THRIFTY primary school pupils learned how to be savvy with money during a unique finance exercise today.

Year six pupils at Holy Cross Primary School, Upham Road took part in the Money Minds activity organised by the Yorkshire Building Society

The children were tasked with planning a glittering party for 80 people complete with food, entertainment and special guests, but had to do so on a budget.

They had to pick a theme for the party, design a poster, go through entertainment, music, food and ticket prices while trying to keep costs as low as possible.

Themes ranged from a Pokemon party, a pool party to a Bollywood inspired soiree and a musical themed extravaganza and tested the children’s team work and money management skills.

Sam Dowdeswell, year six teacher said the children had benefited from the exercise.

She said: “Of course the children wanted anything and everything for their parties, all the different varieties of food, celebrities, the best entertainment and the cost of a ticket was extortionate to begin with.

“Some wanted a dance floor that cost £450 others wanted a cinematic screen or a photo booth but they were very surprised when they saw the costs of the items.

“Another team wanted a celebrity party and suggested having Simon Cowell there. They didn’t realise they had to pay a huge amount of money to get a celebrity there so it really educated them.”

The children had to present their party ideas to financial experts from the building society.The winning cost-cutting team were presented with a money box.

Mrs Dowdeswell said she was delighted with the outcome of the task. She said: “I think it is a good idea because it teaches them about money and they can use their maths skills in a real-life setting. It also teaches the children about how much things costs and how it all adds up rather than thinking a party is just booking a venue.

“They really enjoyed the activity, they found it so interesting. It made them realise how expensive things can be when their parents organise parties for them. They all want to get a lot more involved in party planning now because they feel they have learned a lot from it.”