Smart Tech, Safe Choices
The theme of Safer Internet Day 2026 ‘Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI’, is something that is at the forefront of our minds at St Andrew’s Prep – not just in technology, but as a general principle. The ideas of ‘safe choices’ and ‘being responsible’ ties in closely with our school values of Excellence, Kindness and Honesty.
We expect our pupils to be tolerant but critical friends, to be upstanders not bystanders and to learn about right and wrong and to develop communication skills to help them navigate the world beyond our four walls. Across the curriculum, pupils are taught and encouraged to think critically, to assess facts and to consider the opinion of others all of which will serve them well for life.
A balanced approach to technology
We have a balanced approach to technology and an open dialogue with parents about what is best for the children. Teaching them navigate an ever changing digital world and understanding the place of technology in it is a balancing act and we are constantly evaluating screen time and digital learning opportunities trying to strike a fine balance.
How digital literacy appears across the curriculum
Through PSHE and Computing, pupils learn about what it means to be safe online. This includes understanding the importance of not sharing personal information or how to report something that they have seen which they feel is unsuitable. In History, Geography, RPW and English, our pupils learn about the validity of information and critically review facts. In Science, they learn to be safe, responsible and curious. Every subject builds academic knowledge but also strengthens essential life skills.
This week’s focus
This week, we discussed with the children the importance of telling an adult that they were using a device or accessing the internet. It’s a small step that helps parents build trust with their child and helps children feel safe. In some of our Computing lessons, we have explored Magic School with a focus on how to ask an appropriate question and understand how AI is trained. Below are a couple of ‘thoughts’ by some of our Year 6 pupils.
“You are only as good as your question.”
“AI will not tell the truth if it only has false info to go on.”
“I have learnt that the response AI gives you isn’t always the best and that it depends on how detailed the question you ask them is.”
“I have learnt how to communicate with AI well and understand how it works and that it needs more than one point to create a valid answer!”
Looking ahead
We are fortunate to have a curriculum that develops digital literacy without the need for a computer or screen and we will build on this further during British Science Week where the theme is ‘Curiosity: what’s your question?’. Please remember that we are always here for our pupils and our parents for general discussions, advice or to offer further insight into the curriculum.
Matthew Minister
Director of Studies
