KS3 Academic Scholars launch Illuminate Programme with thought-provoking workshop on AI
On Friday 7th November, our KS3 Academic Scholars embarked on the first session of Illuminate, our scholars programme designed to engage curious minds and challenge students to think beyond the classroom. Illuminate encourages scholars to explore big ideas across a range of disciplines, nurturing critical thinking, creativity, and a love of learning.
This year, the theme for Illuminate is “AI: Progress or Peril?” - a timely and fascinating topic that invites students to explore the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence.
The inaugural workshop was led by visiting philosophy academic Dr Porter, who guided the scholars through an exploration of the philosophical and ethical questions surrounding AI development. Drawing on her own research into the ethics of artificial intelligence, Dr Porter encouraged the scholars to examine not only the potential benefits of AI but also the moral and societal implications of emerging technologies.
Throughout the session, the scholars engaged in lively debates and discussions. Working in small groups, they tackled thought-provoking questions, such as whether AI companions and friends should be encouraged, and explored how context and perspective can shape our reasoning and assumptions about technology. These exercises provided a dynamic space for students to develop their analytical skills and express their ideas confidently.
Following each Illuminate workshop, scholars are presented with a series of related challenges designed to deepen their understanding and stimulate independent thinking. These tasks offer opportunities to explore ideas creatively, collaborate with peers, and extend their learning beyond the classroom, further cultivating the curiosity and intellectual curiosity that Illuminate seeks to inspire.
The first workshop set a high bar for the programme, and we are excited to see how our scholars continue to engage with this year’s theme, pushing boundaries and thinking critically about the role of AI in our world.