Real-World Maths in Action: A Morning with UniCredit Bank

During Stretch Day on Wednesday, 21 May, Middle School students participated in a dynamic, half-day financial literacy workshop coordinated by ISP Maths teacher Mr. Douglas Thompson. 

In collaboration with young professionals from UniCredit Bank, students rotated through four hands-on sessions exploring real-world financial topics: loans, credit and debit cards, retirement planning, and budgeting.

 

Each classroom became a space for interactive learning, where the presenters from UniCredit introduced students to the mathematics behind everyday financial decisions. Students calculated interest on loans, explored the pros and cons of debit and credit cards, analysed budgets based on simulated salaries, and discussed long-term saving strategies for retirement.

"It was exciting to watch students apply classroom concepts to real-life scenarios. The sessions were active, practical, and designed to get students thinking critically about money management and future planning."
Douglas Thompson, MYP Maths Teacher

The workshop was structured around four rotating stations:

• Home & Auto Loans – Students explored the impact of interest rates and loan durations.
• Credit vs Debit Cards – A comparison of financial tools, complete with cautionary tales and reward systems.
• Planning for Retirement – A discussion of long-term financial goals and income sources, including pensions, stocks, and property.
• Budgeting Basics – Students managed a mock income, balancing needs and wants with real-world constraints.

 

Throughout the morning, students were encouraged to collaborate, debate, and ask questions. The workshop deepened their understanding of how financial choices, like loans, savings, and spending, are shaped by everyday maths.

“We were impressed by the students’ curiosity and how quickly they grasped complex concepts. It’s clear that ISP is equipping its students not just academically, but with the skills they’ll need in their future lives.”
Petra Štajnerová, P&C Strategic Partner, UniCredit Bank

This enriching experience gave students a glimpse into the financial decisions they will face as adults, reinforcing the importance of numeracy, planning, and responsible decision-making. It was a powerful reminder that mathematics isn’t just about numbers, it’s about preparing and making decisions for life beyond the classroom.