Introduction

Adding up to a lifetime was born out of the realisation that young people need a clear understanding of the skills required in making crucial life decisions.


These include:

  • Funding for their post-school education
  • Career changes during their working life
  • The impact of relationships and families during their life
  • Better health leading to a longer and more active retirement

Increasing statutory requirements mean that schools now have to deliver work-related learning to all young people aged 14–16, as well as citizenship, PSHE, and the full range of national curriculum subjects.


Also, the introduction of Every Child Matters: change for children and The Children’s Plan places an even greater emphasis on the well-being of children and young people from birth to age 19.


The Government’s aim is for every young person, whatever their background or their circumstances, to have the support they need to:

  • Be healthy
  • Stay safe
  • Enjoy and achieve
  • Make a positive contribution
  • Achieve economic well-being

Prudential is a key financial supporter and member of the Pfeg forum. Pfeg is an educational charity which promotes the development of financial capability in young people. This is where the link with the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust and the production of the Adding up to a lifetime resource comes in.


The purpose of the Adding up to a lifetime resource is to equip young people with the knowledge and skills required for them to make informed choices when they face personal and financial decisions at various stages of their lives. As students work through the resource they will discover some of the implications that financial decisions made earlier in life can have on them at later stages including retirement.


There are 25 hours of learning activities based on five phases of life: Life as a student, Working life, Relationships, New life and Active retirement.


The resource uses a mix of animated characters, real life interviews, text and interactive games and puzzles. In addition, schools are encouraged to involve real people from their own communities to join discussions with students so that the activities can be brought to life.



Download as PDF documentClick here to download a more detailed introduction in the PDF format.