College teacher wins award

Brisbane Water Secondary College teacher Ms Valerie Frances has been named the winner of a teaching award

Fifteen leading teachers were selected from hundreds of applications exploring innovative and engaging ways to build financial understanding.

Ms Frances developed a pilot program that involved 36 Year 10 students operating a fully equipped and bustling commercial kitchen on the school premises.

Students, who volunteered their time, would be wholly responsible for the project.

They would be tasked with creating the business plan, budgeting, bookkeeping, marketing and all managing operations.

The teaching wards, sponsored by the Commonwealth Bank Foundation, aim to recognise and reward inspirational teachers from schools across Australia who are making an outstanding contribution to developing the essential money management skills of Australian children.

With the award, Valerie will sustainably execute her pilot program at Brisbane Water Secondary College, and provide an avenue for students to receive their Certificate I in Active Volunteering, equipping them with a set of valuable and practical skills they can use throughout their lives.

Media Release, 2 Aug 2012

Shadia Galal, Commonwealth Bank Press Office