at a young age, Brian believes that students can develop healthy financial habits that will serve them throughout their lives.
Banqer allows students to learn by engaging in interactive activities. The simulation element is fantastic,
Brian shares. It’s like a big Monopoly game where kids buy houses, scooters, and manage their finances. The leaderboard adds a fun competitive element, which keeps them engaged.
Engaging students with interactive and immersive financial education
One of Banqer's most compelling features are the random events, which can disrupt the students’ financial plans, such as random thefts or disasters. The kids get really invested when things go wrong. They might not exactly enjoy having things stolen, but it definitely keeps them interested and engaged all the way through,
Brian notes. These surprises mimic real-life financial challenges, helping students develop resilience and problem-solving skills.
To keep students motivated, Brian leverages Banqer’s leaderboards and utilises fun classroom activities. The competitive side is great for keeping kids engaged in everyday class activities,
he says. Auctions, in particular, have become a class favourite, giving students the opportunity to bid on exciting items using their Banqer dollars. These activities make learning about money fun and help students grasp real-world financial concepts like budgeting, saving, and spending wisely.
It’s amazing to see how much they enjoy it while learning real-world financial skills. They’re learning about saving, spending wisely, and even dealing with setbacks, all in a safe, controlled environment
One of the most significant impacts Brian has observed since introducing Banqer is the conversations it sparks. Kids are talking about money, not just with each other, but also at home with their parents,
he says. These discussions help students gain a better understanding of the financial world their families navigate daily, and in turn, empower them to make more informed financial decisions. Students can see the relevance and leave Brian's classroom with practical knowledge that extends far beyond their time with Banqer.
Banqer as a flexible tool for tailored teaching
Brian appreciates how seamlessly Banqer aligns with the New Zealand curriculum and the financial capability progressions. There’s a wealth of information and resources to guide you through each step,
he explains. It’s not just an add-on; it’s something you can integrate into your normal teaching plan.
Banqer provides a structured yet flexible way to incorporate financial literacy lessons into core subjects. Brian activates new features and modules at his own pace, tailoring the learning experience to his students’ needs. For example, he uses Banqer to teach percentages in math lessons while also incorporating class jobs and salaries to help students understand how to earn and manage money.
Brian found setting up Banqer in the classroom to be a straightforward and manageable process, with only a small amount of initial effort needed to establish class jobs and expenses. Once it’s set up, introducing new elements doesn’t take much time,
he explains. He encourages other teachers to try Banqer, noting that it’s an effective, low-effort way to enhance financial literacy education.
Once you get used to it, it’s a fantastic tool that doesn’t add to your workload. Plus, the kids absolutely love it
By integrating Banqer into his classroom, Brian has created a dynamic and engaging learning experience that equips his students with valuable financial skills they can carry with them throughout their lives.
Thanks to our Champion Partner, Kiwibank, Banqer Primary is free for all New Zealand Primary and Intermediate schools.
