Highgate school preparing pupils for a digital world responsibly – Ham & High

 

At Channing School in Highgate, we believe that excellent teaching comes first, and technology should enhance it, never replace it.
Our approach to digital learning is deliberately curriculum-led and evidence-based, ensuring every tool we introduce genuinely supports our pupils and staff in achieving their goals.
From interactive online environments to age-appropriate devices like iPads and Chromebooks, every piece of technology at Channing undergoes thorough testing before implementation.
In the classroom, teachers use digital tools to present ideas more vividly, share resources seamlessly, and provide faster, clearer feedback.
The result? Richer learning activities and more time for what matters most: meaningful interaction between teachers and pupils.
When we talk about AI at Channing, we mean modern generative and machine-learning tools that can produce text, images, or make predictions from data.
Dan Grossman says that technology should never replace excellent teaching (Image: Channing School)
Our approach is careful and strategic: we pilot thoroughly and scale only when there’s clear benefit for learning or staff wellbeing. We introduce AI only with robust safeguards in place.
Understanding AI is now as essential as understanding the internet was a generation ago.
Our computing curriculum ensures pupils don’t just use AI, they understand it.
Year 7 begins with ‘Experience AI’ lessons exploring what AI is and how machines learn.
Year 8 continues AI awareness alongside physical computing, examining important issues like bias in AI systems.
Year 9 studies AI fundamentals in depth, comparing rule-based systems with machine learning and exploring the characteristics that define AI.
We teach pupils to use AI ethically and responsibly.
Students may use AI for appropriate classroom activities and creative projects, but must declare when it has contributed to submitted work.
Using AI to produce controlled assessments or to cheat is strictly prohibited.
We see parents as essential partners in digital education.
Channing regularly provides information and events about online safety and digital literacy, and we actively welcome conversations about how pupils use technology at home.
Our commitment is simple: harness the power of technology and AI to enhance learning, reduce unnecessary workload, and prepare pupils for the digital world they’ll inherit – all while maintaining the human relationships and excellent teaching that lie at the heart of education.
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