Education

Internet Legends head west

Published

7 years ago

November 3, 2017

Internet Legends: Tavernspite School

Google and Parent Zone, the UK’s leading family internet safety organisation, have brought their latest Internet Legends assembly to Tavernspite School, Pembrokeshire.

Created by Google, Internet Legends runs exciting, interactive school assemblies to teach 8-11-year-olds how to stay safe and act responsibly online
During the assemblies children are taught the memorable Internet Legends code: ‘Think Before You Share’, ‘Protect Your Stuff’, ‘Check It’s For Real’, and ‘Respect Each Other’. Participants learn to think before they post content online, protect themselves using effective passwords and strong privacy settings, question anything that sounds too good to be true, and report anything inappropriate they see to the site in question and to a trusted adult.

Google and Parent Zone are working alongside parents, teachers, and pupils to spread the message about how to make the most of the Internet in a fun and positive way. Through this program, they aim to help children to get the most out of what the internet can offer while empowering them with the skills to stay safe and act responsibly online.

Between the ages of 8-11 children begin to develop the notion of “digital resilience,” and are beginning to explore the internet on their own. The program helps children develop strong skills and encourages positive behaviour from the very beginning, alongside using the tools and settings built into many online platforms to ensure a safer experience.

More than 70 Internet Legends assemblies have been held already and the programme has reached 20,000 children so far. Free online lesson plans, teacher resources and communications materials for parents are also available.

Vicki Shotbolt, CEO of Parent Zone, said: ‘Working with Google on this project has enabled us to support many more primary schools with messages that are vital for children of this age. We know from our work with schools and with parents that helping children to become confident and safe online is an essential life skill and it is important to prepare them for a time when they will be independently exploring online.’

Katie O’Donovan, Public Policy Manager at Google UK, said: “Google believes deeply in technology’s ability to unlock creativity and education. But we also understand the duty we have to ensure our platforms are used responsibly, and that both children and parents have the tools and knowledge they need to make responsible choices online.”

Simon Hart MP said: “This is just one part of Google’s commitment to a better web. Alongside this, we are exploring more ways to use technology and partner with experts to help children stay safe online.”

Education

Milford Haven School first to achieve gold in carer’s scheme

Published

4 days ago

November 1, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL have been recognised for their commitment to and support for young carers and is the first school to achieve the top level award.

The school have achieved the Investors in Carers Gold Level award for its work for learners and staff who are carers.

The scheme is delivered by Hywel Dda University Health Board and supported by local authority and third sector partners in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

The Investors in Carers initiative was originally designed to help health facilities such as GP practices, areas within hospitals and other organisations focus on and improve their carer awareness.

This scheme has now extended to many other teams, services, and organisations. It is a scheme that provides a foundation for helping to identify and support unpaid carers of all ages.

Milford Haven School was assessed against the six themes within the scheme: Carer Lead, Staff training, Identification, Information and Support for carers and Evaluation.

Janette Reynolds, Assistant Head Teacher said: “We are incredibly honoured to receive the Gold Investors in Carers Award, it is a testament to our commitment to supporting and recognizing the invaluable contributions of carers within our community. It was about developing a culture that respects, empowers, and advocates for the wellbeing of carers at Milford Haven School.

“We will continue to strive towards providing the best possible support, ensuring carers feel valued and equipped to balance their responsibilities.”

Pembrokeshire County Council Carers Champion, Councillor Mike James said: “This is absolutely fantastic news. Everyone at Milford Haven School should be extremely proud of their hard work and commitment that has led to them becoming the first school in Pembrokeshire to receive the Gold Investors in Carers award.

“The award recognises the awareness and support for carers provided by the school and this is to be congratulated.”

A carer is someone, of any age, who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems. Anyone can become a carer; in most cases becoming a carer is not out of choice, it just happens.

For more information about the Investors in Carers scheme or for useful advice for carers, please visit: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/carers

Education

Kurtz calls for better conditions for supply teachers

Published

2 weeks ago

October 24, 2024

Richard Lewis

WEST WALES members of the National Education Union visited the Senedd on Wednesday to campaign for increased rights for those working as supply teachers employed through teaching agencies.

Commenting following the visit, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Member of the Welsh Parliament, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “It does not seem right that those opting to work as supply teachers are not afforded the same rights, pay and conditions as their full time, local authority employed counterparts.

“The flexibility that supply teachers offer our schools is essential to pupils being able to maintain a good level of education, covering staff sickness and training absences.

“My concern is that with the education line in the Welsh Government’s supplementary budget for 2024/25 showing a cut, the Cabinet Secretary has no intention of addressing these concerns.

“If we fail to demonstrate the value we place on the whole teaching workforce, we run the very real risk of being unable to improve the educational outcomes of pupils in Wales.”

Education

Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA to host open evening at Dewi Campus this week

Published

2 weeks ago

October 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN ST DAVID’S Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA will hold an Open Evening on Thursday, October 24 at its Dewi Campus in Millard Park, St Davids, Haverfordwest.

The event, scheduled from 5:00pm to 7:30pm, invites prospective students and their families to learn more about the school’s offerings.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the campus, meet with staff, and discover the school’s emphasis on achievement, inclusion, and respect. This event is designed to provide a comprehensive insight into the academic and extracurricular opportunities available at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA.

Prospective families can expect a warm welcome from the staff and a chance to engage with current students, gaining a firsthand understanding of the school’s community and values.