Money Week (Pénz7) (L2)

The Hungarian version of the European Money Week (Level 2) promoting students’ financial literacy and awareness has been implemented since 2015 through an exemplary cooperation between the private and public sectors, coordinated by the ministry responsible for education. Since 2017, MoneyWeek has a separate “track” that explicitly aims to promote entrepreneurship education. Since that time, MoneyWeek has been integrated into the official school year as a “thematic week”, when (on a voluntary basis) primary (and secondary) schools provide lessons, lectures, workshops etc. in financial and entrepreneurship education using free resources available for different age groups: years 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 in financial literacy, and years 7-8 in entrepreneurship education. For students in years 5–8, the programme is designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world application, preparing students for the increasingly complex financial decisions and entrepreneurial opportunities they will encounter. Through a blend of classroom and extracurricular activities, MoneyWeek empowers students to take initiative, collaborate with peers, and develop the confidence needed to navigate the modern economic landscape.

Key Activities and Student Experience

The student experience in years 5–8 is characterised by a progression from basic understanding to practical application and teamwork. Key activities include:

• Workshops and Business Simulations: Students work in teams to create and manage simple businesses, developing ideas, planning operations, and engaging in basic marketing and budgeting.
• Budgeting Games and Planning Exercises: Learners are challenged to plan for events, manage a class “company,” or allocate resources, reinforcing the importance of careful financial planning.
• Competitions and Quizzes: Participation in national and school-level competitions, such as quizzes and “Stock Run” simulations, fosters a healthy sense of competition and teamwork.
• Digital Challenges: Online knowledge tests and cybersecurity quizzes help students build digital financial awareness and safe online habits.
• Presentations and Feedback: Students have opportunities to present their business ideas to peers and volunteers, receiving constructive feedback from individuals with real-world experience.

These activities are designed to be authentic and motivating, encouraging students to apply their knowledge in practical, meaningful ways.

Program Features and Pedagogical Principles

The programme for years 5–8 is firmly rooted in experiential and project-based learning and gamification. It builds on teamwork and collaboration, with students working together to solve real-world problems, developing communication and leadership skills. Freely available lesson plans as well as e-learning modules incorporating technology, role-plays, and game-based elements are designed in annually changing topics that reflect current trends, such as digital finance and online safety. Professionals from the financial and entrepreneurial sectors co-teach alongside educators, bringing practical insights and diverse perspectives to the classroom.

Methodology and Structure

The thematic lesson packages for years 5–8 can be integrated into various subjects, including Maths, Technology, and Civic Knowledge. Preparatory webinars and e-learning modules are provided to both teachers and volunteers, supporting consistent delivery and adaptability across different schools. The programme structure supports both classroom-based and extracurricular activities, including participation in national and international competitions. Continuous feedback from students, teachers, and partners is used to review and refine the curriculum annually, ensuring that it evolves in response to the changing needs of students and the broader economic environment.