SCHOOLCHILDREN in Dorchester will be given valuable lessons in money matters.

Pupils at every school in the county town and surrounding area are being given the chance to take part in the sixth annual My Money Week run by financial education charity pfeg (Personal Finance Education Group).

The event will run from June 9 to June 15 and will see children learn about money and personal finance.

The aim is to give schoolchildren a head-start in financial education before the vital life skills become a compulsory part of the new National Curriculum in September.

My Money Week will also give teachers the opportunity to improve the financial skills, knowledge and confidence of their pupils by using topical news stories and current affairs to bring the subject to life.

They will have access to pfeg’s free My Money Week online resources and training.

Chief executive of pfeg Tracey Bleakley said: “Last year My Money Week helped 1.3million young people across the country learn more about managing money – something that we know is going to be so important to their life prospects in the future.

“I hope that every school in and around Dorchester will get involved in My Money Week this year, using our free support and resources.”

She added: “From this September, after years of campaigning, financial education will finally become a compulsory part of the National Curriculum in maintained secondary schools. “This means that this year’s My Money Week gives teachers at both primary and secondary level an ideal opportunity to give their pupils a head start in learning these vital life skills.”

Since the first event in 2009 My Money Week has helped millions of young people understand more about money and personal finance through focused activities in schools.

Last year the scheme reached around 1.3million young people in more than 4,500 schools and other settings.

Teachers interested in getting involved in My Money Week can email mymoneyweek@pfeg.org or visit pfeg.org/mymoneyweek