Online Safety - Shopping Platforms
Long gone are the days where eBay and Amazon were the only means of buying quality items online. The rise of user-friendly, accessible shopping apps has meant that getting clothes, gadgets and other goodies delivered direct to your door can be accomplished with a few touches of your phone’s screen while you’re on the go. These apps aren’t without their issues, however, and users still run the risk of scams, data breaches and other online safety concerns. Being aware of these dangers will go a long way to keeping your money and information safe, so you can still enjoy what these shopping apps have to offer. Our guide has some top tips to help protect young people on these purchasing platforms.
Reception and Y1 - Guided Reading
Reception and Year 1 have been developing their early reading skills. They have been applying their phonetic knowledge to help them decode the words in the book and they have been working on improving their fluency when reading. The children have really enjoyed these interactive reading sessions and have used the Chromebooks to use the ebook feature, this has been a real hit too!
Nursery Class - Computing - 'Where's Spot?', Designing A Puppy.
Nursery class has been working on Purple Mash to design their own puppy after reading our story 'Where's spot?'. The children selected the fur pattern they wanted and used their hands to create different marks on their puppy stencil.
Micro:bit Club - Creating a Name Badge
Today in Micro:bit Club, we took a look at what a Micro:bit is and connected it to a computer. We then wrote a simple algorithm to create an electronic name badge.
Reception - Purple Mash - Spring Flowers
Reception Class have been using the Purple Mash program- 2Paint to create their flowers. The children had to select their paint and use the toolbar to adjust the thickness of their paint. They used the pen on the interactive board to place their marks and create their flowers.
Online Safety - What Parents and Educators Need to Know about Township
Potentially addictive online games are nothing new, but the specifics of this kind of media can vary enormously – and, as a consequence, the risks in each individual game are just as diverse. The city-builder Township is no exception: providing its legions of devotees with accessible, satisfying fun … but exposing them to potential hazards at the same time. However, any safeguarding issues that the game might have can (with a little knowhow) be neutralised – allowing young players to have some engrossing fun without adults needing to worry about children’s data, their money or their mental wellbeing. Our guide outlines how to help young gamers enjoy Township safely and responsibly.
Online Safety - Wake up Wednesday - Clickbait
While scrolling online, you’ll almost inevitably have come across posts or links with headlines like “You Won’t Believe These 10 Crazy Facts about …”. Such lurid language – and the often-dubious nature of the content it promotes – has become something of a running joke on the internet. Yet while these articles are often laughed at by communities online, they can have an insidious side. Clickbait, as it’s known, can frequently function as part of a trap: intended to draw users in for the sake of advertising revenue or, in worse cases, masking an attempting to collect their personal information. This #WakeUpWednesday guide explores the various risks of clickbait and offers some top tips for evading the pitfalls of this controversial marketing technique.
Year 3 - Computing - Simulation
In computers year 3 have been looking at simulation. They have learnt how it can represent real and imaginary situations. The children gave examples of how simulations are used for fun and work. VR headsets are used for gaming and simulators are used by pilots to learn to fly.
10 Top Tips for Parents and Educators: Encouraging Open Conversations at Home
Cultural and technological changes have made the experiences of today’s children vastly different to our own childhoods; it can be challenging to engage youngsters in open, honest conversation – especially about more sensitive topics. This, combined with many children’s instinct to avoid “rocking the boat”, can make it difficult to stay up to date with the goings on in their lives. However, it’s hugely important that trusted adults still offer an empathetic ear and feel able to encourage young people to open up about their day-to-day activities. This #WakeUpWednesday guide provides ten top tips for promoting open conversations with children – helping to make sure there’s someone they know they can turn to in times of need.
Year 1 - Computer Science - Coding
Year 1 enjoyed a great coding lesson in computing today. They made planes move along runways and take off by organising their code. Later they made scary ghosts and bats move across a haunted house!
Year 2 - PSHE - Online Safety
In PSHE today, we had a discussion about what the internet is and how we can stay safe online. We focussed on staying safe when playing games and only playing with people we know. If we don't feel safe we TAG it - tell a grown up!
Year 3 - Computing - Graphs
Today in computing year 3 have been looking at graphs. They collected information on the children's favourite colours, then using 2 graph on Purple Mash made their graphs to show their results.
Year 2 - Computing - Binary
Computing- In computing this term we have been using 2 questions (a binary tree) to answer questions . A little like the Guess who game.
Year 4 - Computing - Creating Programs
Year 4 have been using the 'IF' function in their computing to create their own programmes that only run on a specific set of commands.
Online Safety - Freedom of Speech
Freedom of expression is enshrined in international law. Some individuals, however, misunderstand the right to share their opinions as a license to target others with the most horrendous prejudice. So how do we balance people’s prerogative to have their voice heard against everyone’s right to live in a respectful, inclusive society? This conflict frequently unfolds in the digital world. Online posters can be falsely accused of hate speech, while actual hate is often defended as merely being ‘free speech’. To help children and young people learn to identify the boundaries and recognise genuine hate speech when they see it, our #WakeUpWednesday guide provides some helpful definitions and guidelines.
Online Safety - Settng Up Parental Controls
At this time of year, it’s highly possible that you have a new phone, games console or other digital device stashed somewhere at home, ready to be unwrapped. Many parents also prefer to place some protective measures on those gifts – to keep their child shielded from potential #OnlineSafety risks – while others would like to, but aren’t sure where to begin. Our guide shepherds you through the process of establishing parental controls on new internet-enabled devices, from smartphones to laptops to consoles. Simply find the device in question and read on to find out what options you have and how to enable them – letting children enjoy their shiny new gadget, without so much of the worry over where it might lead them.
Online Safety - The Online Safety Act
After a lengthy gestation period, the UK Government’s wide-ranging changes to the legislation around digital safeguarding have become enshrined in law as the Online Safety Act. The first of its kind in Britain, the act aims to improve protection for children online and clamp down on illegal material. Regulated by Ofcom, it will primarily impact social media platforms and companies which host user-generated content. The new legislation, however, also carries implications for schools and their staff. Although further developments are expected, our #WakeUpWednesday guide summarises the main points of the act that schools need to be aware of so far – outlining some specific areas that the new laws address and what effect, in practical terms, this will have on education providers.
Online Safety - Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Gone are the days of Black Friday only existing in the physical environs of the high street. Now, both this retail landmark and its sister event, Cyber Monday, see deals and discounts displayed across almost every online retailer. The array of reductions makes this an ideal moment to treat a loved one (or yourself!) to those treasured items for considerably less than their usual cost. The frantic dash for the best bargains online, however, also harbours several risks: chiefly, cybercriminals hoping to exploit people’s excitement and hoodwink them out of their hard-earned cash. Our #WakeUpWednesday has some expert pointers on keeping your both your money and your personal information safe while still making the most of the spectacular sales.
Year 4 Computing - Spreadsheets
Year 4 have been busy using spreadsheets to create a budget party using formulas and amending their wish list to their given budget.
Online Safety - Smart TVs
Smart TVs have become more affordable in recent years, making them readily available to most consumers. These more advanced systems offer numerous features beyond those of a normal television set – chiefly, the ability to access the internet and interface with popular streaming services without the need for a set-top box or other intermediary device. This increased functionality, however, also brings additional threats to privacy, security and more – as you’d perhaps expect from any device capable of going online. As TV is such a cornerstone of our home lives, these dangers can be uniquely difficult to manage. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide breaks down the major risks, with tips on helping children to enjoy TV … stress free.
The BBC micro:bits Have Landed!
We received some new tech in school today, a set of 30 BBC micro:bits. The BBC micro:bit is packed with inputs, outputs, sensors and radio communication features. You can find put more here https://microbit.org/ We can’t wait to get started with these!
Online Safety Microtransactions
Does “free to play” really mean what it says? Many hit games cost nothing to download but make their money via microtransactions – a growing #OnlineSafety concern for parents of young gamers. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide has the details.
Online Safety X
Would you get an A for your knowledge of X? This #WakeUpWednesday, our free guide tells parents and carers about the #OnlineSafety risks – both new and familiar – to stay alert for on the platform formerly known as Twitter Download >> https://bit.ly/3Mq6t5p
Wake Up Wednesday- Five Nights at Freddies
Move over Krueger, there's a new scary Freddy in town
Purple Mash Club
Purple Mash club have been busy tonight using 2Paint and 2Animate to create some pictures. We are going to try some coding next week!
Reception - Coding
Some of the children have been exploring the coding critters. They have to follow the instruction cards to program the critter to move.
Y4 RE - Places of Worship Around the World
Today in R.E, we have been looking at different places of worship around the world. We have made a presentation showing the different ones we found.
Y1 Computing - Coding
Year 1 began their unit on Coding today and have organised a list of objects and actions into an algorithm.
Y2 - Coding
This week in Computing, Y2 have added a collision detection code to our algorithm and turned the frog into a prince! Another fantastic week, well done Year 2!
Y2 Computing - Databases
Year 2 finished their computing unit today. The children worked really hard using a database to answer questions.
Year 2 - Computing
Y2 continued our 'Questioning' unit in computing today and the children created a binary tree. They worked very hard with a partner or in a small group, thinking of questions and sorting the animals. Well done Year 2, some super work!
Y2 - Computing - Questioning
We have been working on our 'Questioning' unit in computing this term. Today we looked at yes/no questions and played a game similar to guess who.
How to be Green with your Tech
Make a positive impact that lasts for years, by getting involved in #GreatBigGreenWeek! Our special #WakeUpWednesday guide explains how recycling your unwanted phones, computers and tablets can help the environment.
Huggy Wuggy - Parental Information
There have been rising concerns nationally about a horror game character called Huggy Wuggy. There are multiple risks that can arise from children and young people being exposed to frightening content before they are prepared including- Added anxiety and stress – Children and young people are still growing and learning. They may not be at a level of emotional maturity that would be able to process frightening content, even if it is intentional. Horror games could hamper that growth by creating unnecessary anxiety and stress. Intrusive thoughts – Everyone has the ‘thing that goes bump in the night.’ If children play this game or watch it, the Boogeyman could easily be replaced with characters like Huggy Wuggy. This could cause children to lose focus or sleep and could interrupt family rest cycles. New fears – The manipulation of child-friendly items into threatening characters exploits the sense of security a child would feel around these things. They may suddenly be terrified of something that had never been a worry before. Top Tips for helping the child or young person in your care If your child hasn’t mentioned Huggy Wuggy or Poppy Playtime, don’t name it. You may pique their curiosity which in turn could lead to them searching out the content for themselves on platforms they might have access to. If you hear a child in your care mention Huggy Wuggy, pause and remain calm. It could be that they have overheard conversation about in school or online, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have viewed content or have a full understanding of who Huggy Wuggy is. Ask them about the content they enjoy watching online, and if anything they’ve seen has ever made them or their friends upset or scared. If they have seen anything upsetting, reassure them that they are safe. It’s important children know they can come and speak to you without fear of judgement. If necessary, ask them to show you the video or game, and follow appropriate reporting procedures if you are concerned. If you see content on social media or in the news regarding Huggy Wuggy or Poppy Playtime, think before you share it publicly. It may be more helpful to share a credible article with practical advice privately, e.g. through private messaging. Talk about Trusted Adults to teach young people about the importance of seeking help if something worries or upset them. If your child is having nightmares or is anxious about something they’ve watched, it’s important to have a conversation about expressing their feelings.
Wake Up Wednesday - Equality Online
The goal is equality. To celebrate a vibrant opening week of #weuro22, our #WakeUpWednesday guide has top tips for helping young fans ensure they know how to remain respectful online … and how to react if they see a red-card offence!
Y4 Computing - Effective Searching
Today in computing, Y4 looked at Effective Searching. They used the search engine Google to find lots of information!
National Online Safety #WakeUpWednesday - Supporting Children to Deal with Uspetting Content
Raising children in the digital age seems to be getting tougher, with the world currently experiencing so many uncertainties. From the continuing impact of COVID-19 to the war in Ukraine, right now children across the globe can scarcely go online without being exposed to unsettling stories, images and ideas. Reassuring a concerned child can be difficult, especially when bad news feels omnipresent. We’ve put together some advice to help you in discussing upsetting events with young ones. In the guide, you'll find tips on a number of tips such as encouraging your child to ask questions, setting limits and to emphasis hope.
2's Room - Minibeasts.
The Two's Room have been busy exploring Mini Beasts this week. Creating caterpillars with the play dough and using Mini Mash to create a garden centre adding flowers and bugs to go.
Year 3 - Computing
Year 3 started their computing unit in branching databases today. We had to think of yes or no questions to sort objects into groups.
Year 4 Computing
Today in computing Year 4 inserted animals into cells to make a zoo. We needed to lock the cells so the lion can’t enter the cells and eat the animals!
National Online Safety #WakeupWednesday - Horror Games
Terrific entertainment … or just plain terrifying? Our #WakeUpWednesday guide checks the doors are locked, turns on all the lights, and tells a chilling tale of #OnlineSafety threats that children could encounter in horror games. .
National Online Safety #WakeUpWednesday Pokemon GO!
Don’t fall when you're catching ‘em all! ⚡️
Y2 - Computing Lesson
The children started by working in pairs during our Computing lesson this week and spent time using google to search the answer to a number of questions about dinosaurs. They then signed on to Purple Mash and completed a quiz based on the information they found.
Y4 Computing
Today in our computing lesson, Y4 learnt about plagiarism. We looked at a report about a man called Tim Berners Lee and found that it had been copied from Wikipedia! We then all scored really well in a plagiarism quiz. Great work year 4!
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