As the UK Government announced on 4 November that a new national curriculum will include lessons on budgeting, mortgages, and the safe use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Seventh-day Adventist schools in the British Union Conference (BUC) are already well ahead. Just one day earlier, on 3 November, nearly 60 teachers and teaching assistants from all Adventist schools in the UK gathered at Stanborough Secondary School for the annual INSET Day – this year with a timely and future-focused theme: ‘The Effective Use of AI in Education’.
Staff were guided by Christian Turton of the Chiltern Learning Trust, a leading national figure advising the Department for Education on the responsible and impactful implementation of AI in schools. Throughout the day, attendees explored how AI can enhance learning for students of all abilities, streamline teachers’ workloads, and elevate the classroom experience while safeguarding students’ essential skills in critical and analytical thinking.
Mr Turton emphasised that AI is not a replacement for teachers, but a tool to empower them. With AI, teachers can create engaging lesson resources within minutes, tailor learning to meet a wide range of individual needs and reduce administrative burdens that too often pull time away from personal interaction with students.
The excitement among staff was unmistakable. For many, this training felt revolutionary – opening their eyes to possibilities they had never imagined for their classrooms.
One participant described it as:
“Fantastic! Possibly one of the best INSET days. Very practical and relevant for staff. Any follow-up training in this area would be welcome.”
Others shared that the technology would transform both teaching and learning outcomes:
“Wonderful ideas and very useful. The websites mentioned are going to change my life.”
“A rich tapestry of possibilities… as well as a balanced view of the risks.”
“Very informative, innovative and impactful. I am keen to use what I have learned today.”
Teachers also appreciated the hands-on, interactive approach, with one attendee remarking:
“Content delivery was very beneficial… Excellent training session – extremely useful!”
Beyond lesson planning and classroom engagement, educators noted that AI has the potential to benefit pupils with additional educational needs significantly:
“Excellent for sharing new AI programmes which are less well known. Good for staff workload and supporting EAL/SEND with less time.”
Throughout the sessions, Mr Turton addressed not only the technology’s strengths but also its ethical implications – how to ensure learning remains authentic, how to protect students from misinformation, and how classrooms can model safe, responsible use of digital tools. Staff left not only inspired but equipped to guide learners wisely in a rapidly changing world.
One comment summed up the general feeling:
“Don’t think I’ve had an INSET Day as enjoyable and engaging!”
Adventist Education Prepared for the Future
The power-packed day was organised by Lorraine McDonald, BUC Director of Education for the Church. Celebrating the schools’ commitment to innovation, she stated:
“As a Church, we believe in preparing our students not only academically, but for life and service in a world increasingly shaped by digital technologies. To remain relevant and effective in this educational landscape, we must embrace tools like AI that can enrich learning, support our teachers, and uplift every child’s potential. Our schools are committed to leading this development while maintaining our strong Christian values and safeguarding pupil wellbeing.”
This sentiment aligns closely with the Government’s direction of travel – but Adventist schools are already demonstrating what cutting-edge, responsible technology integration can look like in practice.
A Mission-Driven Approach to Technology
While AI may be viewed with caution by some, Adventist educators are determined to harness it for good: strengthening creativity, promoting inclusivity, and freeing teachers to spend more time engaging directly with students – where true transformation occurs.
The success of the INSET Day has generated enthusiasm for continued professional learning in digital pedagogy. Many staff expressed a desire for further sessions, and planning is already underway to build on this momentum.
As one teacher put it:
“This has been great. There is so much we can use to support planning, admin, students and staff. It will help organise our leadership resources as well.”
With schools fully engaged, Adventist education stands confidently at the forefront of 21st-century learning – showing that faith-based education can lead innovation, shine brightly in a digital age, and prepare our children and young people for both present opportunities and future callings.
Adventist Schools in the UK:
https://buc-education.adventist.uk/schools