AI training at Gordonstoun School
ALASDAIR MONTEITH, HEAD OF GEOGRAPHY AND ADVANCED PRACTITIONER, GORDONSTOUN SCHOOL, UK
We ran our first staff CPD session on using AI in April 2022 and have been encouraging staff to trial the use of LLMs (Large Language Models) ever since. The aim of our CPD sessions is to provide teachers with an understanding of what LLMs are and demonstrate how they can be used to streamline administrative tasks and inspire innovative lesson planning, whilst advising staff on the need to follow existing GDPR and safeguarding guidelines. As a school that is signed up to Microsoft 365, we have access to Microsoft’s LLM Copilot which provides an extra degree of data security and privacy. We are in the process of developing an AI policy for staff and students, which will be implemented in September 2025. This policy will outline ethical and effective AI usage within our school.
At Gordonstoun, we believe in preparing students for a future in which AI plays a role in their lives and careers. All our senior school students (aged 13–18) have access to laptops and are encouraged to use ChatGPT and Copilot in lessons, under teacher supervision. We have incorporated AI into independent study advice sessions, teaching students how to use AI tools for tasks such as mind-mapping and summarising information. By providing students with this training, we aim to promote active learning and critical thinking. We also ensure that students are aware of the JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) rules regarding AI use in coursework, and encourage them to critically assess AI-generated content.
To foster a culture of innovation, we have established an informal group of ‘pioneer’ teachers from various departments. These teachers meet regularly to share their experiences and ideas using AI, recognising that AI application and use can vary across subjects. This collaborative approach allows us to develop tailored AI solutions that enhance teaching and learning in diverse ways.
The examples of AI use and specific tools in this article are for context only. They do not imply endorsement or recommendation of any particular tool or approach by the Department for EducationThe ministerial department responsible for children’s services and education in England or the Chartered College of Teaching and any views stated are those of the individual. Any use of AI also needs to be carefully planned, and what is appropriate in one setting may not be elsewhere. You should always follow the DfE’s Generative AI In Education policy position and product safety expectations in addition to aligning any AI use with the DfE’s latest Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. You can also find teacher and leader toolkits on gov.uk .
