"I would like to thank all those involved in developing the packs – particularly the teachers and pupils who played an active part in putting together the resource you are seeing today. I would also like to thank my colleague Councillor Bob Burrows who has taken a special interest in this project and played a pivotal role in driving it forward.

"The packs really are an innovative resource and what they teach will be used by our pupils in their daily lives and for their rest of their lives, and that's what we set out to achieve."

The packs were developed by a group of teachers from Dalziel High – Patti Owens, Sandra Kilgariff, Donna McCann and Louise Kerr – with support from North Lanarkshire Council's Advice Centre Manager, Lynn Daniels; Councillor Bob Burrows; and Quality Improvement Officer, Archie Ferguson.

Brian Miller, Head Teacher of Dalziel High, said: "We were delighted to be involved in the development of this innovative product that will help our pupils develop skills for life and gives them practical advice – in a fun and enjoyable way – on how to manage their finances. Through these packs our pupils have managed household budgets, bought cars, gone on holiday, started up savings plans and reduced their outgoings in a safe and responsible environment without any real risk. And this means that, hopefully, they will learn how not to face that risk for real, stay out of debt, and show sound financial management in later life.

"The pupils have thoroughly enjoyed being involved in developing the packs and showed a real interest in the topic, which was very encouraging. I'm sure the packs will prove popular when they are rolled out to other schools, making more young people debt aware than ever before."

Nikki McEwan, a fifth year pupil at Dalziel High, said: "The lesson on buying a car was very relevant – getting into debt is something we would want to avoid in the future." Gerard Kane, a sixth year pupil at Dalziel High, added: "This is an up-to-the minute project that held our interest. It makes us rethink our actions."

Councillor Jim Logue, Convener of North Lanarkshire Council's Learning & Leisure Services Committee, concluded: "North Lanarkshire is once again at the forefront of developing innovative and practical education resources that deliver for our pupils in the classroom and I would encourage other local authorities to make use of this fantastic resource within their schools.

"Debt is a fact of life for so many people nowadays, and by challenging perceptions and encouraging responsible attitudes to money management in the classroom, we can work to change this trend and create the next generation of financially-responsible citizens.

"Education is about much more than simply preparing pupils for academia and careers – it's about giving young people the best possible start in life. The launch of these debt awareness packs will ensure that – here in North Lanarkshire – we are doing just that and continuing to put service and people first."

"I would like to thank all those involved in developing the packs – particularly the teachers and pupils who played an active part in putting together the resource you are seeing today. I would also like to thank my colleague Councillor Bob Burrows who has taken a special interest in this project and played a pivotal role in driving it forward.

"The packs really are an innovative resource and what they teach will be used by our pupils in their daily lives and for their rest of their lives, and that's what we set out to achieve."

The packs were developed by a group of teachers from Dalziel High – Patti Owens, Sandra Kilgariff, Donna McCann and Louise Kerr – with support from North Lanarkshire Council's Advice Centre Manager, Lynn Daniels; Councillor Bob Burrows; and Quality Improvement Officer, Archie Ferguson.

Brian Miller, Head Teacher of Dalziel High, said: "We were delighted to be involved in the development of this innovative product that will help our pupils develop skills for life and gives them practical advice – in a fun and enjoyable way – on how to manage their finances. Through these packs our pupils have managed household budgets, bought cars, gone on holiday, started up savings plans and reduced their outgoings in a safe and responsible environment without any real risk. And this means that, hopefully, they will learn how not to face that risk for real, stay out of debt, and show sound financial management in later life.

"The pupils have thoroughly enjoyed being involved in developing the packs and showed a real interest in the topic, which was very encouraging. I'm sure the packs will prove popular when they are rolled out to other schools, making more young people debt aware than ever before."

Nikki McEwan, a fifth year pupil at Dalziel High, said: "The lesson on buying a car was very relevant – getting into debt is something we would want to avoid in the future." Gerard Kane, a sixth year pupil at Dalziel High, added: "This is an up-to-the minute project that held our interest.         It makes us rethink our actions."

Councillor Jim Logue, Convener of North Lanarkshire Council's Learning & Leisure Services Committee, concluded: "North Lanarkshire is once again at the forefront of developing innovative and practical education resources that deliver for our pupils in the classroom and I would encourage other local authorities to make use of this fantastic resource within their schools.

"Debt is a fact of life for so many people nowadays, and by challenging perceptions and encouraging responsible attitudes to money management in the classroom, we can work to change this trend and create the next generation of financially-responsible citizens.

"Education is about much more than simply preparing pupils for academia and careers – it's about giving young people the best possible start in life. The launch of these debt awareness packs will ensure that – here in North Lanarkshire – we are doing just that and continuing to put service and people first."

ends