Mr Stephen Molyneux

smolyneux@throstonschool.org.uk

'There was a time when people felt that the internet was another world, but now people realise it's a tool that we use in this world' Tim Berners-Lee

What are ENTHUSE Partnerships?

ENTHUSE Partnerships inspire young people in STEM (science, technology including computing, engineering and mathematics) subjects and careers. They are groups of schools and/or colleges that work together to address local issues of low uptake or underachievement in STEM subjects. The school/college-led model builds capacity and capability across all partner schools / colleges involved, whilst encouraging sustainable change. The Partnerships aim to deepen relationships with local employers, and utilise the wider package of support provided by STEM Learning.

The objectives of ENTHUSE Partnerships

·  To raise attainment in STEM subjects by improving student attainment and progress

·  To close achievement gaps

·  To improve progression opportunities in emerging technologies

·  To improve teaching and learning through developing teachers’ subject knowledge,

pedagogical understanding and their understanding of the application of STEM subjects in

business and industry

·  To improve STEM careers awareness, information and guidance for teachers enabling

them to embed real life contexts into their teaching and enable them to talk more

confidently about STEM careers

·  To improve social mobility of disadvantaged and under-represented young people

How ENTHUSE Partnerships work

We believe strongly that the best way to support pupil development is by developing their teachers. ENTHUSE Partnerships work across groups of 6-8 schools and colleges to develop a bespoke two year action plan which includes:

·  Teacher CPD - residential, local and online

·  Resources - free, curated and quality assured

·  Teacher placements - immersion in industry or university

·  STEM Ambassadors - employees inspiring pupils and teachers

·  STEM Clubs and activities - exciting young people and developing practical skills

·  Further information at www.stem.org.uk/enthuse-partnerships-schools-and-colleges

Dear Parents and Carers,

On Tuesday 7th February we will be joining schools and youth organisations across the UK in celebrating Safer Internet Day 2023. We will be continuing this all next week in school.

Safer Internet Day is a global campaign to promote the safe and responsible use of technology, which calls on children and young people, parents, carers, teachers, social workers, law enforcement, companies, policymakers and more, to help to create a better internet.

Using the internet safely and positively is a key message that we promote in school, and celebrating Safer Internet Day is a great opportunity for us to re-emphasise the online safety messages we deliver throughout the year.

We would be delighted if you could join us in celebrating the day by continuing the conversation at home. To help you with this, the UK Safer Internet Centre have created some free activities and information for parents and carers which are available at: saferinternet.org.uk/ SID-parents.

Whether you have 5 minutes to start a conversation or hours to spare, there are top tips, quizzes and films which you can use at home with your child.

If you have any concerns or questions about keeping your child safe online, please do get in touch with your child’s class teacher or school. 

Kind regards,

Top Tips for Parents and Carers

Have a look at the tips and links below with some suggestions on how to get you started and help you to stay safe and positive online. You and your family can #PlayYourPart in creating a better internet by…

Having conversations without judgement.

Whether by playing games, watching videos, or doing things your child enjoys, spending time together online is a great way to start conversations about the online world and how they’re finding being a part of it. 
It is important to ask questions and take an interest in what your child enjoys online.
An essential part of having this open dialogue is to not judge, even if their behaviour or life online isn’t what you wanted or expected. This ensures that your child feels they can come to you if ever they make a mistake or experience a problem online. 

Knowing where you can learn more about their favourite apps and games.

Websites like Common Sense Media or The Family Gaming Database can be invaluable sources of information. When your child starts talking about a new game or app, why not do some research into the reporting and blocking options available? Then you can help your child if they come to you with an issue.

Getting support if things go wrong.

There are lots of organisations who are there to support you and your family if something has gone wrong. The Report Harmful Content website can help you with issues such as cyberbullying, impersonation and threats. You can report worrying behaviour towards children to CEOP. Find out more on Childnet’s Get Help page.

Websites for more information

Please click on the icon to go to the relevant site

CEOP (The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre) delivers a multi-agency service dedicated to tackling the abuse and exploitation of children in the real and ‘e’ world. Often it is referred to as an online 999. By clicking on the button, young people and parents can get advice on a range of issues such as viruses, hacking and dealing with bullying online.

Vodafone have produced a Digital Parenting Magazine which informs parents about the various technologies children are accessing today. There is information on Facebook settings, Xbox 360 settings, Blackberry settings, jargon busting and many more 'How to Guides'. They are well worth a read and some are attached below for you to download. 

The “Thinkuknow” website is brought to you by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) centre.

Kidsmart gives you lots of advice on how to stay safe online.

New e-Safety Portal for Parents and Schools – Internet Matters

Internet Matters is a new online portal designed for parents to access simple, easy and practical advice about online safety for their children, right through from pre-school to teens. It provides tips on protecting children from online grooming, cyberbullying, privacy and identity theft and inappropriate content. Internet Matters is a not-for profit organisation set up by BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Virgin Media. 

ParentINFO is a collaboration between ParentZone and CEOP.  There are useful guides and articles on helping your child stay safe online.

Reassuring your child that whatever happens online, you are there to support them.

Let your child know that the best way to address any problem they have online, is to tell a trusted adult immediately. For example, this might include someone sending them a friend request; an online message; telling them to visit a specific website, or app; or asking them for their personal information. Reassure them that if anything happens online that they are unsure about, or makes them feel worried or upset, they can come to you for help.

Year 3 - For safer Internet day we talked about talking online and designed posters that said Let's Connect. It was really good.