Preparing for Adulthood – NatWest Bank

On Friday 23rd January, as part of Preparation for Adulthood, Martello and Obelisk pupils visited NatWest Bank for an insightful learning experience focused on fraud and financial awareness.Led by NatWest staff, the session was focused on pupils taking on the role of ‘Fraud Investigators’, analysing multiple pieces of evidence to uncover how a victim’s personal details had fallen into the wrong hands. Working collaboratively, pupils applied their problem-solving skills and successfully solved the case.Following this, pupils explored key financial vocabulary and took part in a Q&A session about the services offered by a high-street bank. Pupils asked thoughtful and mature questions, with one standout being, ‘What are the most common mistakes young people make with their money?’.The visit also included a behind-the-scenes tour with the Bank Manager. Pupils saw the back of a cash point and learned just how much money is stored inside, visited the secure safe (even attempting to move the heavy door themselves), and explored the basement where security boxes were previously held, gaining an appreciation of the extensive CCTV and security measures in place.To finish the day, pupils had the opportunity to independently explore local shops and cafés, putting their real-world skills into practice before heading back to school. This was a memorable trip that supported pupils’ financial understanding and independence!