AI in Schools: A New Era of Learning
Artificial Intelligence is poised to transform education more profoundly over the next decade than any technology before it. Schools, often the last bastion of tradition in a rapidly evolving world, still operate with many of the same structures and systems as they did a century ago. But AI offers a unique opportunity—not just to enhance learning, but to rethink the very purpose of schooling.
Historically, education has been shaped by logistical convenience: students grouped by age, subjects taught in silos, and learning scheduled by bells and timetables. This model, while efficient, finds it difficult to accommodate individual learning needs.
I completed my first Master’s in ICT in Education back in 2005, during the height of government investment in edtech—smartboards, virtual learning environments, and laptops for all. Much of that spend was misdirected, but it did lay the groundwork for today’s digital classrooms. Radnor House was among the first to embrace Microsoft Teams as a core platform, and we’ve continued to lead with bold decisions—from banning mobile phones in classrooms to leading with one-to-one devices from Year 7.
This week marks a significant milestone for Radnor as we officially launch our new AI strategy across the school. To support this initiative, we are providing students with detailed information and introducing a tailored AI-focused course for the Middle School. Our aim is to empower both students and staff to engage confidently with emerging technologies, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the opportunities AI brings to learning and teaching.
So, what makes AI so transformative?
At its core, AI changes how understanding is built and how long-term memory is formed. Traditionally, a teacher might explain the structure of a cell, show a diagram, ask questions, and later set a quiz. AI, however, can personalise this process in real time. It can adapt explanations to suit different learning styles—text, diagrams, analogies, even storytelling. Students can test their understanding instantly, receive feedback, and revisit concepts as needed.
- Tools like ChatGPT and Khanmigo are already being used to:
- Provide 24/7 tutoring support
- Generate differentiated content
- Offer multilingual assistance
- Automate grading and feedback
But AI also raises important questions. Will it replace teachers? Should it?
The consensus among educators and researchers is clear: AI should augment, not replace, human teaching. Schools offer connection, mentorship, and moral guidance—qualities no algorithm can replicate. AI can free teachers from administrative burdens and repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on what matters most: inspiring curiosity, building resilience, and nurturing character.
This shift aligns perfectly with Radnor’s ethos. We’ve always believed in a holistic approach—academic success, life skills, and character development. As AI takes on more of the content delivery, schools must double down on what makes us uniquely human: empathy, leadership, adaptability, and judgement.
Looking ahead, AI will likely reshape classrooms into dynamic, personalised ecosystems. Students will learn at their own pace, guided by intelligent systems that adapt to their needs. Teachers will become facilitators of deeper learning, helping students navigate complexity, collaborate effectively, and grow as individuals.
Of course, challenges remain—ethical use, data privacy, equity of access, and the risk of overreliance. But with thoughtful leadership and community engagement, these can be addressed.
At Radnor, we’re not just responding to change—we’re helping shape it. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or student, AI is already altering the educational landscape. And it’s a privilege to be part of this transformation.
