Embracing AI: Microsoft Empowers Wellington College China

The recent emergence of ChatGPT has brought artificial intelligence (AI) to the forefront of all our discussions, with people from all walks of life enthusiastically discussing the challenges and opportunities it presents. As educators, we fully understand that the widespread use of AI applications will bring significant changes to future society and that the required skill sets for future talents will also change dramatically. This is why Wellington College China is highly focused on the development of AI and how we can integrate it into daily teaching to further enhance the high quality of education for our pupils. Our senior leaders have been discussing how we best incorporate this technology in the most impactful way possible. With this unprecedented advancement, it is paramount that we teach children how to use it safely and effectively, how to evaluate the information they receive and how to ask the most appropriate questions.  

On 9 June, I was thrilled to be able to visit Microsoft’s Shanghai office with senior leaders and governors from Wellington College China. It was an incredible opportunity for me to explore the latest developments in AI and their potential impact on our school community. 

Microsoft showcased some of their latest innovations, including their Copilot and Mixed Reality devices. We were particularly impressed by the potential for Mixed Reality to transform the way we teach complex subjects such as the earth and the human body. Pupils may, in future, explore, engage, learn and understand through immersive interactive and virtual environments.  

As AI continues to rapidly develop, schools worldwide will need to adapt their education to ensure that pupils are assessed more on their communication and critical thinking skills rather than on simple retention of facts. Soft skills like communication, flexibility, teamwork, leadership and empathy will be in greater demand, as well as the ability of children to problem solve and critically analyse situations.  

At Wellington College Hangzhou, we are already a step ahead. The Wellington College Hangzhou ethos and vision encompasses all of these skills. They are already firmly embedded into our core curriculum and co-curricular SA programme. 

This recent visit to Microsoft, and the connections made, are invaluable in keeping our school at the forefront of technological advancements in education. In our ongoing quest for excellence in education, we remain committed to embracing technologies that will enhance the learning experience for our pupils and support the school’s advancement in educational technology.  

To further support our efforts, we are collaborating with Mark Anderson, an award-winning consultant, author and keynote speaker. Mark has been working closely with our Senior Leadership Team and will be visiting school in September to deliver CPD training to our staff. We are delighted that Mark will continue to work with us throughout the next academic year and I am very much looking forward to sharing the results of this partnership in the coming year.