Banqer at St James

It’s always been a rite of passage at St James that students in the senior room do their bit around the school. Rubbish bins are emptied, bathroom hand towels disposed of, milk and fruit dished out, and the playground canvassed for sports equipment at the end of the day.

Banqer has been able to add real authenticity to this existing system, and furthered student learning in the classroom.

Aspiration

Like in real life, our economy consists of workers and coordinators. Coordinators are paid at a higher rate, and students are encouraged to work their way toward being coordinators.

The first piece of work students finish doesn’t necessarily get accepted. Rather students are encouraged to go away and ensure it is of their highest standard so they receive the highest possible monetary reward for their work. Over time students have taken it upon themselves to check over work to ensure its of the highest possible quality before handing it in.

Engagement

Once students understood that they were rewarded for what they did they brought into Banqer one hundred-percent.

If our students like something, they run with it completely. They’ll really buy into the whole set-up. They have done this with Banqer because it’s so user friendly for them. They can hop online and see their balances, upcoming payments and who’s in the lead.

Beyond the School Gate

Students are going home and talking to their parents about money. Birthday money is being saved and banked, discussions about ‘value for money’ are taking place in the supermarket, and students are gaining an appreciation of what their parents spend on them.

During a class discussion one student exclaimed -

I feel so sorry for my parents. There are so many of us and we must cost a lot of money.

The next day she came back to school and said “I think my mum does a really good job with our money. I think I’m going to make her a cup of coffee when I get home just to say thanks.”

Students are becoming aware of what’s involved with money. A lot previously didn’t know what money looked like. They thought you just put that plastic in and got stuff. Now they’re learning that everything in life has a cost to it and it’s a matter of prioritising.

Banqer has easily integrated into our classroom. It sits alongside our current classroom systems and adds an additional layer of authentic life lessons, all the while further inspiring and motivating students!