Online Safety - Wilmington Academy

The lockdowns during the pandemic have demonstrated how important technology has become in education. At Wilmington we are a Google school and use the apps (like Classroom) from the Google Suite to help educate our students. We have seen a seismic change in the use of technology within the rest of society too. Like any other tool, technology has the potential to do both harm and good and we aim to teach our students how to tell the difference.

Our e-safety program is embedded in the curriculum, specifically through IT lessons, PSHE delivered in form time, assemblies and during Action Days. Currently this is the curriculum plan for KS3 in IT:

module 1
module 2

YEAR 7

Week 1: Secure Passwords
Week 2: Cyberbullying
Week 3: Searching the web
Week 4: Copyright
Week 5: Social Media Use
Week 6: Finding a balance
Week 7: Review

YEAR 8

Week 1: Cyberbullying
Week 2: Use of Smartphones
Week 3: Grooming
Week 4: Live Streaming
Week 5: Health Risks
Week 6: Digital Citizenship
Week 7: Reporting Concerns

YEAR 9

Week 1: Digital Tattoo
Week 2: Hacking
Week 3: Selfies-the Naked Truth
Week 4: Private Pics Go Public
Week 5: When Chat Goes Wrong
Week 6: Hoaxes and Fakes
Week 7: Reporting Concerns

YEAR 7
Weeks 1-6

e Safety presentation as an MYP assessment

YEAR 8
Weeks 1-6

Student will have completed a Certificate from OSA (Online Safety Alliance) by the end of Mod 1

As you can see in Year 8 students complete a course from Online Safety Alliance. Take a look at the course summary. When they complete the course they are awarded a nationally recognised certificate.

In KS4 issues around online safety are explicitly taught via their Morals and Ethics lessons as well as bespoke Action Days. Topics covered include online safety, online relationships, tackling extremism, the impact of pornography and strategies for dealing with fraud and harassment. A similar process is delivered to KS5 through form activities and the pastoral team. Students explore age-appropriate subjects like dealing with online abuse, sexual harassment and the importance of a positive digital presence.

Many of these areas are also covered implicitly via the curriculum-particularly within the IT department. For example the ethics of hacking is included in Computer Science and Intellectual Property Rights / Fair Use in Creative Media.

Furthermore the school has been accredited with the National Online Safety Award. (National Online Safety won an award as ‘Company of the Year’ at Bett in 2021)

This is a fantastic resource that all students and parents can use for free. It contains a monthly update on current issues, explainer videos on IT related subjects and online e-safety courses that you can complete in your own time.

The link will take you to this page:

Once there you can register via your own email address.

Then you can browse their resources via the easy-to-use menu (see image below)

There are many functions, such as search, and you can sign up to do courses as well. You will receive constant updates on new topics so you can stay informed.

There is also an app you can download to your phone. Find out more >

Think U Know is a fantastic resource, providing the most up-to-date information and advice for parents / carers of any age child, as well as providing helpful home activity packs for all age groups. Below are some articles we recommend parents and carers read.

Other useful links