St Hilda’s and Leon Furze: Pioneering AI in Education

At St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls, we are committed to staying at the forefront of educational innovation….

At St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls, we are committed to staying at the forefront of educational innovation. Our recent partnership with Leon Furze, a leading expert in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, marks a significant step in this journey. Leon’s expertise and insights have already begun to transform our approach to teaching and learning, and we are excited to share the initiatives we are implementing in response to his guidance. 

What Leon Furze Brings to the Table 

Leon Furze is renowned for his work in integrating AI into educational practices. His approach is both practical and visionary, focusing on how AI can enhance the learning experience while maintaining ethical standards. During his visit to St Hilda’s, Leon engaged with various stakeholders of our school community, providing tailored sessions that addressed the unique needs and concerns of each group. 

For our staff, Leon conducted a comprehensive workshop that explored the practical applications of AI in the classroom. He shared strategies for using AI tools to streamline administrative tasks, personalise learning experiences, and foster student engagement. His emphasis on ethical considerations ensured that our educators are equipped to use AI responsibly and effectively. 

Leon also held a session for our Year 11 and 12 students, demonstrating how AI can support their study habits and academic performance. By introducing them to AI tools that assist with research, organisation, and creative projects, Leon empowered our students to leverage technology in their learning journey. 

Recognising the importance of parental involvement, Leon conducted an informative session for parents. He addressed common concerns about AI, such as data privacy and ethical use, while highlighting the benefits of AI in supporting their children’s education. This session helped bridge the gap between home and school, fostering a collaborative approach to AI integration. 

Implementing AI at St Hilda’s 

In response to Leon’s partnership, we are implementing several key initiatives to integrate AI into our educational practices: 

AI Assessment Scale:

We have adopted Leon Furze’s AI Assessment Scale for all assessments in the Senior School. This scale provides a structured approach to incorporating AI into assessments, ensuring that students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while effectively utilising AI tools. The scale ranges from “No AI” to “Full AI,” allowing for varying levels of AI involvement based on the task and learning objectives. 

AI-Enhanced Learning Tools:

We are introducing AI tools that support personalised learning experiences. These tools will help teachers tailor their instruction to meet the individual needs of each student, enhancing engagement and improving academic outcomes. 

AI and Wellbeing:

In collaboration with our Heads of Year, we are exploring ways to use AI to monitor and support student wellbeing. By leveraging AI to track indicators of stress and mental health, we aim to provide timely interventions and support for our students. 

Leadership and Innovation:

Our student leaders are actively involved in exploring innovative ways to incorporate AI into school projects and initiatives. This fosters a culture of forward-thinking and adaptability, preparing our students for the future. 

Looking Ahead 

Our partnership with Leon Furze has set the stage for an exciting new chapter at St Hilda’s. We are committed to continuing our exploration of AI in education, guided by Leon’s expertise and the insights gained from his visit. Together, we are pioneering a future where AI enhances the learning experience, supports student wellbeing, and prepares our students for success in an increasingly digital world.