At LEO Academy Trust, we are driven by one foundational question: "What do we need from AI?"

The profound shift brought about by Artificial Intelligence in our daily lives presents a unique opportunity to enhance and enrich the educational experiences of our pupils. We are excited to embrace the use of AI tools within our classrooms, guided by a PedTech strategy that always prioritises pedagogical needs over the technology itself. This proven approach is a key ingredient in the Trust's sustained success.

We believe that educators are more vital than ever in teaching the competencies needed to thrive in an ever changing world. This includes qualities such as caring, connection, community and culture, as well as characteristics in our LEO Explorers framework. Our approach to AI is human-centered, with technology serving to strengthen the role of our teachers. AI tools will handle routine tasks, giving staff the confidence to make better, data-driven decisions. This allows us to focus on strengthening inclusion, character and citizenship, helping each pupil thrive and feel a sense of belonging.

AI is not a replacement for the fundamental principles of teaching and learning. Instead, it is a powerful tool that, when used thoughtfully and strategically, can amplify the curiosity of our pupils and provide them with new avenues for exploration and discovery. We see AI as a magnifier of a child's innate desire to learn. For the pupil who is already curious, AI can open up a universe of knowledge and possibilities. However, we also recognise that AI alone cannot instill curiosity. This reinforces our commitment to fostering an environment that sparks and nurtures a genuine love of learning in every child.

To further strengthen this human-centred approach, we are committed to ensuring our staff understand the cognitive principles that underpin effective learning in the age of AI. Recognising that 'Memory is the residue of thought,' our AI strategies will be aligned to support and promote deep, active cognitive engagement, moving beyond simple AI-facilitated output to foster lasting knowledge and critical thinking.

The most futuristic and effective educational strategy is, and always will be, the cultivation of strong relationships between all stakeholders. Play, laughter, coaching, and mentorship are irreplaceable components of a child's development, and these will remain central to the LEO Academy Trust experience.

We have robust processes in place to ensure that all AI used by staff and pupils are as safe and protected as possible, providing tools for research, brainstorming, and personalised learning. They are already accessing it, it is our role to make sure they do it safely. At LEO, we empower our pupils to become not just users, but ethical and critical thinkers in a world shaped by AI. This commitment extends to teaching our pupils about the ethical implications of AI, including academic integrity, data privacy, and the importance of questioning and verifying AI-generated outputs. By fostering open discussions and providing clear guidelines, we ensure that our pupils learn to use AI responsibly, recognise and address potential biases, and maintain a high standard of intellectual honesty. This approach prepares them to navigate the complexities of a digital world with integrity and confidence.

We are confident that by thoughtfully integrating AI into our educational landscape, we can create a more dynamic, engaging, and effective learning environment for all our pupils, while simultaneously reinforcing the timeless importance of human connection, lifelong curiosity and belonging.