Students at Stanborough Secondary School were given a glimpse into the future of artificial intelligence (AI) as the school welcomed a leading University of Surrey academic for a special whole-school session exploring AI and sustainability.
On Monday 12 October approximately 90 students gathered in the school's assembly hall for a presentation titled Introduction to AI and Sustainability, delivered by Dr Erick Sperandio, Associate Professor in AI for Clean Air and Programme Lead of AI and Sustainability at the University of Surrey.
The session brought together the entire school, alongside visiting Adventist students from Brazil taking part in an educational immersion programme, giving them an opportunity to engage with university-level expertise on one of the most rapidly developing technologies in the world.
Organised by Leandro from Seven Global Education & Solutions, the special event explored how artificial intelligence is transforming society and how young people can play a role in shaping its future.
Throughout the presentation, Dr Sperandio highlighted the potential of AI to address global challenges, particularly in relation to the environment, sustainability and improving people's lives. He also introduced students to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and explored how AI could contribute to achieving them.
Speaking afterwards, Dr Sperandio encouraged students to see artificial intelligence as more than just a tool they use in everyday life. He explained that young people have the potential to help shape the future of AI, using the technology to solve real-world problems, protect the environment and improve people's lives.
He also stressed the importance of understanding the challenges associated with AI, expressing his hope that today's young people would become the ones developing "safer, more environmentally friendly and socially friendly AI solutions".
For Stanborough Secondary School Headteacher, Jeanetta Liburd, the session was an important opportunity to expose students to emerging technology and give them access to expertise beyond the classroom. Explaining why the school chose to set aside its usual timetable for the event, she said, "to have a professor from a university who is an expert in this field, it was really important that our children had access to that information."
Mrs Liburd also highlighted "the monumental impact AI will have on the lives of our children", emphasising the importance of preparing students not only to adapt to technological advances, but to play an active role in shaping them. She expressed her hope that students would one day be equipped to develop and use AI to make the world a better place, while gaining the skills and knowledge needed for the future.
The session provided students with an opportunity to experience learning beyond their usual classroom environment, while gaining insights directly from a university academic working at the forefront of AI research.
By bringing university expertise into the school and introducing students to emerging technologies and global challenges, Stanborough Secondary School continues to demonstrate its commitment to preparing young people for the opportunities and responsibilities of the future.