In a new blog piece for the Independent Schools Council, Solihull School Director of Assessment and Digital Strategy Matthew van Alderwegen and Executive Headmaster Charles Fillingham outline the school's approach to navigating artificial intelligence (AI) safely and effectively.

The emergence of generative AI tools has had a profound impact on education since the release of ChatGPT in late 2022. From an early stage, we recognised the dual potential of these tools: while they can inspire creativity and aid learning, they also pose risks, including ethical misuse and over-reliance. To address these challenges, we felt it was crucial to take proactive steps to help our pupils and staff navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape; to ensure they are equipped with the skills and understanding to thrive in the 21st century.

Setting the foundations: AI working group and pupil guidance

We established an AI working group with representatives from across the Senior School from September 2023. Our mission is to explore the applications of AI in teaching and learning, alleviate workload challenges for teachers, and craft meaningful guidance for our school community. We devised a guidance document for pupil use of AI following the familiar traffic light format (red to outline errors to avoid, amber on where to be cautious and a green light for where it might be used effectively to enhance their learning). The guidance was shared in assemblies and prominently displayed around the school.

The guidance has resonated with pupils and staff alike. Andy, a Lower Sixth student, shared: "I use AI to support my understanding of lesson content across my subjects. It’s particularly useful for exploring alternative solutions to programming and maths problems and for generating revision questions to challenge my understanding."

Similarly, Mrs Patel, Head of Computer Science, observed: "The integration of AI has significantly enhanced my teaching. Tools like ChatGPT provide my students with additional support beyond the classroom, while critiquing AI outputs has fostered their intellectual curiosity and critical thinking."

Equipping the next generation

At Solihull, we believe that empowering pupils with AI literacy is essential. In line with this vision, all Year 9 pupils now follow a bespoke scheme of work focusing on "prompt engineering" — a skill we view as a 21^st Century necessity.

Our pupils will enter a workforce made up of two sets of employees – those who tell computers what to do and those who are told what to do by computers. We want our school-leavers to be in the first group.

This curriculum blends ethical considerations with hands-on programming, including the creation of chatbots, making AI education both engaging and practical. The gamification of lessons has further motivated pupils, fostering excitement about the possibilities of machine learning.

Leading the conversation on AI

As a Microsoft Showcase School, Solihull has prioritised digital transformation, embedding tools like Microsoft Copilot into teaching and learning. In October 2024, we hosted a region-wide AI conference, featuring keynote speaker Dan Fitzpatrick, author of The AI Classroom and Infinite Education. This event provided valuable insights for pupils, parents, and educators, fostering a shared understanding of AI’s implications.

Our AI and Digital Champions group further exemplifies our collaborative approach. With representatives from every academic department, the group meets regularly to share updates, cascade knowledge, and ensure staff remain informed about the latest AI developments.

Looking ahead

Solihull School’s journey with AI is ongoing. From exploring the use of ChatGPT workplace licenses to developing custom AI tutors tailored to exam syllabuses, we are continually finding new ways to harness artificial intelligence for educational benefit. Our focus remains on equipping pupils with the skills and understanding to use AI ethically and effectively, ensuring they are not just consumers but critical users of technology.

Our commitment to embracing AI thoughtfully and responsibly underpins everything we do. By teaching pupils to critically evaluate AI outputs and use the technology to enhance their learning, we are preparing them for a world where these skills are indispensable. Through initiatives such as our pupil guidance framework and dedicated AI working groups, we ensure that AI is not just a tool for today but a foundation for the future.

At Solihull, we aim to inspire a generation of learners who not only adapt to change but actively shape it. By fostering a culture of innovation, ethical responsibility, and collaboration, we hope to empower our pupils to lead with confidence in an ever-evolving digital world.

This article was first published on the ISC website and was written with a little help from ChatGPT.