Deaf pupils make history by helping shape the future of financial education
By Community Correspondent
Deaf pupils from Derby are helping change the way young people learn about money after becoming the first in the UK to take part in a pioneering financial education programme designed specifically for British Sign Language (BSL) users.
Year nine pupils at The Royal School for the Deaf Derby have been working with HSBC UK and the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) to test and improve accessible lessons covering saving, budgeting, borrowing, credit and fraud awareness.
After six lessons as part of their PSHE studies, the pupils put their new knowledge into practice with a special visit to an HSBC branch in Derby city centre.
They were given a behind-the-scenes look at how a bank works, including a tour of the vault and a demonstration of the money-counting machines.
The pupils even got to count £1,000 in £20 notes.
For Andrea, one of the Year 9 pupils, the experience was about much more than seeing inside a bank.
“I loved going to the bank, it was so much fun. The staff are learning to sign and they wanted to practise with us, which was really nice.”
Andrea said the lessons had also given her greater confidence about managing money in the future.
“I’ve loved learning about money. It’s made me feel ready to be an adult and how to save up for a fast car one day.”
The project is part of HSBC UK's Smart Money financial education programme, with lessons adapted in partnership with RNID and the school to meet the communication needs of deaf pupils who use BSL.
And the pupils aren't simply taking part – they're helping shape what comes next.
Feedback from the students and their teachers will be used to improve the resources so they can eventually benefit more deaf young people across the country.
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Sophie Croshaw, head of science at The Royal School for the Deaf Derby, said learning how to manage money was an essential life skill.
“It’s important that deaf young people can access that learning in a way that reflects their communication needs.
“This programme is giving our pupils practical knowledge they’ll use throughout their lives, from understanding bank accounts to managing everyday finances with confidence.”
The project also highlights a gap that deaf young people can face when learning about money.
For deaf young people, everyday conversations about money can be harder to access, making tailored financial education particularly important.
Teri Deivine, associate director of inclusion at RNID, said providing lessons in BSL could help give deaf pupils the same confidence and independence as their hearing peers.
The pupils also had a chance to teach their HSBC hosts, practising BSL together and giving staff their own sign names – a special honour within the Deaf community.
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The pilot is part of HSBC UK's wider accessibility work, with the bank and RNID providing accredited BSL training to its 23,000 employees. Feedback from the pupils will also help improve financial education resources for deaf young people.
Headteacher Paul Burrows said the project had given pupils valuable life skills while allowing them to help shape the future of financial education.
And while the day ended with goody bags, the pupils left with something more important: greater confidence about managing money and the knowledge that their voices could help other deaf young people too.
