The intent of the online safety curriculum at Croftlands Junior School is to align with the school values, while also addressing the eight themes covered by the curriculum. The curriculum aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
Our curriculum recognises the importance of resilience in the face of online challenges as well as empowering students to develop a strong sense of self-image and identity, enabling them to navigate online spaces confidently. It also addresses the theme of online relationships, teaching students how to establish and maintain healthy connections while being respectful and empathetic.
The curriculum emphasises the significance of respect by promoting positive online behaviour and addressing the issue of online bullying and the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion.
In addition, the curriculum focuses on the theme of managing online information, teaching students how to critically evaluate and verify online sources. It also highlights the importance of protecting one’s privacy and security, ensuring that students understand how to keep their personal information safe.
By incorporating these themes, our online safety curriculum aligns with the school values and fosters a culture of digital resilience, respect, curiosity, kindness, compassion, and creativity. It equips students with the skills to navigate the online world safely, promoting their overall wellbeing and preparing them to be responsible digital citizens.
Online Safety Implementation
At Croftlands Junior School, we implement a robust online safety curriculum using objectives and resources provided by Project Evolve. In this ever-advancing, technological age, we feel it is imperative that online safety be at the forefront of our curriculum to ensure children are equipped with the knowledge and understanding of both common and current issues online and have the strategies to deal with these challenges promptly and appropriately.
For this reason, each class receives an online safety lesson every week, on top of the standard computing and PSHE curriculum. We also increase our focus on online safety for a week every February in order to complete specific objectives and activities linked to Safer Internet Day.
What is ProjectEVOLVE?
ProjectEVOLVE resources each of the 330 statements from UK Council for Internet Safety’s (UKCIS) framework “Education for a Connected World” with perspectives; research; activities; outcomes; supporting resources and professional development materials.
This vast library of content is managed by an innovative new engine, designed by the brilliant SWGfL Webteam, that not only makes navigating the content intuitive but allows users to personalise the content they collate.
Just need a research summary on a topic? What about a lesson plan with stimulus questions? How about activities for pupils and students? Professional development materials for your staff at the press of a button or screen tap. It has been designed with customisation and flexibility at its heart.
The vibrant new content has been written by a team of experts here at the UK Safer Internet Centre. It’s up to date; relevant and engaging and moves online life education into the third decade of the 21st century.
Impact
We believe that implementing a robust online safety curriculum at Croftlands Junior School is essential in today’s digital age, as children are increasingly exposed to the internet and social media. A well-structured program educates pupils about potential online dangers, including cyberbullying, identity theft, and inappropriate content. Our curriculum not only empowers pupils to protect themselves but also encourages them to be responsible digital citizens. As they understand the implications of their online actions, they develop a sense of accountability and respect for others in the digital space. Moreover, a strong online safety program promotes open communication between students and trusted adults, creating a supportive environment where concerns can be addressed. It also prepares students for future challenges in an increasingly interconnected world, equipping them with skills that are vital in both personal and professional contexts. Ultimately, by prioritising online safety education, we hope to play a crucial role in the safeguarding of our children’s well-being while fostering a culture of respect and responsibility in the digital landscape.
The online safety curriculum at Croftlands Junior School is regularly monitored and updated to ensure its relevance and effectiveness through various strategies. Pupil voice plays a crucial role, as pupils are encouraged to share their experiences and perspectives on online safety issues. Additionally, lesson observations help teachers assess the delivery and engagement of the curriculum, identifying areas for improvement. Regular discussions and feedback during staff meetings foster collaboration among teachers, allowing them to share best practices and address emerging trends in online safety. This continuous evaluation process ensures that the curriculum remains fit for purpose and effectively equips our children with essential digital skills.