This session explores how business maths is taught to older primary students. This further builds on earlier economic concepts learned during kindergarten and classes 3 and 4 by introducing yet more complex ideas through historical study and practical business-based projects.
This session is led by Richard Sheppard and Ciara Cagney (Waldorf Class 5 and 6 teachers)
Key Points Summarising Session 4
Historical Context of Currency and Business Enterprise Project
In classes 5 and 6, students learn the historical context of currency and its evolution:
- Tracing the origins of currency through ancient civilizations, such as using beads and shells as currency in Ancient China.
- Exploring bartering systems, e.g. exchanging grain for fruit (debates on fairness and value).
- Studying development of standardised coins in modern-day Turkey (trade).
- Following the evolution from coins to digital currencies like Bitcoin.
Students then undertake an age-appropriate business enterprise project:
- They learn about the costs of a business, from rent to abstract concepts like insurance, taxes, and profit and loss, which they calculate using maths skills.
- They conduct market research to inform product creation, developing formal business plans for an Advent Fair (applying their writing skills).
- They design product stalls and manage their own and each other’s time to meet project deadlines.
- Customer interactions at the Advent Fair aid social skills development.
- Balancing fair prices with competitiveness helps explore Fair Trade concepts.
Insights and Impacts
- Alongside the business project and historical examples, learners incorporate economics with drama through their annual class play, exploring how economics tie to wider themes like power, humanity and compassion.
- Students also research modern alternative economic systems such as non-monetary local exchange trading systems.
- Students develop critical thinking skills through historical and contemporary economic scenarios.
- Students learn through the practical application of skills from maths concepts to time management, cooperation, business ethics, marketing and sales.
- Students develop a sense of pride and confidence through the success of their projects.