Head of Primary fortnightly blog

The Halloween assembly was filled with boo-tiful fun, and we held a bone-chilling costume competition to see which year group and department had the most frighteningly fabulous attire. The competition was fierce, but our winners truly bewitched us with their creativity—congratulations to Gru and his Minion crew (Year 6) and Team Shrek (Year 1).

Now, before any more ghosts come knocking, let’s move on to the main topic of my newsletter...

In an ever-evolving educational landscape, it’s essential that we embrace innovative approaches to teaching and learning that can positively impact student progress. Recently, our Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Leads had the exciting opportunity to spend a day with renowned educationalist Dylan Wiliam, where the focus was on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential role in supporting formative assessment (AfL).

AI in the classroom offers exciting possibilities, particularly when it comes to personalised learning. By using AI-powered tools, teachers can better analyse individual student performance, helping to identify areas where a child may need additional support or challenge. This allows for a more tailored learning experience, where students receive timely interventions, whether that’s stretching more able learners or supporting those who may need extra help. AI also allows teachers to devote more time to personalised instruction, mentoring, and fostering critical thinking skills.

For example, AI can assist in real-time feedback on written work, providing insights into grammar, spelling, and even the complexity of ideas expressed, allowing teachers to focus more on higher-order feedback. It can also help identify patterns in student work, highlighting misconceptions that might not be immediately obvious. These tools not only support the teacher but empower students to reflect on their own learning journey.

It’s important to note, however, that AI is not a replacement for the human connection that teachers provide. The relationships, encouragement, and understanding that come from a skilled teacher are irreplaceable. AI can assist in making certain processes more efficient, but it is our teachers who bring the creativity, emotional intelligence, and deeper understanding that foster a love of learning in our children. AI is simply another tool that can help teachers focus more on what matters most - engaging with students and creating dynamic, meaningful learning experiences.

Furthermore, AI can be used to assess student engagement and understanding during lessons. Interactive learning platforms powered by AI can adapt questions based on students' responses, ensuring that each child is working at the appropriate level. This helps to keep students motivated and engaged, while ensuring that no one is left behind. We also teach our students to become expert users of generative AI, critically analysing the content it produces and developing the skills to effectively deploy AI to enhance their learning experiences.

We are excited about the potential of these AI applications and the insights gained from our session with Dylan Wiliam. Our Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Leads will be sharing their findings with the rest of the staff, and we look forward to incorporating these tools in ways that enhance your child’s learning experience.

As always, our goal is to empower our children to thrive, and exploring the benefits of AI is just one of the many ways we are striving to achieve this.

Thank you for your continued support, have a wonderful weekend.