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Education has changed drastically over the past few years, and thanks to technological innovations, it’s evolving fast. AI in particular has come on in leaps and bounds, and has transformed the education sector. Despite school districts around the world banning AI tools like ChatGPT, AI has tremendous potential and could help personalise education. Some countries, like the UAE, have already begun working on guidelines and policies to help AI tools elevate the education system. AI algorithms analyse students’ data – everything from their grades and exam results to their learning styles and preferences. This data can be used to help students – algorithms can recognise pupils’ strengths and weaknesses, and teachers can then use this information to create personalised curriculums, or lesson plans tailored to each pupil.

VR can offer students a more interactive learning experience, and improve student engagement. It can be used in subjects like science, history, and geography, taking students back in time or to different parts of the world without leaving the classroom, giving them unique perspectives that they wouldn’t have otherwise have had. Pilots and medical professionals have been using VR technology to train for years, but it’s only recently that the technology has entered the classroom. VR technology can even incorporate multi-sensory elements to give students visual, auditory, and even tactile feedback. Not every student learns the same way – while some would learn more from books, others benefit from being fully immersed in a virtual world.

By breaking down barriers and providing students with equal opportunities, personalised learning makes education more accessible. Teachers can tailor their lessons to students’ individual needs and preferences, meaning students learn at their own pace. Personalised learning also allows for targeted support and intervention, ensuring students receive the assistance they need. This approach will help to bridge the educational inequality gap, which only worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a UNICEF report from last year, 147 million children had missed more than half of their in-person schooling because of the pandemic – amounting to 2 trillion hours lost. A more personalised approach to education would give underserved communities and students with special needs a more rounded experience.

The traditional “one-size-fits-all” approach to education can fail to meet students’ diverse needs. Taking a more customised learning experience empowers students – they don’t have to hurry through subjects they find challenging, or waste time on topics they already understand. By giving students content specifically tailored towards them, teachers enhance students’ comprehension and knowledge retention skills. Individualised feedback also gives students more guidance, helping them track their progress and address areas that need improvement. This way, teachers foster higher levels of student engagement, helping students to feel more connected to their education journey.

While personalised learning holds immense promise, it also presents a number of challenges – particularly for teachers. Creating personalised curriculums, lesson plans, and assessments for each one of their students can be time-consuming and demanding. A YouGov survey revealed that 87% of teachers already had issues related to workload pressures. In order to fully harness the benefits of personalised learning, educators require adequate training and support. Investing in professional development programs, and providing educators with the necessary resources and tools, are essential steps for governments and private education companies, if they want to ensure the success of their personalised learning approaches.

Since personalised learning relies heavily on the collection and analysis of student data, there are concerns and ethical considerations over data privacy. Safeguarding student data is of utmost importance to protect their privacy and maintain trust, particularly with cyber crime on the rise. Last year in the UK, 41% of primary schools surveyed reported they’d suffered a data breach or a cyber attack. It’s important for educational institutions to establish strict data privacy policies to protect students, and to ensure responsible use of edtech tools like AI and VR.

At Aldenham Education Group’s schools, including Aldenham School in the UK and Aldenham Prep Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, we’ve embraced a personalised learning approach. We’ve recognised that learning needs to be enjoyable, engaging, and (more importantly) fun, especially for younger children. Our approach to learning ensures that all pupils learn at their own pace, and according to their own styles. We’ve also embraced modern technology wherever we can, especially in the classroom. Tools such as interactive screens, computers, and state-of-the-art VR systems ensure we offer our pupils a learning experience that’s adaptable and flexible.

Personalised learning makes learning more immersive for students, increasing their engagement and improving their academic performance. As Shahram Hashemi explained while on stage at the Global Education Forum & WISE @ Medellin Conference, “With this technology, we can make sure that each child gets the needs that they require. We can customise the education and support the kids that are behind.” He also shared that AEG has begun working closely with top-tier consulting firms, to develop a strategy on how we can get more of these edtech technologies into our schools, and make our learning more effective.

Personalised learning holds immense potential, and is already beginning to reshape the future of education. By leveraging the power of edtech, we can create inclusive, student-centred learning environments that cater to the diverse needs of today’s pupils. Educators, policymakers, and edtech developers must work together to ensure education is as inclusive and effective as possible. By investing in a personalised learning approach, schools invest in the future of students, empowering them to thrive in an ever-changing world. To find out more about how AEG prepares pupils for life after graduation, visit Aldenham’s website.

GEF & Wise brought together education leaders and experts from across the globe, and all of them agreed that the pandemic had a drastic effect on schools – as they were forced to close, there was a rapid shift to remote learning. This caused problems at first, as many schools had never offered their students any kind of remote learning before 2020. Schools and teachers had to alter the way they taught students, and they turned to new rising technologies like AI or VR. These and other edtech innovations make learning more effective, both in and out of the classroom. The increased demand for this technology drove innovation, which in turn drove investment. In 2021, the global edtech industry saw almost $21 billion (£16.7 billion) of funding from venture capitalists – far more than in 2019, which saw just $7 billion (£5.5 billion) go towards edtech businesses.

The pandemic might be over, but many believe it’s reshaped the education sector forever. As schools have reopened and students have returned to classrooms, there’s been a shift towards hybrid learning models, which combine in-person teaching with digital tools. The pandemic highlighted the benefits of online learning, such as flexibility and accessibility, and these advantages are here to stay. Edtech is set to play a crucial role in supporting the transition to hybrid learning – with many schools seamlessly integrating technology into their classrooms. Here at Aldenham’s schools, we always look to the future and seek out new ways of utilising new technology in our schools. At Aldenham Prep Riyadh, all of our classrooms have interactive screens to enhance students’ learning experience, while the school’s Learning Resource Center features computers and a VR system, so students can engage with new subjects in immersive ways.

One of the biggest benefits of edtech lies in its ability to personalise education, and allow teachers to cater to individual students’ needs. With AI-powered adaptive learning technologies, teachers can analyse student data and create individual curriculums designed around each student’s strengths and weaknesses. This more tailored approach helps students to learn at their own pace, and be better equipped to overcome challenges. There’s been a lot of advancements in AI in recent years, and although schools have banned AI chatbots like ChatGPT, this technology is set to transform the education sector. If the edtech industry continues to grow, we can expect to see more advancements around AI and personalised learning.

Although edtech grew exponentially throughout the pandemic, that growth appears to have stunted post-pandemic. In fact, 2023 has been dubbed ‘edtech’s year of reckoning.’ A recent report by HolonIQ found that last year, there was $10.6 billion (£8.4 billion) of investment in edtech – around 49% of the investment in 2021. With schools around the world no longer forced to use edtech solutions to teach their students, many stopped using edtech altogether, and many edtech companies have scaled back. Despite this fall in investment, there’s still demand for edtech, and with new advances in technology all the time, new companies are springing up and offering innovative solutions. Edtech is increasingly important, as it teaches students valuable skills, and gets them more engaged in their education, setting them up for later life. At Aldenham, we aim to support our children as much as possible, and pride ourselves on investing in the latest edtech and cutting-edge facilities wherever possible.

A paper in Nature Human Behaviour found that students lost out on about 35% of a normal school year’s worth of learning over the course of the pandemic. Governments and organisations around the world need to work to make learning more accessible for students, and edtech is the most effective way of achieving this. While the pandemic accelerated the adoption of edtech, it also exposed the digital divide that exists among students worldwide.

UNESCO reported that at least 463 million – or nearly one-third – of students around the world don’t have the right devices or reliable connections, and can’t access remote learning facilities. As the edtech sector continues to grow, work needs to be done to address this issue and bridge this digital divide. Governments and educational institutions alike need to be investing in edtech companies to ensure no student is left behind. AEG has expert first-hand knowledge of the education market, and we can offer guidance for edtech businesses. One way of supporting edtech firms is by trialling new technologies in schools – not only do schools and students benefit from using these solutions, but edtech firms also get much-needed feedback to be as effective as possible.

The pandemic brought edtech into the spotlight, showcasing its potential to transform education. With the pandemic now over, the future of edtech lies in hybrid learning, personalised learning, and making education more accessible for all. While there are challenges, edtech offers a brighter future for education. We need to be working towards creating a more inclusive learning environment for all students, just as we strive to do here at Aldenham. To find out more about what edtech trends you should be looking out for, have a read of one of our recent blogs.

While some schools may hesitate to adopt AI tools like ChatGPT – some are going as far as banning it – AI isn’t a threat to education. Rather a valuable tool, and you can learn more in our recent blog on the topic. For example, AI in education can analyse vast amounts of data and turn this into meaningful insights. Not only can this be used by schools and educators to identify trends and areas for improvement (all backed by evidence), but it can be used by teachers in classrooms. Teachers can use these insights to personalise their students’ educational experiences, creating curriculums that are tailored towards each child’s needs, interests, and even learning styles. 

As Shahram Hashemi explained while at GEF & WISE, “With this technology, we can make sure that each child gets the needs that they require.” Using AI-powered algorithms, teachers can identify knowledge gaps and give each student specific feedback designed to improve their engagement and achievement. AI tools can even automate the marking of tests and assignments, freeing up teachers to focus on more important tasks. Students, meanwhile, could benefit from AI-powered virtual tutors that offer them real-time guidance and support and can even adapt to each student’s pace, furthering their education outside of the classroom. 

Although the benefits posed by AI in education are immense, there are some potential risks that must be considered. Since AI relies on vast amounts of data, there are concerns about the privacy and security of people’s data. When it comes to education, it’s important that schools, universities, and other institutions ensure there are robust data protection frameworks in place, in order to safeguard their students’ sensitive information.

While integrating AI into education, we should also take care to consider equality, and ensure that underprivileged schools and communities around the world can access the same AI tools and resources as everyone else. This is crucial to avoid worsening any pre-existing educational inequalities, and was one of the topics discussed by Shahram Hashemi in Medellin earlier this year. Organisations need to be carefully monitoring the use of AI, and ensuring that AI tools remain fair and balanced within education – especially when it comes to student assessment or, later in life, university admissions.

In order to harness the full potential of AI in education – while still safeguarding students’ best interests, governments and education institutions alike need to adopt more forward-thinking regulations. Some considerations to bear in mind include: establishing ethical guidelines, so that schools can address issues like student privacy, and transparency of AI algorithms; and regularly monitoring AI systems to identify and address potential biases. Organisations should also collaborate to share standards and insights – in the past, AEG has worked closely with the Saudi government, and we hope to continue to share our expertise on this topic.

At AEG’s schools – including Aldenham Prep Riyadh and our schools in the UK – we’ve always embraced technology and innovation wherever possible. As Shahram Hashemi pointed out on stage at GEF & WISE, “We always look at ourselves as trying to innovate in technology, and innovate in the classroom.” Our commitment to providing a cutting-edge learning environment for all of our students across the globe is evident through our use of interactive screens, 3D printers, and other state-of-the-art tools. Moving forward, we are excited about integrating AI technology in our schools to further enhance students’ learning experiences. With the help of AI in education, we can personalise teaching, give teachers valuable insights, and equip students with essential skills for the future.

As AI continues to advance at a remarkable pace, its impact on education is undeniable, but we understand the importance of striking a balance between technology and human interaction – ensuring that AI enhances, rather than replaces, the role of educators. At AEG, we are committed to staying at the forefront of educational innovation and harnessing the power of AI. By using AI in education responsibly, we can ensure that our students are well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the jobs of tomorrow. Find out more about the facilities – including cutting-edge technology – on offer at Aldenham Prep Riyadh.

To boost engagement with parents, schools need to prioritise effective communication. By establishing regular and meaningful communication channels – and including everyone from parents and teachers to administrators, specialists, after school club leaders and coaches – schools can bridge the gap between home and school, and foster strong partnerships. One approach is to personalise messages that cater to individual parents’ needs and concerns. Tailoring communication this way allows parents to feel acknowledged and understood, and strengthens their connection with the school.

Increasing the frequency of communication is another valuable strategy. While traditional methods such as newsletters, emails, and parent-teacher conferences are important, schools can explore additional avenues to engage parents. Utilising social media platforms can give parents and families real-time updates on school activities, students’ achievements, and any important announcements. While a tweet or an Instagram might not take as long to write as a newsletter, they can reach a far larger audience in a fraction of the time, and offer a chance for parents, students, and teachers to connect. This approach ensures parents stay connected and informed about their child’s school life without being bombarded by messages.

At Aldenham Education Group (AEG), our network of international schools understand the significance of parent engagement. At Aldenham schools, parents and grandparents alike are considered an integral part of the school community. They actively participate in events such as parents’ evenings, concerts, and drama productions. AEG recognises that good communication with parents is vital to any school’s success, and all of our schools – from Aldenham in the UK to Aldenham Prep Riyadh in Saudi Arabia – employ various means to achieve this goal.

Our schools’ commitment to communication is demonstrated through weekly newsletters, informative blogs, social media updates, and regular open evenings. Through these channels, we’re able to provide students’ parents and families with regular updates, give them insights into their child’s progress, and even offer opportunities to connect with the school staff. By working to create an inclusive environment in this way, Aldenham schools have fostered a sense of partnership and collaboration between staff, students, parents, and the wider community.

Beyond communication, schools should also strive to recognise the importance of building a strong sense of community. Part of AEG’s core mission – and one of our key aims – is to foster good relationships and partnerships among staff, pupils, parents, and the wider community. This reflects our commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, and helps our students’ parents to feel more included. After all, when parents feel connected to the school and the broader community, they are more likely to actively engage in their child’s education.

By involving parents in school activities, such as volunteering opportunities, parent-led workshops, or collaborative initiatives, schools can create a supportive community where parents feel valued and respected. Even former pupils – Old Aldenhamians such as Baroness Karren Brady and the golfer Matt Wallace – donate their time, expertise and money to help current pupils and give them the best education possible. This sense of belonging encourages parents to play an active role in their child’s education, ultimately benefiting the overall educational experience. This community feeling can instil positive memories in our pupils and shape them for their lives after Aldenham.

Parent engagement is a vital component of a child’s educational journey, and schools must prioritise strategies that can boost involvement. By fostering effective communication channels, personalising messages, and actively involving parents in school life, schools can enhance the engagement and success of their students. Aldenham Education Group’s schools value parent engagement and appreciate the importance of communication, community and collaboration – head to the Aldenham UK website to learn more.

A recent study carried out by the Youth Sport Trust revealed that fewer than half of all children in England (47.2%) were active for the Chief Medical Officer’s (CMO) recommended 60 minutes per day. Around the world, meanwhile, more than a third of students (37%) don’t exercise at school, according to Cambridge International – their recent Global Education Census found that 28% of male students and 41% of female students said that they didn’t take part in school sports. It’s vital that these figures improve, though, because it’s important children are active – and that sports are a vital part of the curriculum.

By encouraging students to engage in school sports from an early age, schools can promote a healthier lifestyle. Regular participation in sports helps children to develop strong bones, muscles and cardiovascular systems. Moreover, it decreases the likelihood of health-related issues like obesity and diabetes. Schools that foster an active lifestyle can instil healthy habits in their students – habits that they can carry with them throughout their lives. Students who engage in sports are more likely to continue leading an active lifestyle as adults, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and improving their overall well-being. Not only do they ensure children stay fit and healthy, but they have a range of benefits that aren’t so obvious at first glance.

Contrary to the popular notion that school sports detract from academic pursuits, studies have shown that students who participate in sports often excel academically. While some students can struggle in the classroom, they can often excel at certain sports – and regular physical activity could give them the help they need in the classroom. A study by the universities of Strathclyde and Dundee, for example, found that intensive exercise boosted students’ performance in subjects like English, maths and science. Engaging in physical activities improves blood circulation, leading to increased oxygen flow to the brain, which in turn can enhance cognitive function. Sports and physical exercise have been linked to improved focus, concentration, and mental clarity, which can lead to enhanced academic performance. Additionally, taking part in team sports can also teach students essential skills such as discipline, time management, and goal-setting that can positively influence students’ academic performance.

Engaging in sports can teach students valuable life skills, and prepare them for life after school. School sports can teach students the values of perseverance, resilience, determination, and discipline, all of which are fertile ground for character development. Students who regularly play sports will learn how to set goals, work towards them, and overcome obstacles along the way. Sports also foster leadership qualities – as well as learning how to be a part of a team and foster relationships, team captains learn how to work as part of a team, make important decisions, and lead by example. The benefits of school sports also extend far beyond their school years. Character-building experiences – on the field or on the pitch – translate into skills that are essential for success in further education and after graduation. Essential skills like discipline, time management, and goal-setting are all sought after by employers.

Over the years, studies have shown that school sports can have a significant positive impact on mental health. Playing sports – and engaging in other physical activities – can trigger the release of endorphins, otherwise known as ‘feel-good’ hormones. These endorphins can reduce negative emotions like stress, anxiety, and depression, all while boosting students’ mood and their overall wellbeing. In a survey in 2021, even children agreed about the beneficial effects that sports can have on their physical and mental health – around two-thirds of young children aged 6-8 recognised that being active was important for their future lives. School sports also give students an outlet to relieve any academic-related stress, and teach them how to channel their emotions in a more constructive manner. Playing sports can teach students about the highs and lows of life – sometimes they’ll win games, and other times they’ll lose. By losing games, students can learn how to overcome disappointment, as well as how to channel any negative feelings in a more healthy way.

School sports have been a part of life at Aldenham for centuries – AEG’s schools have a long and prestigious sporting history. Aldenham School in the UK, for example, was founded in 1597, and is home to one of the world’s earliest football clubs. The students at all of our schools – from Aldenham in the UK to Aldenham Prep Riyadh in Saudi Arabia – are all encouraged to take part in sports, whether that’s in PE lessons, sports days, or extracurricular activities. As well as representing their school in team sports like cricket, netball and football, our students also often perform at a high level in golf and tennis tournaments. Earlier this year, Aldenham’s U14s football team won the Herts County Cup, beating every other team in the county, and Aldenham also offers Sports Scholarships to students who’ve performed particularly well. A number of our alumni have also gone on to excel in sports, including the golfer Matt Wallace and the football Charlie Patino – after graduating a few years ago, he’s already played for both Arsenal and Blackpool FC.

Sports serve as a platform for students to interact and build meaningful relationships with their peers. Whether it’s playing on the same team, competing against each other, or supporting one another, school sports foster camaraderie and team spirit. Sports events and competitions bring together the entire school community, strengthening the bond between students, teachers, and parents – which is what we do at AEG, at all of our schools. Not only do we encourage our students to play sports and represent their school, but we encourage the students who aren’t playing to show up and support their peers whenever they play.

The incorporation of sports in schools is crucial for students’ holistic development. School sports do more than improve physical fitness, after all – there are plenty of long-term benefits, from mental wellbeing to improving social skills. By fostering a culture of sports in all of our schools, we’ve provided our students with a more positive environment and given them the support they need to unlock their talents and hone their sporting skills. To find out more about sports at Aldenham schools, visit the Aldenham School or the Aldenham Prep Riyadh websites. 

While academic achievement and success in exams are important, they’re not the be-all and end-all. Schools shouldn’t be placing so much emphasis on developing academics and the acquisition of knowledge, as these don’t always translate well in later life. Some of the world’s most successful CEOs agree – according to Ginni Rometty, IBM’s first female CEO, “Getting a job at today’s IBM does not always require a college degree. What matters most is relevant skills.” Many of today’s students can leave school with a deep understanding of their subjects but end up struggling to apply this knowledge to real-world situations. 

Experts at the World Economic Forum have said that education is an inclusive and lifelong experience, and three critical skills – problem-solving, collaboration and adaptability – could help students to be better prepared for their future. Schools need to provide students with the tools and life skills they’ll need to succeed, instead of merely memorising facts and statistics.

The World Health Organisation has defined life skills as, “A group of psychosocial competencies and interpersonal skills that help people make informed decisions, solve problems, think critically and creatively, communicate effectively, build healthy relationships, empathise with others, and cope with and manage their lives in a healthy and responsible manner.” Problem-solving, collaboration and adaptability can all help students beyond the classroom. Practical life skills like financial literacy, time management, and problem-solving are all often overlooked in traditional education systems, but are essential for success in the real world. By teaching students these skills, schools can help to ensure that they are better equipped to handle the challenges and opportunities that come their way. These skills also encourage students to be more engaged with their learning. If they’re made aware that these tools will help them throughout their lives, then students will likely feel more motivated to pay attention, and try harder to hone these life skills.

Some life skills are especially valuable, as they can improve students’ mental wellbeing. Mental health issues in children are on the rise. An NHS report last year revealed that the number of children aged 7-16 with a probable mental health disorder had risen from 12.1% to 18% between 2017 and 2022 – while for children aged 17-19, the number had risen from 10.1% to 25.7%. Teaching students about mental health can help them to understand who they are and what their place in the world is – and encourage them to be more confident. Now, more than ever, students also need to be learning about self-esteem and the dangers of social media – as well as how to handle stress, which is possibly one of the most important life skills.

As well as encouraging students to discover themselves and look after their own mental health, it’s also important to develop their sense of purpose and direction and teach them more practical skills. Schools should strive to offer their students guidance and support – by helping them to identify their strengths and passions, teachers can help students develop a plan to achieve their goals. This way, there’s less chance of students being left feeling directionless – and they’ll be better prepared for the challenges that will come their way after graduating. Life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking are all highly valued by employers. By equipping students with these tools, schools can help them become more employable, setting them up for life after university, and preparing them for the job market. 

These days, with technology an integral part of our everyday life, it’s increasingly important that students are able to master digital skills – from how to search on the internet to the basics of cybersecurity. At Aldenham Education Group, we use an array of digital resources like tablets and interactive e-books to improve our students’ digital literacy. Equipping students with these and more advanced abilities like coding and graphic design can help students to stand out from the crowd. Saudi Arabia, where we opened Aldenham Prep Riyadh last year, currently ranks first in both technical and vocational education, giving students the tools they need to improve their employment prospects. At AEG, we’re working to impart life skills like these to every one of our students – at all of our schools and ensure they can land top jobs.

Earlier this year, Amazon announced that it would be opening up a new academy to support the digital economy and train people in how to succeed in the digital world. This is just one of the many educational opportunities available in the region for our students, and is one reason why we chose to open our first international school in Riyadh. With the facilities available at Aldenham Prep Riyadh – and all of our schools – we’re teaching our students lifelong skills. Through extracurricular activities like sports clubs and drama, they can learn how to be part of a team, how to lead a team, and explore their creative side at the same time. Our first school opened its doors in 1597, and is one of the oldest schools in the world. Despite the centuries of history and tradition, however, we’re not stuck in the past, and have in fact always looked to the future at AEG. Whether we’re training our staff in the latest teaching methods or embracing modern technology wherever possible, we’re preparing our students for life after school, and giving them the life skills they need to cope with a world that doesn’t yet exist.

Schools need to make a concerted effort to set their students up for success in the future, by focusing on practical and interpersonal skills. Giving students the tools they need to succeed in the wider world can create a fulfilled generation of young people who are equipped to make a positive impact on the world, and we’re proud to play a part in this at AEG. We ensure our students can handle all the challenges and opportunities that come their way – find out more about the skills and values we aim to impart.

The demand for international education has increased in the Middle East due to the region’s large expatriate population. The region has become a hub for international businesses and investment, with multinational companies setting up offices in cities such as Dubai and Riyadh. This has led to an influx of expats, who have brought their families along with them. These families often prefer to enrol their children in international schools to ensure continuity in their education and avoid any disruption caused by frequent relocations. Additionally, the Middle East is home to a significant number of wealthy locals who value a global education for their children. Not only can this kind of education provide students with opportunities to learn new skills, but it can also help them to prepare for further study or careers in the global arena. More and more parents in the Middle East are looking to enrol their children at schools that offer an international curriculum, and offer them a more well-rounded education.

The two countries in the region with the most international students are the UAE, with 596 schools, and Saudi Arabia, with 240 schools. According to ISC Research, though, that number’s expected to grow – 42 new international schools are expected to open across the GCC region in 2023 and 2024. One of the biggest reasons for the rise of international schools is that an international education can help students to get into some of the world’s most highly-regarded universities. As ISC Research has observed – “The teaching and learning approach, exit examinations and leaving certificates offered by international schools are commonly accepted by the majority of the world’s higher education institutions including the highest ranked universities, as well as most multinational companies.”

Getting into university, however, isn’t the only reason parents prefer international schools. The three most widespread curriculums are the British curriculum, the American Schools System and the International Baccalaureate. A British education is what we offer at Aldenham Education Group – at both our schools in the UK and Aldenham Prep Riyadh. One of the most well-respected education systems in the world, the British education system is globally recognised and taught in more than 160 countries. A British curriculum ensures that if students relocate and move to another country, their education will be recognised there, and they can easily pick up where they left off. 

It can also offer students a more well-rounded education. The British curriculum teaches students how to be more independent and think for themselves. A focus on extracurricular and co-curricular activities can teach students valuable critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as how to work as part of a team. Attending an international British school can also give students a chance to immerse themselves in the English language from an early age. The English language, after all, is spoken across the globe, with an estimated 1.5 billion fluent speakers, and both employers and universities consider it to be a highly favourable skill. At the same time, international schools give students a chance to meet and interact with students and teachers from different cultures and countries, and learn new languages – at our schools, for example, our students can learn Arabic, Spanish, and French.

Immersing students in a multicultural environment is one of the biggest benefits of international schools. By giving them the best learning opportunities and opening their eyes to new perspectives, an international education can equip them with the skills they need to be global citizens. International schools offer students the opportunity to learn about different cultures and traditions, promoting cross-cultural understanding and tolerance. Students in these schools are exposed to different languages and beliefs, preparing them for life after graduation in today’s globalised world. This exposure to different cultures also prepares students for a diverse workforce, where cross-cultural communication and understanding are essential skills. Global citizens understand their place in the world, and have the power to interact with other cultures and nationalities – and most importantly, make a real change. It’s important that we ensure today’s students have the knowledge, skills, and values they need to create a better future.

By opening Aldenham Prep Riyadh in Saudi Arabia in 2022, AEG has helped to bring world-class education to Saudi Arabia. The school was the third to open its doors in Riyadh as part of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City’s International Schools Attraction Programme, but is also the first branch of an independent school in the region – it’s both owner-operated and truly integrated with our other schools. Aldenham School, in the UK, is one of the oldest schools in the country. Founded in 1597, all of our other schools benefit from centuries of tradition and academic excellence, and we’ve been able to bring an authentic British educational experience to our international students. 

Before settling on Riyadh as the site of our international school, AEG conducted a detailed market study and survey. The decision to open was a result of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment’s Regional Headquarters program, which supported firms opening in the region. Last year, there was a case study conducted on AEG by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment, and the school was included in Invest Saudi’s Investment Highlights report for Q3 2022. Aldenham Prep Riyadh was in fact showcased as one of the country’s greatest recent success stories. AEG is helping the country to transform into a global centre of industry and trade, and is setting an example for other schools to follow – in fact, the number of international schools in the region is set to grow. As Shahram Hashemi, one of AEG’s Managing Partners, has explained, we are “working to open a number of schools across the Kingdom as we anticipate demand continuing to rise drastically.”

Not only can international schools teach students valuable lifelong skills, they can also set them up for success in later life. It’s no surprise that, given the choice, parents are sending their students to international schools – especially in the Middle East. At AEG, we’re always looking to the future, and aiming to ensure our students are prepared for life after school. An international education is one of the best ways of achieving this – learn more about our curriculum.

Everybody’s been talking about ChatGPT since it was launched in November 2022 – in fact, 100 million people around the world have used it since then. If you haven’t used it yet, or if you’ve only ever heard the name, ChatGPT stands for ‘Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer.’ It’s a large language model, a kind of AI algorithm trained to understand and use language. Created by OpenAI, it can generate human-like answers to questions, and is capable of conversing on a huge range of topics. As well as answering questions, it can offer guidance and recommendations, and even write an essay or an article from scratch with just a simple brief. While it has a lot of benefits, many people are concerned about the impact that it could have – especially on today’s education system. 

Ever since it launched, the effect of ChatGPT has got people worrying. Journalists, writers, computer programmers and graphic designers think AI tools could soon replace them. No one, however, is more concerned than teachers and others working in the education sector. Most people are fearful of ChatGPT’s impact on students, who could use it to cheat, and get it to write essays and do their homework for them. The way that ChatGPT generates original text means that it won’t be spotted by software that’s been designed to detect plagiarised content. In fact, some schools have already made the decision to ban ChatGPT. In the US, New York City’s Department of Education blocked it on all school devices and networks, citing concerns from teachers. A department spokesperson Jenna Lyle explained, “While the tool may be able to provide quick and easy answers to questions, it does not build critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for academic and lifelong success.”

While banning ChatGPT might initially seem like a good idea, it may not be the most sensible action for schools to take. For one thing, it could drive more students to use it, encouraging them to find ways of getting around the ban. AI is quickly becoming a part of everyday life, so today’s students need to be learning how to use it now to ensure they’re not left behind. As Richard Culatta, CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education, pointed out, “kids in school today are going into jobs where not everyone they work with is human.” Rather than banning it, schools should be using ChatGPT and working with it. 

It could be a powerful educational tool – and some teachers have already realised this. While some educators worried about the impact of ChatGPT, others began using it in the classroom, and incorporating it in their own lessons. For example, it can be used to help students write better, teaching them how to and think critically and analyse texts. Rather than getting ChatGPT to write essays, some teachers have used it to teach their students how to structure essays, by using the tool to create essay outlines, and then write out the essays by hand. This can help students gain a better understanding of the topic they’re learning about, and teach them how to make the most of an AI tool like ChatGPT at the same time. As well as helping students, ChatGPT can also help teachers. They can use it to automate repetitive tasks, like creating lesson plans, and even use it to personalise the learning experience for their students. By giving ChatGPT all the data it requires, teachers can create customised learning plans that cater to each student’s individual needs.

It’s important for schools to strike a balance with ChatGPT, and not ban it. Last month, it was announced that International Baccalaureate students were allowed to use AI-generated content in their essays. In the Middle East, meanwhile, the UAE’s education authorities have begun drafting guidelines on how generative AI technology could be used in schools – including using GPT-powered AI tutors in classrooms. Although ChatGPT is still in its early stages, it will continue to develop. The latest version of ChatGPT, GPT-4, was released just a few weeks ago, and is far more advanced than the previous version, so it’s difficult to predict how we’ll be able to use it in a few years’ time.

At Aldenham Education Group, we’ve always strived to offer our students the latest technologies. Not only does this help our students to engage with their education more, but it makes learning more accessible, and provides them with countless opportunities. By helping our students to learn new skills, and keep up with fast-paced technological changes, we’re preparing them for a world that does not yet exist. It’s why we’re embracing ChatGPT by learning how to incorporate it effectively both within the classroom and for our students in their own study time rather than exercising a knee-jerk ban out of fear. 

This can be seen throughout our schools – at Aldenham School in the UK, for example, students can use a brain scanner in their Psychology lessons, and even learn how to write software in Computer Science. Students at our newest school, Aldenham Prep Riyadh, use interactive whiteboards in their lessons, and can access a VR system and video production software in the Learning Resource Centre. Our Computer Science students go on regular field trips to continue their learning and find out about some of the latest technological advances, visiting TechHub Incubators and showcasing what they’ve learned. 

With the rise of ChatGPT, the age of artificial intelligence is here, and schools need to work with it rather than against it. While the new technology is disruptive, it’s here to stay, and it offers a range of benefits. Although we have over 400 years of tradition here at Aldenham, we’re constantly looking to the future, and have seen how technology can help our students to flourish. ChatGPT is just one of the many tools that could transform education – have a read of one of our recent blogs to see what other educational trends you should be watching out for.

School culture is essential for any place of learning looking to create an environment in which students feel safe, respected and valued. This way, students develop a sense of belonging, and form better relationships with their peers as well as their teachers. If everyone works together to support each other’s growth and well-being, then this fosters a sense of community. Students who are valued are more likely to be engaged in their learning, and more motivated to succeed, which in turn leads to better academic outcomes, and improves students’ chances of success after graduating. Thanks to a positive school culture, students are often high-achievers, and have a much lower chance of dropping out of education.

This can also benefit teachers and staff – if they feel appreciated and supported, they’re more likely to be motivated and passionate about their work, which will lead to higher job satisfaction for staff and lower rates of burnout. Ultimately, it helps to create a more productive and fulfilling environment for everyone involved in the education process. However, you can’t just instantly create a positive school culture – it takes time and hard work, and the best place to start is in the classroom. By making it as safe and welcoming as possible for students in their classroom, teachers can lay the foundations for a positive culture elsewhere. If done right, a feeling of belonging will soon permeate the entire school.

There are many ways in which teachers can establish a positive culture in their classroom, and these don’t just revolve around making students feel welcome. Teachers should also strive to promote learning, collaboration, and mutual respect among all of their students. A positive culture helps students to connect not just with their teacher and each other, but with their education, too. 

By encouraging collaboration and teamwork among their students, either through projects or other group activities, teachers foster a sense of community. If teachers celebrate their students’ successes, no matter if they’re big or small – this builds up confidence among their students. At the same time, though, they should promote a growth mindset, encouraging their students to see mistakes as opportunities for learning – this encourages students to be more resilient and willing to take risks. Simple techniques like asking students more questions enable teachers to build positive relationships with students, or having a weekly check-in with them creates a sense of structure. All of these techniques – and others implemented in every classroom help improve the experience for both students and teachers.

At all of the Aldenham Education Group’s schools, we aspire to create a safe and welcome atmosphere for every one of our students. As well as supporting our students in every way, we encourage a sense of community. It’s not just our students’ educational achievements that are important to us, but their sense of wellbeing, and the positive culture in our classrooms is how we achieve that. At Aldenham UK, an Independent Schools Inspectorate report stated that, ‘A very strong sense of community exists and pupils show kindness to each other.’

Outside of the classroom, we host concerts and drama performances – these, along with sports clubs and teams to create a sense of community at our schools. We even continued to foster this community spirit over the course of the pandemic. As well as ensuring our students kept on learning with online teaching, we ensured that tutor groups still had regular video conference meetings to catch up with their teachers and classmates. We also hosted online extracurricular activities for the students, including virtual trips and competitions. 

A positive school culture helps in all kinds of ways, from motivating children to improving their mental wellbeing, and giving them a strong sense of community. It allows schools to create a safe, supportive environment, and in the classroom, teachers are able to establish expectations for their students, build relationships, and encourage collaboration. At Aldenham, this culture exists both in and out of the classroom, and by doing this, we’ve worked to create a more productive and inclusive learning environment for all. Find out more about how we’ve expanded our culture to the wider community on our website – and don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Last year, a study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that the average amount of time children spent staring at screens during the pandemic had risen by 52%. Whereas the average child had an approximate screen time of 162 minutes a day, during the pandemic that number had risen to 246 minutes. During the pandemic, our schools were required to move online, which posed challenges, but we were still able to offer our students the high-quality education they’d come to expect. We weren’t only teaching online, but organising competitions and running virtual field trips. These days, with the Covid-19 pandemic largely behind us, that figure will likely fall. However, since technology is now an integral part of all of our lives, screens have gone on to become a daily companion for students.

When you ask yourself if too much time in front of a device or screen is a bad thing for children, the only real answer is that it’s complicated. While excessive usage of screens could have a negative impact, how children are using them can determine how much of an impact they can have – after all, not all screen time is created equal. In a 2019 study, Australian researchers identified five different categories of how we can interact with screens – social, passive, interactive, educational, and other. Passive screen use, such as watching TV or scrolling through social media, can be detrimental to a child’s development – it can affect their creativity and lead to social development problems, making it difficult for them to interact with their peers. 

On the other hand, active screen time – such as educational programs and interactive learning – can be far more beneficial to students than passively consuming content. This can provide numerous benefits for students – interactive screens can be more engaging, helping students to retain information better and understand their material. Technology like screens can also encourage collaboration among students, through online discussions and shared documents, which can develop teamwork and communication skills. Screens and technology can provide students with access to a wealth of resources that they may not have otherwise, including online libraries, virtual museums, and educational videos. In a world that’s becoming increasingly reliant on technology, students using screens for educational purposes are able to develop important digital skills that will be valuable in their future careers. We take a forward-thinking approach at Aldenham Education Group, in order to prepare our students as best as we can for life after school.

One of the key benefits of technology and screens in education is their interactivity, which can help make students more engaged. For example, interactive screens in classrooms can be used to create an immersive learning experience that encourages participation and collaboration. By working together on projects, students can share ideas and receive immediate feedback, all of which can enhance the learning process. At our network of Aldenham schools, we always use cutting-edge technology, including interactive screens in classrooms. Our latest school, Aldenham Prep Riyadh, is also home to a Learning Resource Centre, where students can make use of computers and a 3D printer – we always embrace modern technology, especially when it can enhance the learning of our pupils. In ICT lessons, meanwhile, students work together on projects, teaming up and even sharing devices, to ensure they’re not in their own world, glued to a screen. When it comes to learning, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, and we encourage our students to collaborate and communicate.

It is crucial, however, to ensure screens are always used responsibly, both at home and at school. It’s important for parents and teachers alike to set boundaries and establish rules around students’ screen time, in order to ensure that children aren’t spending too much time in front of them. Additionally, providing students with access to a balanced mix of activities, such as outdoor play, creative pursuits, and social interaction, can help mitigate the potentially negative effects of spending too much time in the virtual world. All of our schools offer students a range of extracurricular activities, from sports to the performing arts. We have a strong sporting tradition at our schools, and our students take part in sailing, golf, football, cricket, and more. When it comes to the performing arts, meanwhile, students can take to the stage or help out behind the scenes, and make use of a purpose-built theatre. All of these activities help students to get away from screens and work and play with others.

Too much of anything can be a bad thing. While there are benefits to students using screens, and they can be a valuable tool, it’s important to ensure screens are used in a responsible and productive way. At all of Aldenham Education Group’s schools, we work hard to find the right balance that benefits our pupils’ development – find out how we add value to our pupils’ education through our all-round education.