A free online safety guide on AI virtual friends.

Artificial intelligence is probably the hot topic in technology circle right now, with questions being raised worldwide about how AI might conceivably affect the very future of the human race. In the short term, however – definitely as far as its impact on young people is concerned – the clearest risk is almost certainly the AI-powered ‘virtual friends’ which are springing up all over the internet.

There’s Replika and Kuki, for instance, while Snapchat has recently got in on the act with My AI – and search engines like Bing and Google have developed their own versions. Are these machine intelligences suitable online companions for young people? What are their limitations and weak spots? Our #WakeUpWednesday guide profiles the emergence of AI ‘virtual friends’.

Click to download the AI Virtual Friends Guide

We have had a number of new followers across our platforms recently, and we wanted to reintroduce ourselves to those of you who may not know about our trust PolyMAT.

PolyMAT was established in 2014 when our only school was Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys, a long-successful 11-18 Comprehensive school serving the people of Thamesmead. Our early priority was to deliver the same quality of provision for girls in Thamesmead, and we set about opening Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls. In September 2019, this became a reality, and we are very proud that we now offer excellent education for up to 2800 students in Thamesmead.

Our Vision is “Success for Everyone” and this places inclusion and well-being at the heart of everything we do. More than anything else, PolyMAT is an organisation that puts people first as we know that they are our greatest asset.

We pride ourselves on the quality of our relationships and the shared desire to give our students the best possible opportunities to become the people that they want to be. We hope that you share our passion for putting people first and creating the most positive environment possible for success to thrive; we always know that we get the best from ourselves when we help others get the best from themselves.

Click to watch this video that explains a little more about who we are:

Visit our trust website for more information.

 

Please find below a list of local activities and events that we wanted to share with our community:

Street Doctor - First Aid Training - Tuesday 20th June 2023

The Thamesmead Hot Air Balloon is back - Saturday 17th June 2023:

The Thamesmead hot air balloon is back! See it take flight at the launch of the #FieldsofEveryWhen exhibition this Saturday 17 June. The exhibition showcases the original artworks that were used for the fabric of the balloon which features more than 200 images and took flight at different locations in Thamesmead last summer. In celebration of the exhibition launch, the balloon will be inflated at the park behind the 'Southmere Lake' bus stop on Harrow Manor Way, SE2 9TX (sometimes called Abbey Wood Park). There will be a side inflation from 2.30pm where you'll get the chance to walk inside the balloon, followed by a tethered flight from 6.30pm. Please note that this is all dependent on suitable weather conditions. Before planning your visit please check www.g-foew.art for the latest updates. The Fields of EveryWhen exhibition will run from Saturday 17 June to Thursday 29 June at The Nest Community Building and Library SE2 9FA. Opening times will be: Monday to Friday from 9.30am – 5pm. Find out more  https://bit.ly/3p0Rd6p

Do you want to learn sewing and needlework skills?

Do you want to learn sewing and needlework skills? You can attend a FREE series of textile workshops kicking off on Saturday 17 June and make a banner that will be displayed at the #ThamesmeadFestival on 12 August!

Find out more   https://bit.ly/3WY3w07

Volunteers needed for a community garden:

Greenwich in Bloom

Is your back garden packed with flowers? Are your window boxes bursting with colour? If so, then enter #GreenwichinBloom before Wednesday 19 July.

royalgreenwich.gov.uk/greenwich-in-bloom

Thamesmead Cycle HUB - Saturdays

 

Find out about the different cycling opportunities available for different experience levels in Thamesmead.

• Date: 15 April -31 December
• Time: 10am-12pm
• Location: Sporting Club Thamesmead, Bayliss Ave, Thamesmead, SE28 8NJ
• Contact: roadsafetyeducation@bexley.gov.uk
• Price: FREE
• Thamesmead Bike Club

Suitable for adults, from beginners to improvers or anyone who wants to practice cycling.  

• Time: 10am - 12pm
• over 16s only
• Bikes and helmets can be provided if needed 

Family Bike Club

• Time: 12pm - 2pm
• suitable for riders aged 5+

Sessions are free, but spaces need to be booked in advance. Email roadsafetyeducation@bexley.gov.uk to book your space.

 

Thamesmead Festival - Saturday 12th August 2023

The Thamesmead Festival is returning to Southmere Park on Saturday 12 August. Be sure to save the date!

British Nutrition Foundation

We are a public-facing charity which exists to give people, educators and organisations access to reliable information on nutrition. Grounded in science; working with experts; supporting anyone on their journey towards a healthy, sustainable diet.

Healthy Eating Week 12-16 June 2023

Healthy Eating Week is all about supporting and promoting healthier lifestyles and this year’s theme is Healthy Eating Week - For Everyone!

The cost-of-living crisis continues to have an impact on the affordability of healthier diets for so many of us. With this in mind, for Healthy Eating Week 2023 we're focussing on providing free, evidence-based advice and support for everyone who wants to find their way to eat a healthier diet regardless of these barriers. 

We have put together a poster of some of the recipes from the British Nutrition Foundation website and also the healthy food recipes on BBC Good Food.

#HEW23

Please find below a Year 6 to Year 7 Journey Checklist that we have put together to help prepare students and their parents/carers for the move from primary school to our school!

Have you seen our Year 6 to Year 7 Journey webpage?

It is full of useful information for parents/carers and students joining our school in September. 

If you are concerned about your child's Internet use, or you'd like to know more about how to monitor and keep things safe, then you are not alone.

Please download the national online safety app to your phone. It will give you tips and information to keep you up to date.

National Online Safety’s FREE app is the easiest way to keep children safe online. It’s a one-stop-shop for parents and educators to learn everything they need to know about the latest apps, games and devices used by children. It provides instant access to online safety education, training and updates so that parents and educators can protect their children from online harm and abuse.

BROWSE HUNDREDS OF AWARD-WINNING GUIDES

• A new guide every week as part of our #WakeUpWednesday campaign.
• Find out about the latest online platform, game or device children are talking about.
• Search for online risks and get tips for keeping children safe online.
• Learn about parental controls and how to monitor online activity.
• Share, review and download your favourite guides.

Thank you for supporting us on keeping your child safe online.

App Store - National Online Safety App