Benchmark 4
A strategic approach to aligning the teaching of digital citizenship across schemes of learning in both a subject-specific and extra-curricular context, with accompanying CPD actvitites.
What would this ideally look like?
Different subject areas promote digital citizenship through their curriculum design and modelling of good practice. This is done consistently across the institution and in line with the ethos.
Self-assessment descriptors
Level 0 (Absent):
No discrete DCE curriculum and no strategic approach to developing one. Digital citizenship topics are limited to basic digital skills without addressing broader social, interpersonal or environmental contexts.
Level 1 (Emerging):
Minimal integration of DCE topics into the curriculum. There may be occasional references or isolated lessons, but these themes are not structured or embedded into the core curriculum. Awareness of the importance of these issues is emerging among some staff.
Level 2 (Developing):
An initial framework of a DCE curriculum exists. Lessons incorporate discussions around broader DCE topics such as responsible technology use, environmental impacts, and ethical considerations, though integration is still in development. There is an intent to connect DCE with issues of equity, sustainability, and justice, and resources are being gradually aligned to support this focus, but this is inconsistent and is not applied across subjects or in extra-curricular activities.
Level 3 (Proficient):
A DCE curriculum is well-integrated across schemes of learning, with clear links to topics such as the environmental impact of technology, digital equity, and ethical responsibilities embedded into lessons, and students engage with projects or case studies that explore these themes. The DCE curriculum encourages critical thinking around digital practices, fostering a sense of responsibility and there are opportunities to build on these foundations with extra-curricular activities.
Level 4 (Advanced):
The Institution demonstrates a strong commitment to DCE across levels with a comprehensive, structured programme threaded through multiple relevant subject areas and extra-curricular activities. The curriculum fosters active digital citizens who are equipped to advocate for and contribute to social and environmental justice, both locally and globally, and is seen as a model for inclusive, responsible digital citizenship education.
Reflective questions to guide decision making
• In what ways can we encourage cross-departmental collaboration to support a unified approach to digital citizenship?
•What extra-curricular activities can be linked to DCE strategy?
•Who will coordinate alignment across schemes of work to ensure a coherent strategy?
•How will we evaluate alignment of DCE provision?
•How can we ensure that the resources used align with institutional values about DCE?
Practical steps
Low resource
- Build interdisciplinary teams to embed DCE across subject areas.
- Develop a school-wide DCE learning map aligning with national standards.
High resource
- Allocate budget for DCE-focused curriculum development and resources.
- Host an internal DCE conference or collaborative planning day.