Secondary Year 11

Literacy and Numeracy Week

This semester the Year 11 students are focusing on a numeracy program called Earn and Learn.  This is a terrific hands on program that allows students to practically apply their numeracy and literacy skills.  The basis of the program evolves around students having to set up their own home and then manage the weekly payments (ie, rent, bills, grocery shopping, etc).  Students were originally given $5,000.00 to set up an empty apartment – they needed to buy furniture, linen, appliances and entertainment items. 

For students who attend the fortnightly Work Related Skills placements they are given $650.00 to go towards running their home.  Students have had to write about who they are and what they like to spend money on.  This has involved differentiating between ‘luxuries’ and ‘necessities’.  With topics such as prepaid vs owning a phone outright, brand of appliance and size of TV, students have gained a much deeper understanding of using and spending money in the real world.

Students have also looked at the different supermarkets with the goal of comparing prices.

Students were given a one off payment to buy a car.  Students were then required to work out how much it costs to run a car over a year.  With petrol, maintenance, tyres and registration all coming into the costs were a lot higher than students expected.

Owning a pet has also been looked at in this program.  Students had to work out how much different pets cost to own and then decide if they wanted to own one, thus adding to their weekly spending.