“The National Curriculum for Computing aims to ensure that all pupils…are responsible…users of information and communication technology.”
Department for Education (2013) Computing Programmes of Study
We have included links to our favourite resources to support you in teaching the fundamentals of online safety, cyber security and lawful computer use, to help pupils become ethical users of technology and responsible members of the ever-expanding digital world. All fit with the programmes of study for Computing, Computer Science and/or the PSHE curriculum.
Please click on the relevant Key Stages below to see a list of age-appropriate resources. Below these, you will find places offering computing-related school trips and/or events and other resources that may support your school in delivering computing and online safety, including – COMING SOON! – policies.
Please note: many of these links are to external websites. We cannot accept liability for the content of these sites, although we do periodically check them for functionality, relevance and appropriateness. If you find any content which is inappropriate, any broken links, or know of other relevant resources, please notify us at CyberChoices@serocu.police.uk.
Resources by phase:
Other resources:
EYFS & Key Stage 1 Resources
Childnet have produced a series of 5 stories about online safety to help educate children aged 3 to 7. The e-books follow a young duck and his friends as they learn to be responsible users of technology. There are also accompanying teaching activities. www.childnet.com
Barefoot Computing, in partnership with the National Crime Agency (NCA), created a series of #BeCybersmart interactive games. Some are aimed at 6-7 year olds. You will need to register – for free – to access the resources. www.barefootcomputing.org
CyberSprinters is an interactive game, developed by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), teaching children to be safe online. There are accompanying resources for teachers and parents to use, including several adventure stories. The resources are aimed at KS2, but some are suitable for Year 2. www.ncsc.gov.uk
Key Stage 2 Resources
We have designed this lesson to support pupils in understanding the limitations of the Computer Misuse Act, through an interactive and engaging situational role play. It also provides information about the wide range of career opportunities within cyber security, the training routes available and skills required. Suitable for Years 5 and 6. Download the lesson plan and resources here.
CyberSprinters is an interactive game for KS2 pupils, developed by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which teaches children to be safe online. There are accompanying resources for teachers and parents to use, including several adventure stories. www.ncsc.gov.uk
Barefoot Computing, in partnership with the National Crime Agency (NCA), created a series of #BeCybersmart interactive games. You will need to register – for free – to access the resources. www.barefootcomputing.org
Cyber Explorers helps individuals uncover how digital, computing and cyber security skills are integral to successful career paths. Suitable for 11-14, regardless of their interest in tech and cyber skills, this resource would be ideal as an engaging learning activity at the end of Year 6. www.cyberexplorers.co.uk
Interland is a browser‑based game from Google that makes learning online safety skills interactive and fun. It is a slick, well-designed and free-to-use game that can be played at home too (children may enjoy showing relatives how it’s done). Accompanying curriculum resources are available for use as part of Google’s “Be Internet Awesome” programme. beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com
Key Stage 3 Resources
We have designed this lesson to support pupils in understanding the limitations of the Computer Misuse Act, through an interactive and engaging input. It also provides information about the wide range of career opportunities within cyber security, the training routes available and skills required. Download the lesson plan and resources here.
Cyber Explorers helps individuals uncover how digital, computing and cyber security skills are integral to successful career paths. Suitable for all 11-14 year olds, regardless of their interest in tech and cyber skills, this resource can be used in-school (there are supporting teacher resources) or at home. www.cyberexplorers.co.uk
The PSHE Association worked with the National Crime Agency (NCA) to produce this set of lesson materials, covering online safety principles, taught across two sessions. Aimed at KS3 pupils, these sessions touch on computer misuse and include all resources necessary to deliver the lessons effectively. A refreshed package will be available in mid-late 2023. pshe-association.org.uk
Key Stage 4 Resources
Resources coming soon!
You will find more resources, not specific to class-based learning, on our Skills and Training page: Skills and Training
Key Stage 5 Resources
Resources coming soon!
You will find more resources, not specific to class-based learning, on our Skills and Training page: Skills and Training
School Trips and more…
The National Museum of Computing
This museum is a great place for young people – and adults – of all ages! They run workshops from Key Stage 1 right through to University ages, covering a range of STEM, Computing and Computer Science topics. To find out more, visit www.tnmoc.org
LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
At LEGOLAND workshops, students can get hands-on with robotics, creating LEGO models using WeDo sets at primary age, and SPIKE Prime at secondary. These workshops are aimed at Years 2-9, and cover coding, programming and debugging among other skills. For further information, visit www.legoland.co.uk/schools/workshops/
Winchester Science Centre
Winchester Science Centre run a Bots workshop for schools. It’s humans vs robots! Students learn the basics of programming using laptops and software to program the Crumble-bots, teaching them to move, change colour or even dance! www.winchestersciencecentre.org
TeenTech
TeenTech helps young people understand the career opportunities in STEM, no matter what their gender or social background. Their lively, age-appropriate initiatives – including the TeenTech Awards – help young people 8-18 understand their potential and raise their aspirations. They run both live online events and regional TeenTech Festivals – the next in the south takes place in July in Milton Keynes. teentech.com
The Big Bang
Discover exciting possibilities and connect to inspiring role models in STEM with the Big Bang. Young inventors and experimenters, future game-changers and lifesavers all develop and shine in The Big Bang Competition. Big Bang Digital showcases surprising ways to build a brighter, greener world and Big Bang at School helps teachers run their own inspiring STEM days. The Big Bang also hold fairs each year; this year’s will be held at the NEC in Birmingham in June. www.thebigbang.org.uk