News

Monday 9th June 2025

Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

Welcome to our newsletter for the seventh week of the Summer Term 2025.

It is Week B and year assemblies are being led by Ms Kapila (Deputy Headteacher) where the new school policy on mobile phones is being outlined. This will come into force from September 2025. Our current policy of ‘see it, hear it, lose it’ remains in place until the end of this term - phones must be SWITCHED OFF on the school site and placed in a student’s bag. If it is seen in a pocket it will be confiscated until the end of the day and returned after the student has attended community service from 15.10-15.40. Failure to do so will result in the phone being confiscated until the end of the next working day after community service has been completed. On a Friday, the next working day is Monday so the phone will be kept over the weekend. From September, confiscated phones will be kept for five days. Of course, no student will have their phone confiscated if they follow the expectation. It is easily avoided!

On Tuesday we look forward to welcoming families of year 13 and year 10 to their celebration and introduction to GCSE events respectively. 

Our annual year team trip days are on the horizon and you will be receiving details of these opportunities for personal development in the coming weeks. On Friday 4th July we will be hosting our annual careers fair for all students, again a great personal development opportunity and an occasion when we welcome back a large number of alumni who share their successes with our current cohort. If you would like to be part of this event, please contact Ms Virdi kvirdi@lampton.org.uk

The  annual survey of parents and carers remains open and is quick and easy to complete.

Advanced dates for this half-term:

Tuesday 1st July	Primary Transfer day and parents’ evening
Thursday 3rd July	Creative Arts/Art and Design summer showcase
7th -10th July	Sports Days
Wednesday 16th July	Whole school sponsored walk
Tuesday 22nd July	Term ends at 12.30

With best wishes for the week ahead.

Stephen Davis

Headteacher

 

Looking After Your Child’s Teeth - National Smile Month

Whittington Oral Health Promotion will give a talk for families about how to look after your children’s teeth taking place online via teams (Tuesday 10th June 09:15am-09:45). Use the QR code in this document to register.

It will cover the importance of brushing, making healthy food and drink choices, and visits to the dentist. Parents can also get a free toothbrushing pack on the day.

Click here for more information about National Smile Month

For more information, please contact Amanpreet on Kendra from Whittington Oral Health Promotion.

 

Helping Your Child Understand Why They See Certain Content

We know mobile phones can be beneficial, but it is really important that we help children understand that what they can be exposed to can be very negative. It’s useful to have a conversation with your child about how online content is selected and shown to them. Help them understand how data collection and content curation influence their digital experiences and encourage them to think critically while navigating the internet. Please see below for more information: 

What is algorithmic curation?

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to lose track of time on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram? Maybe you started by watching a quick video about cute animals, and before you knew it, an hour had passed. Have you ever wondered why this happens? 
Many websites and apps use something called algorithmic curation. This is a process where computer programs (algorithms) analyse what you watch, like, or search for and then choose what to show you next, based on your interests.
But how do they know what you enjoy? Every click, scroll, and like is tracked and analysed. The more you interact with certain types of content, the more the platform tailors its recommendations to keep you watching for longer. It can feel like magic-unlimited content, perfectly suited to your tastes!

The Downsides - Limited perspectives

It’s important to keep in mind that while personalised content can be entertaining, it can also make it difficult to take a break from screens. It might also limit exposure to different opinions and viewpoints. If you're only shown content that reinforces what you already believe, it can be harder to understand other perspectives.

The Downsides - Emotional impact

The content you see can also affect your emotions and mood. Watching positive or inspiring videos can uplift you, while consuming too much upsetting or negative content can bring you down. Sometimes, algorithms get things wrong and might show content that isn't appropriate for your age or interests.

Taking Action

The good news? You and your child can take control of what you see online. You can adjust settings, block or report inappropriate content, and make conscious choices about what you engage with.

Helping kids understand how online platforms work gives them the skills they need to be thoughtful and informed digital users. Below are some activities that can help with this.

Discussion time

• Have you and your child ever disagreed about screen time? How could you find a balance that works for both of you?
• What do you think about companies collecting and selling data? Would you change anything about how you use the internet after learning this?

FAQs

What’s the difference between 'data' and an 'algorithm'?

• Data is information collected about users, such as names, emails, or browsing habits. An algorithm is a step-by-step set of instructions that helps computers make decisions—like deciding which videos to recommend next.

Which websites use algorithmic curation?

Many platforms use algorithms to personalise content and keep users engaged. Here are a few:
Social Media:

• Facebook: Suggests posts and friends based on user interactions.
• Instagram: Recommends posts, Reels, and Stories tailored to personal interests.
• TikTok: The 'For You' page is one of the most advanced examples of algorithm-driven content

Streaming Services:

• Netflix: Suggests movies and shows based on what you’ve watched before.
• YouTube: Curates recommended videos and the 'Up Next' queue.
• Spotify: Creates personalised playlists based on your listening habits

Search Engines & Online Stores:

• Google: Adjusts search results based on previous searches and location.
• Amazon: Recommends products based on browsing and shopping history.