Preparing Children for a Digital Future

At Marnel Junior School, we believe that digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming the world our children will grow up in. Our Digital and AI Strategy ensures every pupil develops the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to thrive in an increasingly connected and technology-rich society.

Technology is used to enhance learning, creativity, communication and inclusion. It does not replace high-quality teaching, physical books, practical experiences or face-to-face discussion. Instead, it helps us create engaging learning opportunities that enable all children to achieve their full potential.

Developing Digital Citizens

We want our pupils to become:

• Confident and capable users of technology
• Responsible and safe digital citizens
• Creative problem-solvers
• Effective communicators and collaborators
• Critical thinkers who can evaluate online information
• Ethical users of emerging technologies, including AI

Through our curriculum, children learn not only how to use technology, but also how to make informed and responsible choices when engaging with the digital world.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Marnel

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems that can carry out tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as understanding language, recognising images, answering questions or creating content.

AI is already part of everyday life. Children may encounter AI through:

• Voice assistants such as Alexa and Siri
• Video and music recommendations
• Search engines
• Educational apps
• Predictive text and spellcheck tools
• Games and online platforms

As AI becomes increasingly common, we believe it is important that children develop age-appropriate AI literacy.

AI Literacy for the Future

At Marnel, we help children understand:

• What AI is and where it is used
• How AI can support learning and creativity
• The benefits and limitations of AI technologies
• Why human judgement, critical thinking and creativity remain essential
• The importance of using AI safely, ethically and responsibly

By introducing these concepts in a structured and carefully planned way, we prepare pupils to navigate future technologies with confidence and curiosity.

Opportunities and Risks

Opportunities

When used safely and responsibly, AI can:

• Support learning and understanding
• Encourage creativity and idea generation
• Improve accessibility for some learners
• Help remove barriers to learning
• Develop important digital skills for the future

Risks

Like any technology, AI should be used carefully. Children need to understand that:

• AI can make mistakes and provide inaccurate information
• Not everything generated by AI is trustworthy
• Personal information should never be shared with AI tools
• AI should support learning, not replace independent thinking
• Human judgement remains essential

Technology Across the Curriculum

Digital learning is embedded throughout school life. Pupils regularly use Microsoft tools and other educational technologies to:

• Collaborate with their peers
• Receive feedback and reflect on their learning
• Present and share their work
• Develop research and information literacy skills
• Enhance creativity and problem-solving
• Build independence and resilience as learners

We believe technology should create opportunities for everyone. Digital tools help us personalise learning, provide additional scaffolding where needed and remove barriers that may prevent children from succeeding.

Accessibility features, adaptive technologies and collaborative platforms help ensure that all pupils can participate, contribute and achieve success.

What We Are Doing as a School

We are taking a careful and considered approach to AI by:

• Providing staff training on the opportunities and risks of AI
• Teaching pupils about online safety and responsible technology use
• Following guidance from the Department for Education and our Trust
• Ensuring appropriate filtering and monitoring systems are in place
• Developing children's understanding of both the benefits and risks of AI
• Regularly reviewing our digital and AI provision as technology evolves

Further Information

We are continuing to develop resources for parents and carers to support conversations about AI at home.

Additional guidance and links to useful resources will be added to this page over time.

If you have any questions about digital learning or AI at Marnel Junior School, please contact the school office.