Bristol Primary schools meet ‘happiness challenge’

Three primary schools in Bristol have won a day trip to Bristol Zoo after taking part in a 'happiness challenge'.

Organised as part of My Money Week, pupils were asked to follow-up work on finance education by planning an enjoyable day out for their class, within a limited budget. They were particularly asked to plan activities that would bring the greatest enjoyment to the whole class.

Entries from across the city have been judged by the Personal Finance Education Group and three winning schools selected: Hillcrest, Victoria Park and St Peters Church of England primary schools. They won win a digital camera for their school and a free day out at Bristol Zoo for their class.

Year 5 teacher at Hillcrest Primary School, Ginny Perrin, said: “The happiness challenge has given our class the opportunity to apply their learning about personal finance in a practical way. We are delighted that their plan has been chosen as a winning entry and are all looking forward to our day out at Bristol Zoo. We just loved doing the Happiness Challenge, it was a fantastic activity.”

Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Clare Campion-Smith, said: “In the current economic climate, it is more important than ever that children leave school with a good knowledge of how to manage their finances. Learning how to budget and spend within agreed limits is a great lesson for life and this task has helped bring it to life for all the children who took part.”

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Notes to editors

The Happiness Challenge builds on work on personal finance education in Bristol primary schools last year. This culminated in a showcase
‘dragon’s den’ funding session held in the Council House. Children from the schools involved listened to bids from local organisations, before awarding a grant for £2,000.

The primary schools that took part shared their skills and expertise to produce a comprehensive teaching resource for all pupils in Bristol primary schools. Taking part in the Happiness Challenge was a way of applying this learning.