Inkling

Here's another outstanding English teacher and head of department who you're not going to find on LinkedIn: Paula Stones. Together with Peter H. and The Leys School, Paula provides an excellent example of what's possible when genuinely experimental and innovative work is undertaken by experienced, evidence-led educators. Great teachers are both curious and critical, open-minded and confident raising objections, out there doing things with AI as well as engaging in the AI debate. Any school seeking to deliver big benefits for its teachers and students from AI or other novel technologies needs more teachers like Paula.

Meet Francesca de Garis FDG: Inkling considers her the country's leading practitioner in the safe and ethical adoption of AI for education. How do we know? Because the guidance she developed with colleagues at Elizabeth College, Guernsey is teacher-led, research-informed and student-centred. It's not technical or over-long; it's flexible and practical. And it was early: as soon as ChatGPT landed, Fran immediately understood the risks and rewards attached and got to work on the fundamentals. This means Elizabeth College is out in front in terms of embedding good practice. And Fran is generous. If you're a senior leader or AI/digital lead looking for help and support navigating this space, you couldn't do any better for yourself and your school than dropping her a line. Here's to another of our brave ones. If you know a teacher or school leading the way with AI, let us know.

Elizabeth College has just begun a trial of Clifton College’s AI tutor, Inkling! Students from Year 10 will be testing its mettle throughout June for homework in English. Its Socratic design promises to tease out high-order thinking about their Literature set texts, ‘Of Mice and Men’ or ‘Whale Rider’, whilst its memory function builds a pattern of the student’s ability against the exam board’s assessment objectives. We’re delighted to have been asked to feedback to Inkling’s founders, George Greenbury and Tom Waszkowycz, with our findings and recommendations in September.

The people leading the way with AIEd right now aren't always the loudest ones. They’re the ones brave enough to move first, reflect honestly, and follow what works. The Brave Ones is a new series from Inkling, sharing what inspires them to try new things. First up: Peter H. from The Leys School. Do you know a teacher or school leading the way with AI? Tell us who we should feature next!