Embedded Files
My Zone Lesson - Wednesday 11th March 2026
Year 7 – Social media and reality
Lesson covers:
The legal age limits for social media platforms and statistics about how widely social media is used by teenagers in the UK.
The reasons social media platforms have age restrictions, including protecting young people from harmful content, misinformation and contact with predatory individuals.
Different types of harmful content on social media, such as violent content, hate speech, cyberbullying, self-harm content and negative behavioural influences.
How different forms of harmful content can affect behaviour, mental health, attitudes and social relationships, particularly among younger users.
The positive impacts and benefits of social media, including communication, networking, entertainment, education and opportunities for new businesses and careers.
How misinformation and disinformation spread online, including the role of virality, emotional content, and confirmation bias.
Real-world examples of misinformation and disinformation, including fake health advice, AI-generated content, political manipulation and scams.
Strategies students can use to critically evaluate information online, such as checking sources, questioning motives and recognising edited or AI-generated content.
Year 8 – Phone addiction & Digital Overwhelm
Lesson covers:
How smartphone use can affect the brain, attention span, and mental health, particularly through constant stimulation and reward.
The concept of the habit loop (cue, routine, reward) and how this psychological process helps explain why phone checking becomes automatic behaviour.
Examples of common cues that trigger phone use, such as notifications, boredom, waiting, or seeing others check their phones.
The negative impacts of excessive phone use, including reduced attention span, anxiety, social comparison, disrupted sleep and weaker real-life connections.
How constant digital stimulation can change how the brain responds to slower activities, making tasks such as reading or studying feel less engaging.
The commercial incentives behind addictive app design, including how social media companies use engagement to increase advertising revenue.
The benefits of reducing phone use, including improved mental health, better sleep, stronger relationships and improved focus.
Practical strategies for setting healthier phone habits, including identifying triggers, replacing behaviours and creating phone-free environments.
Year 9 – AI and skill redundancy: The impact on our brains
Lesson covers:
How increasing use of artificial intelligence and digital tools can affect how the brain learns and practises skills.
Situations where AI can be helpful and productive, as well as areas where it may perform less effectively than humans.
The concept of skill redundancy, where technology becomes so efficient that people stop practising the underlying human skills.
Evidence from research on the “GPS effect”, demonstrating how reliance on navigation technology can reduce engagement of spatial memory systems in the brain.
Examples of thinking skills that may weaken with over-reliance on AI, including critical thinking, reasoning, problem solving and creativity.
The idea of “desirable difficulty” in learning, where effortful thinking strengthens understanding and long-term memory.
How students can distinguish between productive and unproductive uses of AI in learning tasks.
Developing personal rules for responsible AI use so that technology supports learning rather than replacing thinking
Year 10 – Professional Digital Communication & Your Online Reputation
Lesson covers:
The concept of a digital footprint and how online activity contributes to a person’s online reputation.
The difference between active and passive digital footprints, and how information about individuals can be created intentionally or collected automatically online.
How employers may research applicants online during the hiring process, including reviewing social media profiles and online communication.
How different types of online behaviour, such as offensive posts, rude comments or unprofessional communication, may affect how employers perceive a candidate.
The importance of professional digital communication, particularly in emails and online interactions.
Key features of clear and professional written communication, including tone, grammar, clarity and respectful language.
The role of professional networking in careers and how online platforms can help build professional connections.
How students can build a positive digital reputation by sharing achievements, interests, volunteering and projects online.
Ms Sugden
Head of MyZone
Barnet Schools Dance Festival - Reminder
Students performing at the Arts Depot on Monday will leave school at 12:30pm by minibus after an early lunch at 12:00pm. Students will remain at the venue for rehearsals and the evening performance and will not return to school during the day.
Families attending should arrive by 5:50pm for the 6:00pm performance. The show will finish at approximately 7:45pm, and students must be collected by their parent/carer from the Arts Depot.
Students should come to school wearing their PE kit and bring their costume, water bottle, and a packed dinner to eat between rehearsals and the performance.
For any questions, please contact Ms Sugden via info@ccfplus.com.
Reminder: Year 8 Virtual Parents' Evening - 18th March 2026 - Online Appointment Booking
We would like to invite Year 8 parents and carers to attend our Parents’ Evening on 18th March 2026. This is an important evening and provides you with an opportunity to hear a detailed update on your child’s progress this year.
The school uses an online booking and appointment system. This allows you to choose your own appointment times with teachers and you will receive an email confirming your appointments. The appointment meetings will then be carried out virtually using video software.
A number of our staff teach multiple Year 8 classes, which means you may not be able to secure appointments with all of your child's teachers. If you are unable to book an appointment and would like feedback from a specific teacher, please email info@ccfplus.com.
Appointments can be made from Wednesday 4th March at 6pm.
Please visit https://ccf.schoolcloud.co.uk to book your appointments. Login with the following information:
Student’s First Name
Student’s Surname
Date of Birth
If you have any issues with this system, please contact Mrs Bone, via the school office, who will be happy to assist with making appointments.
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