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HMRC have launched a new teaching resource for secondary schools - Tax Matters.

The free, online interactive resource includes videos, quizzes and games, as well as key facts and figures, to help young people learn about tax and its role in society.

The new materials are primarily aimed at education professionals who teach Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) and citizenship to pupils aged between 11 and 19. They are also designed to be used by charities and voluntary organisations that work with young adults not in employment, education or training.

The three Tax Matters modules - Income Tax, National Insurance, and Tax and Society - are available to download free from http://www.taxmatters.hmrc.gov.uk.

Speaking at the launch, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Stephen Timms, said:

"It is more important than ever for young people to learn about how their taxes contribute to society's needs and the essential services that would not be possible without everyone's tax contributions.

"Nearly one million pupils leave education and enter the tax system each year. By gaining a better understanding of tax and national insurance, they will be much better prepared for their life ahead."

The Head of Business and Economics at London's Mill Hill County High School, Linda Trinder, was seconded to HMRC for six months to help develop and produce the tax matters material. Speaking at the launch, Linda said:

"It was really important that the Tax Matters material reflected what education professionals would need on the ground, and hopefully my involvement has helped to achieve that.

"It was a great educational experience to work on Tax Matters, and it will hopefully be used by teachers and students across the UK."