Within the last few months, Helldivers 2 has propelled to immense popularity in the gaming community, with players of all ages enjoying its frenetic combat, humorous presentation, and challenging gameplay. Whether they’re cooperating with friends or competing with strangers, the game has attracted many young players despite its higher age rating.

As can be expected from an online game – especially one rated 18+ – there are several inherent online safety risks posed to children and young people who play Helldivers 2; from the content of the game itself to the dangers of interacting with strangers online. Our guide highlights the most prominent hazards of Helldivers 2 and provides you with top tips for keeping its younger players safe.

Ofcom’s Media Use and Attitudes Report for 2024 is here. The UK’s regulator for communications publishes a comprehensive annual compendium of the results of several surveys they’ve conducted regarding the activities and experiences of children when interacting with entertainment: from TV to video games to social media platforms.

Contained in the report are numerous statistics relevant to children’s online safety, with data covering a wide array of topics – such as young people experiencing harassment, their habits in online games and parents’ most common concerns. Our guide gathers up some of the key statistics and lays them out in a quick, easy “cheat sheet” for you to consult at your leisure.

Quality merchandise, fair prices. What’s not to love? The possibility of bagging a bargain and the ability to sell your own unwanted items have made online marketplaces like Vinted and Depop into an attractive option for anyone looking to save money or make a little extra cash for themselves in these challenging economic times.

Unfortunately, however, these services (and numerous others like them) can still be misused by scammers, so it pays to remain vigilant for the risks associated with shopping apps. Fortunately, this week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide is on hand with some helpful pointers to protect young people (and yourself) from potential exploitation while doing business with others online.

Dear Student / Parent,

The Dukes’ Year 11 Revision Timetable is now live on the school website. To access it, please follow the link below or go to the school website / Student Hub / KS4 Revision Tips and Ideas – other information. 

https://dukes.ncea.org.uk/dukes-year-11-revision-timetable-is-now-live/

https://sites.google.com/dukes.ncea.org.uk/learnrevisetest/other-information

The timetable shows the dates and times of all revision sessions over the summer exam period, 3/5/2024 to 20/6/2024. These revision sessions will provide an opportunity for teachers to present last minute instruction, revision and advice before each exam and for that reason, all students are expected to attend the sessions for which they are taking an exam.

Students will be in full time school as normal up until we break for the half term holiday on Friday 24th May, so revision sessions up to this time will form a part of the normal school day. Once students return to school on Monday 3rd June they will only be expected to attend when they have their usual timetabled English or Maths lessons or any of the revision sessions shown on the timetable. Once the final English and Maths exams have taken place (the last English exam is Thursday 6/6/24, the last Maths exam is Monday 10/6/24) students will only be expected to attend school for their remaining revision sessions and exams.

In addition to the timetabled revision sessions, before each exam there will be an additional short revision session put on by the head of subject to remind the students of some of the key learning and skills they will need to exhibit in that paper. These will all take place in the Main Hall and students will afterwards be sent directly to their exam. Students should ensure that they are in school at least half an hour before their exam starts so that they can attend these important last minute support sessions.

May I take this opportunity to wish all students well for the coming exam period and remind them that there is plenty of revision material available on subject Google Classrooms to support preparation for each exam. We also have plenty of tips and advice for effective and successful revision for each subject on our website for students to access. There is also a more general guide on revision techniques and a guide for parents on how you can best support your child through the exam period. You can access these by clicking on the yellow Learn>Revise>Test banner at the top of our website homepage or by following the link below.

https://sites.google.com/dukes.ncea.org.uk/learnrevisetest/home

And finally, remember that every success starts with the decision to try.

Good luck.

Please click on this link for a NHS Parent Self Help Guide to Exam Stress

NHS Exam Stress Support

Close to a third of children in the UK consume energy drinks at least once every week. While these high-caffeine beverages might be touted as a shortcut to a boost in focus and productivity, even a moderate intake can lead to significant impacts on the heart, sleeping patterns and mental wellbeing.

With celebrity spokespeople, colourful branding and the potential added element of peer pressure, it’s unsurprising that young people are sometimes drawn to these products, often unaware of the potential negative impact they might be having on mind and body.