A bespoke curriculum to prepare students aged 4-18 for the digital future
This presentation explores the development of an artificial intelligence (AI) curriculum thread that we have been designing at an independent day school for girls in central London. The presentation will offer insights into how we conceptualised and structured a comprehensive AI curriculum spanning from Reception through to post-A-level, scheduled for implementation in September 2026.
Grounded in educational research, the AI curriculum thread addresses a broad spectrum of themes related to artificial intelligence. It begins with a foundational phase titled Exploring the Basics, aimed at younger pupils. This phase introduces core concepts such as algorithms, pattern recognition, and robotics. As students progress, the curriculum deepens to include machine learning, effective use of AI tools, programming, natural language processing, the development of AI-powered solutions (including student-created bots), and critical engagement with the ethical and environmental implications of AI.
Throughout the curriculum, we have embedded interdisciplinary links to academic subjects and incorporated enrichment opportunities such as guest speakers and hands-on workshops. These experiences are designed to help students understand the real-world applications and societal impact of AI. The talk will also highlight our initiatives at Key Stage 2, where we hosted a series of after-school workshops for pupils from both our prep school and local primary schools. These sessions focused on the ethical and environmental dimensions of AI. In Autumn 2025, we will follow up with a workshop on the history of information, offering students further opportunities to explore the meaning, impact, and potential of AI in their lives through experiential learning.
At Key Stage 3, AI education is primarily delivered through our newly developed Digital Literacy course, introduced in Year 7. This course provides students with a strong foundation in the development and application of AI tools, with a particular emphasis on generative AI. These themes are then interwoven across various subject areas throughout the curriculum. Our new AI curriculum, to be launched in September 2026, will run in parallel with our Digital Literacy course.
At Key Stage 4, we are developing an interdisciplinary course that builds both knowledge and practical skills to prepare students for life beyond school. A key component of this course examines the rise of AI and its implications for learning and future readiness. Post-16, AI is explored through subject-specific curricula, as well as through PSHE and study skills sessions, with a focus on how AI can support independent learning. Our Sixth Form curriculum also includes work experience opportunities, enabling students to engage with real-world applications of AI. During the Flash Talk, we will outline the development of these curriculum strands and reflect on their impact on student learning. We will also share key lessons learned in curriculum design, particularly the importance of flexibility and responsiveness in a rapidly evolving field. This presentation aims to offer valuable guidance for other schools and educators interested in developing their own AI-focused curricula.
View the presentation in full here:
Fenwick, N. (2025, September 23). A bespoke curriculum to prepare students aged 4-18 for the digital future. AIEOU Inaugural Convening 2025, University of Oxford. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17186021
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