ProjectEVOLVE – Who Is It for and How Can It Help Your School?

01 Apr 2021 Andy Robinson

Since the launch of ProjectEVOLVE last year, it has been so amazing to see so many organisations sign up to receive the support it can offer. Even now, the number of organisations who have registered with ProjectEvolve has reached over 2,800.

As the tool continues to grow, it is important to highlight the diverse aspect of ProjectEVOLVE and how it is not just limited to certain settings. Fortunately, ProjectEVOLVE covers a broad spectrum and can be used to assist a wide audience to embed online safety.

What Does Project Evolve Do?

ProjectEVOLVE provides free resources to assist professionals in delivering key messages around important online safety topics for children aged between 3 and 18. The key messages and resources provided are not just there to teach about online safety though. ProjectEVOLVE is there to support the growth and development of young people trying to navigate an ever-changing online world.

As young people gain more independence and freedom to explore, guidance and support could be considered more important. No doubt, they will be well aware of the latest trends but how will they gain understanding of what is ethical or even lawful when it comes to topics such as image or reputation? Not only that, but how will they know what to do in order to create a positive impact in the world they will be a leading generation for? Find out what ProjectEVOLVE offers in:

Primary Schools

The toolkit content is founded on the UKCIS/DCMS “Education for a Connected World” competency framework. It offers engaging and focussed activities written by leading experts to inform children and young people around the important steps forward in their online development.

Users can navigate the “Education for a Connected World Framework” easily to find the resources relevant for the children they teach. This covers progression across all strands from Early Years to Year 6 covering Self-image and identity, Online Relationships, Online Bullying, Heath Wellbeing & Lifestyle, Privacy & Security, Copyright and Ownership, and Managing Online Information.

Users are able to customise hundreds of resources within the tool to access specific content relevant to them and their classes. Educators can build a school account with fellow teachers to share and track coverage and progress, whilst reducing workload and measuring impact by using the innovative knowledge map tool to assist with planning.

As always it is a free service to use.

Secondary Schools

The secondary toolkit content is also founded on the UKCIS/DCMS “Education for a Connected World” competency framework. It offers pragmatic and engaging activities designed specifically to inform, challenge and provide discussion around key aspects of young people’s online lives.

The toolkit offers clear progression across Key Stage Three that involves eight strands: Self-image and identity, Online Relationships, Online Bullying, Heath Wellbeing & Lifestyle, Privacy & Security, Copyright and Ownership and Managing Online Information.

There is a subject specialist tool to find resources relevant to specific curriculum areas and focus, and you can customise hundreds of resources within the tool can be customised to access specific, relevant content.

Users can build a school account with fellow teachers to share and track coverage and progress, whilst also reducing workload and measuring impact by using the innovative knowledge map tool to assist with planning.

Both the primary and secondary provisions of ProjectEVOLVE are free services to use.

Sixth Form & Further Education

The toolkit content is founded on the UKCIS/DCMS “Education for a Connected World” competency framework. The resources have been written by leading experts in the field specifically for older students to challenge current thinking and provide opportunities for dialogue and further discussion.

There is clear progression throughout, focussing on ethical, cultural, societal and legislative impact of students’ online life in preparation for Higher Education and/or employment. The free toolkit involves eight strands: Self-image and identity, Online Relationships, Online Bullying, Heath Wellbeing & Lifestyle, Privacy & Security, Copyright and Ownership and Managing Online Information.

Users can build a school account with fellow teachers to share and track coverage and progress, as well as having access to an innovative knowledge map tool to assist with planning, allowing educators to reduce workload and measure the impact it is having.

Ken Corish, Online Safety Director at SWGfL, said:

“The team at SWGfL have been developing tools, services and guidance for schools for over 20 years and have been working on evolving our philosophy to better achieve pragmatic, positive outcomes for everyone. ProjectEVOLVE represents a significant advance for us. Aclear and focused approach allows educators to see beyond the media soundbite and educate towards the things that really matter,that really affect children and young people. And more importantly, make a tangible difference to the empowerment of those who use technology in their live.”

To see how ProjectEVOLVE can help your school community, sign up for free here: