SpeakersBank is in its sixth year of delivering its "Financially Speaking" programme sponsored by Citi Foundation.  The "Financially Speaking" programme combines Public Speaking Training and Financial Literacy.

“The progress made by some of our pupils during ‘Financially Speaking’ is breathtaking at times!”
Matthew Swift - Head of Year, Sacred Heart School

In the 2009/10 academic year we have delivered 20 workshops in London schools training over 500 pupils in "Financially Speaking".

This year saw the programme expand to Scotland, with 5 workshops being run in Edinburgh. In addition to this, 12 workshops were delivered to youth organisations in London, including Youthaid,  Prince's Trust and Downview Prison.

The programme covers the following key modules:

• Smart Shopping & Banking
• Top Money Tips
• Money Knowledge Quizz

All the training was delivered by SpeakersBank trainers and, where possible, with support from very committed and able Citi Volunteers.

The learning from these sessions is supported and emphasised with interactive exercises and learning around public speaking and finally each pupil gives their financial speech as part of the school competition.  Particular focus is given to a new financial literacy game called 'The Market Place' which helps the pupils grapple with and understand money making decisions.

Highlights of the programme

• A full day of free public speaking training and financial education (the only programme in the UK to combine the two elements)
• 2-3 additional hours of ‘Masterclass’ training
• An opportunity to compete against schools in different boroughs in the Financially Speaking competition

Feedback from the programme

• The average confidence level in presenting by students had increased by 58% from the beginning of the day – a significant improvement across all schools.
• The average level of understanding of personal finance by students had increased by 44% from the beginning of the day.
• 100% of the teachers rated the SpeakersBank trainers as very good, the highest mark possible (options were very good, good, average, poor).
• In terms of the benefit of the programme we achieved an average of 9.69 out of a possible 10 (option was to rate the training from 1 to 10, 10 being hugely beneficial).

This year's London School Final took place at Bridewell Hall, Fleet Street. First place was awarded to Fame Alohan-Eke of St Martin-in-the-Field School. Guest judges on the night included Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis and celebrity make-up artist and entrepreneur, Eryca Freemantle.

As ever, SpeakersBank would like to thank Citi for its ongoing support and sponsorship of this innovative programme, including the volunteers who are supported by Citi to give their time to local schools, and the many teachers in the schools who have given SpeakersBank their support, time and effort to ensure this training can benefit their pupils.