During the Spring Term, 2024, Carcroft Change Makers worked collaboratively to develop the ‘Carcroft Pledge’. We can’t wait to share this with whole school during our Summer Term!
Category : Curriculum
Online Safety
Our pupils are growing up in a world of ever-changing technology. While we feel that the use of technology is a largely positive aspect of modern life, we cannot ignore the risks that can be associated.
Throughout school we aim to teach children:
- about the impact of cyber-bullying and what to do if they have been affected.
- to be vigilant when communicating online recognising that people may not always be who they say they are and to be sensible about what they share.
- to tell an adult they trust if something is upsetting them.
- to question the reliability of information given through a web based source.
- to search responsibly for information while using internet browsers.
We understand that much of our pupil’s use of the internet will occur at home, away from the school filters.
Below are a list of useful websites, advice and resources that you may find helpful when navigating the issue of online safety with your child. At the bottom of this page are resources that your child can directly access as well to help them learn about online safety.
Useful resources and links
Thinkuknow http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Thinkuknow is an education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command. Since 2006, it aims to ensure that everyone has access to this practical information – children, young people, their parents and carers and the professionals who work with them.
Internet Matters https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/esafety-leaflets-resources/
A comprehensive web resource with a wide array of tips and advice on how to navigate the online world with your child. Some of their guidance we attach below but you can find even more by visiting the link.
National Online Safety https://nationalonlinesafety.com/resources/platform-guides/
National Online Safety’s mission is to make the internet a safer place for children. They aim to do this by equipping school staff, parents and children with the knowledge they need to understand online dangers and how best to react should an incident arise. The link above provides up to date information about a wide variety of social media apps and platforms your child might be using.
NSPCC http://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/share-aware/
The NSPCC are the first to admit that the internet is amazing. Children can play, learn, create and connect – opening up a whole world of exciting possibilities. But with the digital world changing all the time, how can you make sure your child’s staying safe? That’s where the NSPCC come in. Whether you’re an online expert or you’re not sure where to start, their tools and advice will help you keep your child safe.
Childnet http://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers
Childnet International is a registered UK charity that aims to make the internet a safe place for children and young people. Packed with resources it is a great resource for parents.
CEOP http://ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) is part of the National Crime Agency and their website can be used to report if you are worried about online abuse or the way someone is communicating online.
BBC https://www.bbc.com/ownit
The BBC have a website and app called Own It. The website has a lot of content for children to help them navigate their online lives, and the free smartphone app comes with a special keyboard which can intervene with help and support in the moments that children need it the most.
SafetoNet https://safetonet.com/
SafeToNet is technology that educates children “in-the-moment” as they use their device. It is a safeguarding assistant that helps them become responsible and safe digital citizens. Its power lies in a smart keyboard that detects risks in real-time. It steers children away from trouble by filtering harmful outgoing messages before they can be sent and any damage can be done.
A guide to Apps & Social Media
The number of apps and social media channels your child could be exposed to grow all the time, as does an app’s functionality. We recommend you visit Net Aware to read the latest and most current advice on over 70 apps to ensure you know what they do, how you can limit their features as well as recommended age restrictions.
The apps included are:
- Fortnite
- Snapchat
- YouTube
- Minecraft
- Clash of Clans & Clash Royale
- Kik
- Friv
- Dubsmash
- Wink
- YOLO
- TikTok
- And many, many more
Resources for children to use
Below are some links that children themselves can access for help when navigating the tricky subject of online safety,
Reception – Year 2
Below are a number of links that are tailored for children in the younger year groups.
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/5_7/
https://www.netsmartzkids.org/
https://www.childnet.com/resources/smartie-the-penguin
Year 3 – Year 6
Below are links more suitable for older children.
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/8_10/
https://www.nsteens.org/
Human Life Cycles
In Crew White, as well as preparing for our SATs, we have been learning about human life cycles. We have learnt particularly about the emotional and behavioural changes, along with the physical changes that the body goes through.
We produced double page spreads to show off our understanding, thinking about our audience and the purpose of explaining and informing.
Heart Rate Investigation
Today, Crew McLoughlin successfully initiated their scientific investigation by drafting their title, aim, hypothesis and variables before diving into active testing. To determine if exercise directly impacts our heart rate. They conducted a controlled experiment measuring heart rate at resting, low intensity exercise and high intensity. By documenting their pulse before and after activity, they were able to gather their findings.
Writing
They loved writing about what the big bad wolf did to the straw house .
We are artists
We are writers
Carcroft Crowned Cricket Champions
Last week, our Year 3/4 girls’ cricket team took part in a Girls’ Cricket Competition and delivered an outstanding performance throughout. Demonstrating excellent crew work, determination and skill, the team progressed brilliantly and were crowned champions, proudly bringing home the trophy. An incredible achievement – well done to all involved!
Writing
Writing session today. Focusing on describing the wolf from The Three Little Pigs is a great way to build vocabulary. By coming up with lots of descriptive words like “stray” , “sharp teeth”, “grey fur” and “big feet” they’re learning how to make their writing more vivid and interesting.
Using those words to create their own sentence is an important step too, because it helps them apply what they’ve learned rather than just listing ideas. Activities like this build both creativity and confidence in writing.
Learning About Blood: A Hands-On Science Lesson
In this lesson, Miss taught us about the four main components of blood. Rather than simply reading from a textbook, we explored the topic through a creative step-by-step “construct and demonstrate” activity, which made the concepts much easier to understand.
Miss explained that blood is made up of four key parts: plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Each part has an important job in keeping our bodies healthy.
To help us visualise this, we carried out a fun hands-on activity by creating a blood model. We used water and yellow food colouring to represent the plasma, giving the liquid its realistic appearance. Marshmallows were added to show the white blood cells, which help fight infections. Cheerios represented the red blood cells, carrying oxygen around the body and giving blood its distinct red colour. We also included small pieces to represent platelets, which help our blood clot when we get a cut. Building our own “blood model” made it much easier to understand how all the components work together.
We finished with a kahoot to test our knowledge to exit out of the lesson.
We are mathematicians
Crew Godley – Nature Ambassadors
The whole of Crew Godley were absolutely fantastic during our recent presentation with Mr Sprakes. Every single pupil rose to the occasion and demonstrated just how much effort and dedication they had put into their learning. They showed real courage when reading aloud, supporting one another and taking pride in sharing their ideas, even when it felt challenging.
They spoke with growing confidence and clarity, articulating their thoughts in a way that truly engaged their audience. What stood out most was their ability to explain, in thoughtful detail, how they developed the quad area. They didn’t just describe what they had done – they explained the reasoning behind their choices, showing a deep understanding of how to create and sustain a biodiverse environment.
It was clear that they had developed not only their knowledge but also crew and communication skills throughout the project. Watching them present with such enthusiasm, ownership, and pride was a genuinely special moment. I was absolutely bursting with pride at everything they have achieved.
