This is the first whole school year when Generative AI (chatbots such as ChatGPT) will be available and potentially used by teachers, school administration teams, and many young people and their families. Alert to the speed of change, the DfE launched a call for evidence over the Summer seeking views on the perceived benefits and risks, findings are not yet published. However, UNESCO published a paper in the Summer, Generative AI and the future of education reporting that from a global survey of 450 schools and universities unsurprisingly finding that fewer than 10% have developed institutional policies and/or formal guidance concerning the use of generative AI applications.

This is an area that is moving forward rapidly with wide reaching implications. As we move into the future, it’s becoming increasingly important for school leaders, teachers, and children to be AI literate. Understanding how this technology works and how it can be useful is essential, as is being aware of ethical and safety considerations. The education sector cannot rely on the corporate creators of AI to regulate or fully understand its own work or the application of AI in schools.

Generative AI has the potential to both benefit and undermine the authority and status of teachers, and to strengthen calls for the automation of education. Learning is a social enterprise. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when digital technology became the primary medium for education, students suffered both academically and socially. It is timely therefore that we are launching Camden Learning’s schools’ digital learning strategy this term. The expert helping us with this took great care to engage closely with schools and I am grateful for their very active involvement. The plan covers everything from digital infrastructure and cybersecurity to classroom resources, the use of AI, digital safeguarding, teacher professional development, tech-based careers and school leadership of digital strategy. The plan will provide a road map to make the most of digital to support outcomes for children and young people. This is an ambitious enterprise in a context of rapid change. Below you can see that we are asking for expressions of interest to join an implementation group, seeking the support of school leaders and IT specialists to ensure its success. I hope that you will consider this.

Thank you as always for your hard work and commitment to Camden young people. Next Friday there is a breakfast briefing at Parliament Hill sharing the role of the North Research School in supporting the work you do, and then a much-deserved weeks’ break. Enjoy the weekend when it comes for you.

Stephen Hall

Chief Executive Officer, Camden Learning