#285 – A Teacher’s Perspective: Work Smarter, Not Harder! (part 3)

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What’s in this episode?

In our third episode on AI in UK schools, Professor Rose Luckin explores AI integration further with two very special guests helping to lead the way with AI in their institutions.

Talking points and questions may include:

• What is the extent of AI penetration in your schools, including teacher usage, classes avoiding it, student use, and any strategies or evaluation plans in place regarding reactive or proactive AI adoption?
• No AI is risk-free, so concerns around impacts on learning, creativity, authorship, assessment, and whether students genuinely understand AI-generated content are critical issues
• Safeguarding measures must address the risks of AI providing misleading, biased, or explicit content without consent as these technologies proliferate in classrooms
• Comprehensive AI training is needed for educators at all levels to ensure smooth technology transitions while maintaining human-centric learning approaches as new tools and understanding are required

Guests:

• Harvey Trump, Educational Consultant, Global Educational Consultancy, Egypt 
• Avani Higgins, Director of School Improvement, Leathersellers’ Federation of Schools 

In the Studio:

• Harvey Trump, Educational Consultant, Global Educational Consultancy, Egypt

  

Over three decades, my journey in education has spanned continents and curricula, fuelled by a passion for igniting potential in every learner. Beginning in the esteemed independent schools of the UK, I transitioned seamlessly from the thrill of professional cricket to the rewarding challenges of the classroom. As Deputy Head in a prestigious Midlands boarding school, I honed my expertise in academic and pastoral leadership, crafting a holistic environment where students could thrive. My dual perspective as both a practitioner and inspector, through roles with Ofsted and the Independent Schools Inspectorate, further cemented my commitment to excellence. 

Since 2012, I’ve embraced the mantle of leadership, serving as Principal, Executive Principal, and Director of Educational Development. In 2015, a thirst for exploration led me to the Middle East, where I navigated the diverse landscapes of IB, Cambridge, and the English National Curriculum. My most recent achievement has been founding an American curriculum school grounded in the rigorous standards of New York State. Each step has been marked by a singular ambition: to create the foundations for outstanding schools, where every student feels empowered to reach their full potential. 

Adaptability defines my approach. I have steered schools through a myriad of accreditation processes, from American (COGNIA, NEASC) to British (ISI, BSME, OFSTED), effortlessly adopting and implementing best practices across diverse educational frameworks. Witnessing the tangible outcomes of my leadership fills me with pride: soaring Cambridge Checkpoint scores, impressive IGCSE and A Level/IBDP leaps, and the consistent growth of mixed-ability cohorts, testament to the effectiveness of my inclusive strategies. 

Beyond academics, my leadership fosters a collaborative spirit. I cultivate strong teams, empowering them to share their expertise and nurture the holistic development of all learners. My own dedication to lifelong learning mirrors this philosophy. From my Qualified Teacher Status and NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship) to IB Administrator certification and Master’s in Education, I continuously strive to refine my skills and knowledge. It’s with immense gratification that I now share this experience as a trainer for London College University’s National Professional Qualification for Middle and Senior Leadership, and as a Safeguarding and De Bono trainer. 

Ultimately, my drive stems from the transformative power of education. That spark of understanding in a student’s eyes, the blossoming of confidence – these are the rewards that fuel my passion. If you seek a leader who embodies experience adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to student success, I stand ready to partner with you and write the next chapter in your school’s journey. 

• Avani Higgins, Director of School Improvement, Leathersellers’ Federation of Schools

  

I am experienced Headteacher with a demonstrated history of positive impact in secondary schools in East London. My most recent position was as an Executive Headteacher of an all through school (Years 3-19). It is my vocation to make a difference to the life chances of students in inner city schools and I have the skills and experience to drive strategic change across school to improve the outcomes of the young people we serve. As an ethical leader with a strong moral compass, I have significant skills and experience in school improvement, strategic planning, systems development as well as the ability to work at pace to develop and empower leaders across the school. I am experienced in handling large budgets, HR and have been recognised by Ofsted, SSAT and internal evaluation as an outstanding leader who has had significant impact. My successful stewardship of the school community through successive challenges (Ofsted, the pandemic and budget pressure) illustrate my abilities as a Head. 

Host

• Rose Luckin, Professor of Learner Centred Design, UCL, Founder & CEO, Educate Ventures Research

 

Rose Luckin is an internationally respected academic, and influential communicator across multiple stakeholders about the future of education and technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI). With over 25 years of experience, she is a recognised expert on AI in education, serving as an advisor to policymakers, governments, and industry globally.

Professor Luckin is Emeritus at University College London and Founder and CEO of EDUCATE Ventures Research Limited (EVR), a company that provides training and consultancy to the education sector to help them leverage AI ethically and effectively.

Throughout her career, Rose has held key leadership roles in academia, including serving on the Director’s Strategy Group at the UCL Institute of Education from 2011-2015 and as Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Director of Undergraduate Studies for Science and Technology, and Co-founding Director of the Human Centred Technology research group at the University of Sussex from 2003-2006.

In recognition of her contributions, Rose was honoured as a Leading Woman in AI EDU at the ASU-GSV AIR Show in 2024, and received the 2023 ISTE Impact Award, becoming the first person outside North America to receive their top honour. She was also awarded the International Francqui Chair in 2018 by the Francqui Foundation in Belgium and named one of the 20 most influential people in education in the 2017 Seldon List.

A prolific author, Rose has published extensively in academic journals, books, and conference proceedings. Her 2018 book, “Machine Learning and Human Intelligence: The Future of Education for the 21st Century,” available in English and Mandarin, describes how AI can be effectively used to support teaching and learning. Her most recent book, “AI for School Teachers,” published in 2022, is an essential and accessible guide to AI for anyone involved in education.

As a highly sought-after speaker, Rose regularly delivers keynotes and public lectures across the globe on AI, ethics, and the future of education. She engages with the public through a monthly column in the Times Educational Supplement and op-eds in the Financial Times, Guardian, and China Daily. Rose has also appeared on various media outlets, including BBC Radio 4, ITV News, and CNBC. In addition to her academic and entrepreneurial roles, Rose serves as an advisor to Cambridge University Press and Assessment and is co-founder of the Institute for Ethical AI in Educat

 Rose Luckin is an internationally respected academic and influential communicator across multiple stakeholders about the future of education and technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI). With over 30 years of experience, she is a recognised expert on AI in education, serving as an advisor to policymakers, governments, and industry globally. 

Professor Emerita at University College London and Founder and CEO of Educate Ventures Research Limited (EVR), a company that provides thought leaderships, training and consultancy to the education sector to help them leverage AI ethically and effectively. 

Throughout her career, Rose has held key leadership roles in academia, including serving on the Director’s Strategy Group at the UCL Institute of Education from 2011-2015 and as Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University of Sussex, Director of Undergraduate Studies for Science and Technology, and Co-Founding Director of the Human Centred Technology research group all at the University of Sussex. 

In recognition of her contributions, Rose was honoured with the Bett Outstanding Achievement Award in 2025, as a Leading Woman in AI EDU at the ASU-GSV AIR Show in 2024 and she received the 2023 ISTE Impact Award, becoming the first person outside North America to receive their top honour. She was also awarded the International Francqui Chair in 2018 by the Francqui Foundation in Belgium, named one of the 20 most influential people in education in the 2017 Seldon List and one of the 50 most influential women in UK tech by Computer Weekly in 2024 

A prolific author, Rose has published extensively in academic journals, books, and conference proceedings. Her 2018 book, “Machine Learning and Human Intelligence: The Future of Education for the 21st Century,” available in English and Mandarin, describes how AI can be effectively used to support teaching and learning. Her most recent book, “AI for Schoolteachers,” published in 2022, is an essential and accessible guide to AI for anyone involved in education. 

As a highly sought-after speaker, Rose regularly delivers keynotes and public lectures across the globe on AI, ethics, and the future of education. She engages with the public through a monthly column in the Times Educational Supplement and op-eds in the Financial Times, Guardian, and China Daily. Rose has also appeared on various media outlets, including BBC Radio 4, ITV News, and CNBC. 

In addition to her academic and entrepreneurial roles, Rose serves as an advisor to Cambridge University Press and Assessment and is co-founder of the Institute for Ethical AI in Education. She is also President of The Self-Managed Learning Centre in Brighton and sits on a range of advisory boards within the education and training sector. 

Rose holds a PhD in Cognitive and Computing Sciences and a First Class Bachelor’s degree in AI and Computer Science, both from the University of Sussex. Prior to her academic career, she achieved Associateship of the Chartered Institute of Bankers. 

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