As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape our world, the need for comprehensive education in this field has never been more pressing. At Norwich High School for Girls, we recognise the importance of equipping our teachers, students and parents with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of AI. To lead this initiative, Mr Ian Horne, known to all as our Head of Computer Science, has recently had his role broadened to encompass Digital Innovation. With his expertise and vision, Ian will guide the integration of AI into our curriculum and foster a deeper understanding of its implications across our school community. In this interview, Ian shares his insights on the role of AI in education, his strategies for engagement, and his vision for the future of AI learning at Norwich High School for Girls.

As Head of Computer Science and Digital Innovation at Norwich High School for Girls, my role involves integrating AI into the curriculum and to ensure that AI becomes a seamless part of our educational framework. I work on developing innovative teaching strategies, supporting staff in their professional development, and ensuring our students understand both the technical and ethical dimensions of AI. It’s about preparing students to thrive in a world where AI will play an ever-growing role in all sectors.

This is a rapidly changing field. I actively participate in workshops, webinars, and conferences focused on AI in education. I’m also part of a network of educators and tech professionals who exchange ideas and collaborate on best practices. By engaging with industry experts and reviewing key publications, we can ensure our school remains at the forefront of AI integration, continuously refining our approach to reflect the latest advancements.

Collaboration is crucial to the success of our AI programme. I am working closely with colleagues from various departments to integrate AI concepts into a broader curriculum, ensuring students see its relevance in different subjects. We have a group of AI Champions among the staff who share best practices and drive AI initiatives within their areas of expertise. Engaging with students and parents is also vital. We aim to host information sessions for parents to demystify AI and encourage conversations about its implications for their children’s future.

AI is embedded into our curriculum in multiple ways, with a special focus on making it accessible and relevant to all students. One exciting initiative is our ‘Coding as a Language’ programme for Year 9s, which treats coding as a fundamental skill, much like learning a new language. The course not only teaches traditional programming but also includes AI prompting, helping students communicate with AI systems through structured prompts. By integrating this early, we ensure students can leverage AI tools both creatively and critically, preparing them for a future where interacting with AI will be essential.

We use hands-on coding exercises, group projects, and AI challenges to make the subject dynamic. Girls in particular excel in collaborative environments, so group-based projects work well in fostering both teamwork and critical thinking. AI is not just about understanding algorithms—it’s about using technology to solve real-world problems, and that’s where the students’ enthusiasm really shines through.

One project I’m particularly proud of had our Year 10 students using AI to create and deconstruct code on coding concepts they hadn’t previously studied. This kind of challenge pushes them out of their comfort zone and encourages deeper learning. Another successful initiative saw students develop AI-driven chatbots, giving them hands-on experience with natural language processing. These projects not only build technical skills but also encourage students to reflect on the ethical and societal implications of their work.

Ethics is at the heart of our AI education. It’s not enough for students to simply learn how to use AI; they must also understand the broader societal impact it can have. We regularly explore themes such as bias in algorithms, data privacy, and the social responsibility of AI creators. These discussions help students think critically about the role AI will play in their futures and how they can ensure it is used ethically to benefit society as a whole.

In addition to computational thinking and data literacy, which are fundamental, I believe students need to develop strong ethical reasoning and teamwork skills. AI solutions are rarely developed in isolation, so being able to collaborate effectively is crucial. By focusing on both technical and soft skills, we’re preparing students not only for AI-related fields but for any future career that values innovation, problem-solving, and ethical leadership.

AI is transforming every industry, and students who engage with it will find opportunities in fields ranging from data science and healthcare to AI ethics and algorithm transparency—careers that didn’t even exist a decade ago. Our students are particularly well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities, and it’s inspiring to see them recognise that the skills they’re building now will open doors to some of the most exciting, future-facing careers. The general thinking amongst industry and educational experts is that those who can use AI will be more highly valued in most sectors.

AI is set to revolutionise education, particularly through personalised learning. Over the next 6 to 24 months, I expect we’ll see AI tools enabling more tailored learning experiences that adapt to individual students’ needs. This will allow teachers to focus more on creative, higher-order teaching tasks while AI handles some of the routine assessments and feedback. The pace of AI’s integration will only accelerate, and it’s crucial we stay ahead to ensure we’re preparing students for the future, whilst giving them the support and tools available to succeed.

My long-term vision for AI education at Norwich High is to create a curriculum that not only teaches technical skills but also emphasises the ethical and societal implications of AI. I want our students to become informed leaders who can use AI responsibly to make a positive impact in the world. While we may not have all the answers about AI, yet, we remain committed to exploring its potential by continuously asking the right questions.