Alumni Services Jeremy Williams Financial Capability Relationship ManagerM

The ifs School of Finance A Leading Provider of Financial Education since – The Institute of Bankers is founded 1987 – The organisation gains a Royal Charter 1997 – Became the Institute of Financial Services 2006 – The organisation changes name to ifs School of Finance Acquisition of Taught Degree-Awarding Powers

ifs in numbers Over 130,000 students have studied an ifs financial capability qualification since ,309 students were registered to study an ifs qualification in 2011/12 in England and Wales. 446 centres registered students with ifs in England and Wales in 2011/12. Over 90 centres and1200 students were registered with SQA in 2011/12. 1,118 students gained SQA certification at Level 4 from 112 centres in 2010/11.

Why Qualifications? The qualifications route “Students valued accredited courses, such as those provided by the ifs School of Finance.…. which had the benefit of leading to nationally recognised qualifications. They were well supported by course materials and included continuous assessment of progress. The ifs School of Finance courses provided a coherent and progressive curriculum (Ofsted – Developing financially capable young people. March 2008, Ref: )

Why Qualifications? Becoming Financially Capable (The University of Manchester Report 2008) “This impact resulted in an increase in knowledge and awareness, an improvement in financial behaviour…. Helping them move towards greater independence” “Our research shows that personal financial management increased during the period of study …” Young people need to and want to be better financial consumers to enable them to make the important financial decisions they will have to take in their financial futures

‘When you go into a bank now and look at their products, you know what they are talking about and you know what APR means properly – all the terms and conditions. Salima The student’s view

The ifs Approach Comprehensive financial capability package to deliver an essential life skill Students and tutors have web access and extensive student/teacher materials Assessment on demand with speedy results Dedicated telephone support and teacher/tutor training An opportunity to demonstrate student’s mathematical skills

Partnership with SQA The Personal Finance Award at SCQF Level 4 is jointly awarded by the SQA and the ifs School of Finance. It contributes to delivery of the four Curriculum for Excellence capacities. It equips candidates with the skills to understand and manage money throughout their lives.

Personal Finance Award The Personal Finance Award code is GA1Y 44 The Units are: The Principles of Money - SCQF Level 4 The Principles of Money - SCQF Level 4 (Unit code FC64 04) Money Management - SCQF Level 4 Money Management - SCQF Level 4 (Unit code FC63 04) Includes: Access to end of Unit assessments on SQA SOLAR. Access to learning and teaching materials via SQA’s secure website. Advice about delivering the course – this can be provided by SQA or by contacting the ifs School of Finance directly.

Financial Capability Progression Routes Level 5: Adult Programme BSc (Hons) in Banking Practice and Management Level 7: Diploma in Financial Studies Level 6: Certificate in Financial Studies Level 5: Certificate in Personal Finance Level 4: Personal Finance Award 19 14

Topics 1 to 5 Topics 1 to 4 Unit 1 The Principles of Money (POM) Unit 2 Money Management (MOM) Level 4 AwardLevel 5 Certificate Topics 1 to 8 Unit 1 Personal Financial Encounters (PFE) Unit 2 Money Management Solutions (MMS) Topics 1 to 4 Unit 3 Personal Financial Management (PFMA) The above are assessed through the SQA SOLAR system

o 3 units o 125 guided learning hours (140 Learning hours) o Registration is £36 per student o Resit fee £12 (max 2 resits per exam) o On-demand objective tests for all units o Grade A* to C CPF5

Scottish Equivalents

How do I access the website? How is it structured? What materials do I get? How do teachers deliver the courses? How do I get further information? My ifs learning website

The centre is given a login name and password to access the learning materials.

Structure of topic sheets Tutorial with Qs and As Review questions Case studies Suggested learning activities Key points

Student Investor Challenge Online investment game for students aged Teams are given a fantasy £100,000 to invest in the stock market Top prize is an educational trip to New York, £200 for each team member and £2,000 for their school

Specialist Financial Education Provider Key Life Skill in Modern Society Working in Partnerships across UK Accredited Qualifications and Routes Excellent Resources and Customer Service. Summary