Our Core Principles on the Use of Artificial Intelligence at Surbiton High Prep Schools
Purpose
The development and evolution of AI is the most exciting opportunity for 21st Century education. It has the power to transform our known world. Yet, its extreme pace of development also places us on an edge, overlooking an abyss into the unknown; we cannot run away, but we are compelled to move forward with care. At Surbiton, we believe in the cautious implementation of AI to enhance and complement our pupils’ learning experience, not replace it. AI is a tool that can support our pupils and their teachers, making learning more engaging, tailored and keeping it at the forefront of technological advance.
Traditional vs AI
While AI can enhance the efficiency of and engagement with educational content delivery, we remain steadfast in our commitment to nurturing human intelligences. Traditional teaching methods will continue to be at the heart of our curriculum, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and intellectual curiosity in our pupils. We remain dedicated to preserving the essence of teacher-pupil interactions and the cultivation of essential Learning Habits that empower our students to excel in an ever-changing world.
Fostering Ethical Integration
We aim to create an environment where students are not just passive consumers of technology but active participants in shaping its ethical integration. Students will be encouraged to question the validity and ethical implications of technology in their daily lives. Our teachers will guide, support, and inspire students to become responsible digital citizens who use technology as a force for good. Through regular updating, training and auditing, we aim to ensure that AI tools are not perpetuating or amplifying biases, delivering experiences that actively promote fairness within an environment where pupils are encouraged to challenge and to change inequity.
Transparency
Transparency is fundamental to our approach. We will ensure that all stakeholders understand the role of AI in our educational processes. This includes clear communication about how AI systems are used, the data they collect, and the algorithms that drive them. We are committed to open dialogues with students, parents, and staff about the ethical considerations of AI, fostering a culture of transparency, trust, and accountability.
Central to this is protecting our students’ data. The school strictly adheres to data protection regulations, and will continue to do so, treating interactions with AI in the same way that we currently do with all software, apps and websites. We will continue to be guided by the ideal that no data needs to be shared, and where this cannot be avoided, a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) has to be completed prior. We will continue to comply with all relevant data protection regulations, ensuring that pupil data is never used for commercial or unethical purposes.
For now
We are dipping our toes in gently. Often, our pupils will be unaware that their teacher has utilised any form of AI. We have blocked the pupils from accessing the sites of a few of the main protagonists in the AI arena, in part because there are often age restrictions that need to be adhered to (e.g. ChatGPT guidelines stipulate 13+). These restrictions (as with all websites) are also filtered on the pupils’ iPads at home. However, on their own devices this will unlikely be the case. Therefore, we ask you to join us in opening up the debate at home, helping to safeguard your child, and reinforcing their need to taking a critical approach to the use of AI.
Conclusion
This Ethical Use Statement on Artificial Intelligence reflects our commitment to providing an education that combines the best of AI-enhanced learning with the timeless values of traditional education. We strive to empower our students to navigate an AI-infused world with wisdom, ethics, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Together, we will shape a future where technology serves humanity responsibly and ethically.