Case Study: Introducing Digital Character Education at Denbigh High School

Background

Denbigh High School has embarked on a significant journey to integrate digital character
education into its curriculum. This initiative aims to prepare students for the digital age by
equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate online environments responsibly and
ethically and use digital tools with purpose and integrity

Implementation of Digital Character Education

Digital character education has been woven into the school’s curriculum. This includes
regular lessons on internet safety, cyberbullying, responsible online behaviour, and the
ethical use of technology. In addition, the school day was restructured to allow for an extra
“Period 6” lesson once a week focusing on digital character. The initiative is a part of the
school improvement plan, ensuring that technology and digital skills education are aligned
with the overall educational goals of the school.

The school has established AI steering groups comprising staff members, governors, and
students. These groups guide the integration of AI and digital character education into the
school’s activities, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered. The student steering group
provides valuable insights into how digital tools and principles can be effectively
communicated to and adopted by students.

Continuous professional development sessions are held to keep staff updated on the latest
developments in AI and digital citizenship. This includes traditional training methods and
innovative approaches such as instructional coaching films on the school’s “Denbigh Does”
website. By staying ahead of technological trends, staff can effectively integrate digital
citizenship principles into their teaching practices.

Beyond basic e-safety compliance, the school fosters discussions around responsible
technology use, informed decision-making, and meaningful engagement with AI. This
comprehensive approach prepares students for the complexities of the digital world,
emphasising the importance of making informed and ethical choices online

Impact of the Initiative

The integration of digital character education has contributed to improved learning
outcomes. By embedding these principles into everyday learning, students are better
prepared to navigate digital environments safely and responsibly. The initiative has also
supported the engagement and motivation of pupils, making learning more relevant and
empowering.

The success of the digital strategy at Denbigh High School has been recognised at a
national level. The Chiltern Learning Trust, to which the school belongs, recently won the
MAT Excellence Award for Digital Innovation and two Year 8 students from Denbigh won the
“Quality Education” Award as part of the Design4SDGs Challenge with their campaign to
promote digital character by aligning it with school values.

The school’s approach ensures that digital citizenship education caters to all learners,
regardless of their background. This inclusivity is particularly important given the diverse
student demographic. Special attention is given to how technology supports EAL (English as
an Additional Language) and SEN (Special Educational Needs) learners, ensuring that
digital tools enhance their engagement and learning experiences.

Conclusion

Denbigh High School’s initiative to integrate Digital Character education represents a
forward-thinking approach to modern education. By embedding these principles into the
curriculum and ensuring ongoing professional development for staff, the school is effectively
preparing students for the digital world. The initiative’s success is reflected in improved
learning outcomes, national recognition, and an inclusive approach that benefits all students.