More than 60 schools across South Australia are strengthening how financial literacy is taught, as teachers apply new approaches developed through a targeted professional learning initiative.
The Changemakers in Financial Education program, delivered through a partnership between Deakin University’s Research for Educational Impact (REDI) and the South Australian Department for Education, has supported 79 primary and secondary teachers to bring more practical, real-world financial topics into their classrooms.
Participating schools are now delivering lessons that move beyond traditional budgeting and banking concepts, incorporating contemporary issues such as cryptocurrency, buy-now pay-later services, scams and identity theft. The program has already reached more than 3,000 students through teacher-led projects embedded in classroom learning.
At Marryatville High School in Adelaide, financial literacy has been integrated into student learning through dedicated electives and cross-curricular approaches. Teacher Ms Bianca Drum said the subject has had a noticeable impact on students’ confidence and mindset.
“Financial literacy education is vital, and I see every day how transformative it is for young people,” she said. “One of the most rewarding parts is seeing students shift from confusion or anxiety to genuine confidence.”
Ms Drum said students are developing practical skills, from budgeting through to building diversified ETF portfolios, alongside a broader shift in how they think about money.
“Many describe it as ‘the most important subject for real life because you learn how to save, invest and make your money work for you’,” she said. “Survey data shows a mindset shift from ‘get rich quick’ thinking to long-term, informed decision-making.”
Fellow Marryatville High School teacher Ms Jazmin Nardelli said the program is helping students engage with financial concepts in a way that feels relevant and accessible.
“Financial literacy is essential because it gives young people the tools to make informed decisions and navigate an increasingly complex financial world,” she said.
“When students learn to budget, understand debt, interpret real data, and plan for their future, they develop confidence and a sense of agency that stays with them well beyond the classroom.”
Across participating schools, teachers have been supported to tailor financial education to their specific student cohorts, recognising the diversity of financial experiences and backgrounds in school communities.
The program encourages integration of financial concepts across subjects including mathematics, humanities and digital technologies, allowing schools to embed the learning throughout the school year rather than treating it as a standalone topic.
An evaluation of the initiative found strong uptake and impact at the school level, with 98 per cent of teachers reporting improved classroom practice and 85 per cent indicating they felt inspired to lead curriculum innovation within their schools.
South Australian Department for Education Chief Executive Professor Martin Westwell said the program has significant potential to shape students’ futures.
“This program has the potential to empower young people to make smart financial decisions to support better futures,” he said.
With teachers continuing to implement and refine their projects, schools involved in the initiative are positioning financial literacy as a core capability for students navigating an increasingly complex financial landscape.
