PREPARATORY DEPARTMENT

MSJ marked Safer Internet Day with a series of exciting activities organised by Mrs Greer, Head of ICT, with assistance from Dr Jones in the Library. In advance, students and staff completed an online survey to show how they accessed and used the internet.

On the day, Mrs Greer led sessions with Years 7 to 11 dealing with topics relevant to each year. Year 7 explored the difference between personal and non-personal information and looked at some social networking profiles to identify good and risky practice. They watched a film highlighting these issues and then created publicity to explain the Do's and Don'ts of safe internet usage. Girls in Year 8 studied some teenage case studies of problematic internet use and gave ‘Agony Aunt' style advice after consulting various online resources. Year 9 watched the ‘Think You Know' presentation from CEOP (the police Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre), including a film about grooming. Years 10 and 11 watched a new CEOP film and explored the issues around many of the new teenage crazes. Sessions aimed particularly at younger children were led by Mr Charles in the Junior Department.

Activities continued outside lessons, with selected Sixth Formers helping younger girls to check their social network settings. Our new IT technician, Mr Parvin, was available during lunchtime to check laptop software, such as Anti Virus. As well as a quiz, films and games to enjoy, posters were displayed all over school to provoke questions and thoughts about internet usage.

Mrs Greer said “A most useful day providing opportunities for students of all ages to explore and enjoy using the Internet, whilst at the same time, consolidating good safe practice. The Sixth Form experts proved very popular!”