Students

Beverley High School prides itself on providing a safe learning environment for all pupils. The benefits of the internet and other technologies are tremendous; however the inappropriate use of such technology is becoming a concern.

Over the last two years we have seen an increase in ‘cyber bullying’ which is the misuse of information communications technology (ICT) particularly mobile phones and the internet, to cause pain to others. This is usually as a result of:

• messages posted to popular social networking web sites such as Facebook, Bebo, My Space
• messages posted on MSN
• emails
• text messaging to mobile phones.

Many social networking sites contain instant messaging components that allow users to chat with others and to post statements that ordinarily would not be said in face-to-face conversation. Increasingly we are seeing the results of these ‘conversations’ in school in the form of arguments and bullying situations which are brought to the attention of staff. At Beverley High School pupils are not allowed access to social networking web sites on school computers or any other websites deemed to contain unsuitable material.

We advise parents to

• monitor their child’s use of the Internet. Social networking sites are in the public domain, and anything posted there can be viewed by anyone with Internet access. Although most of what is written is not immoral, offensive or illegal some of it is.
• Talk with your daughter about the safe use of the internet and make her aware of the potential dangers. If your daughter is using these sites you may want to review her profile including the use of privacy settings to ensure that no personal and identifiable information has been posted. The media has highlighted instances of adults posing as young people and gaining access to personal information which enables possible predators to make contact with the young person. In some cases such contacts have led to tragedy.

Further advice and guidance can be obtained from:

www.ceop.gov.uk

www.thinkuknow.co.uk

Thank you for your support and cooperation in keeping our pupils safe. If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact a member of the ICT Department or the Well Being Team.

Extra-Curricular

Societies and Activities Choirs, orchestras and games teams practice on a regular basis at lunchtime and after school, as do members of the cast of school plays. Lunchtime clubs, societies and activities apart from these often include the junior gym club, science club, competition gym club, wind band, regular charity fund-raising efforts, as well as hockey, netball, tennis and athletic clubs. We have a Student Leadership Team and Student Subject Leaders.