Dream Bank – Build a bank dream bank
he Build a Bank programme links directly to the Business Studies Curriculum and is an excellent, practical preparation for learning about running a business. Participating students will be involved in all aspects of banking such as sourcing new customers for their bank, encouraging regular savings, providing ongoing customer service and keeping accurate financial records – in fact everything it takes to run a bank!
Presentation Secondary School Tralee was part of this and got to the national finals being the only school in Kerry to go through. The operating team behind this venture are Katie Ahern (Bank Manager), Lauren Kelly (Assistant Manager), Ciara Dennehy (Financial Controller), Laura O’Connell (Marketing Expectative), Sarah Kilgallen (Customer Representative) and Aisha Lawel (Customer Representative).
Connect had a chat with the girls to find out a bit more about their bank
We decided to call ourselves The Dream Bank because we help our customers shoot for the stars and reach their dream. Whether that dream is the new iPhone 6 or an outfit we will help them all the way. We set up and run a bank in our school. We competed in the Regional’s Competition in the Silver Springs Hotel in Cork in February. We were one of 4 schools out of 34 to get through to the Nationals competition in the RDS in Dublin on the 16th of April. We were the only Kerry school to get through in the competition and we feel extremely honoured to not only be representing our school but also our county in this extremely prestigious competition.
Because we are an all-girls school and hence an all-girls bank we are extremely passionate about women as leaders in industry. For our launch we got Orlagh Winters a very successful and inspirational business woman. We were inspired and empowered when Patricia Arguette embodied our dreams in her Oscar’s speech when she said “It’s our time for equal rights for women…” since then we have had a number of business women in Kerry come and chat to us and give us some valuable information to help us on our journey. Of course our teachers Ms O Grady and Ms O Connor have been tremendous support and a tower of patience; we have also had the encouragement and leadership of the Bank Mentor Sarah Leahy, who has been on hand to support our operations,
What makes your bank different to the ordinary high street bank for students?
We believe that the way in which we market our bank, is one of the many reasons that make us stand out from the crowd. We change our theme every week, ranging from Mental Health to Carnival Week. We have also come up with a clever marketing strategy to promote our bank, not only in Ireland but all around the world with our Spotted Map.
What is the aim and purpose of the bank?
The aim of the dream bank was to educate others in our school and wider community on banking. We went to our local primary schools to introduce the future me programme. We held a teacher training day where we explained to them how to operate and benefit from internet banking. We organised a 6th year day, where we gave the future college students information packs and advice on college funds and saving. We assisted in the creation of the new banking module with 1st years and also held saving master classes.
Has the bank been an operating success to date?
We have been extremely successful so far with over 204 new accounts opened; 193 new internet banking accounts; 136 new student savers accounts; 224 My Cloud Cards issued, and over €25,000 lodged.
So the finals happened and you won the competition outright what kind of feeling was that?
It was the most incredible feeling, the tension amongst all the students was just nerve wracking but sitting waiting for the final name to be called out, I think we were just ecstatic when it was us and yes there was for a tiny second a little disbelieve on our part but we bounced on the stage to collect our trophy.
We won a trophy and a cheque for the school and we each got a one for all gift voucher for 500 so it was worth every minute of it.
