Bringing AI into the Classroom: What Students Are Seeing

Bringing AI into the Classroom: What Students Are Seeing

By Elaine (Year 9), Kat (Year 10), and Alan (Year 12) 

At Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong (WASHK), AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s our secret weapon. It’s become a normal part of how we study, revise, and tackle tough topics. And no, it’s not about replacing our amazing teachers or skipping the hard work. It’s about having extra support, exactly when we need it. Each of us uses it in our own way, but we all agree: it makes learning smarter, not harder. 

Elaine (Year 9): “AI helps me understand things the first time.” 

“In Year 9, everything’s new and moves so fast. Sometimes in class, a concept just doesn’t click. Before, I’d have to wait until the next lesson to ask. Now, I use AI to get a simpler explanation right away.” 

How it works for me: 

  • I’ll ask AI to explain a science concept in simpler words or check if my analysis of a poem makes sense. 
  • It gives me gentle feedback—it doesn’t just say I’m wrong, it suggests how to improve. 
  • I use it to turn messy notes into clear summaries, flashcards, and quick quizzes to test myself. 

“It’s made me so much more confident. I can check my understanding anytime, which means I walk into class feeling ready.” 

Kat (Year 10): “AI helps me revise without feeling overwhelmed.” 

“When you’re staring down IGCSEs, revision can feel massive and scary. I used to open a textbook and not know where to start. Now, I ask AI to break it down for me.” 

How it works for me: 

  • I’ll type: “Write me five revision questions on ionic bonding,” or “Give me geography practice questions that get harder.” 
  • The questions actually match what we’re learning at Wycombe Abbey. 
  • If a teacher’s explanation didn’t quite stick, AI can explain the answer a different way until it does. 

“AI hasn’t replaced my revision—it’s just made it structured and way less intimidating. I actually feel in control.” 

Alan (Year 12): “AI helps me prepare for A-Level style thinking.” 

“Sixth Form is another level. You need deeper analysis, longer answers, and real clarity. AI acts like my 24/7 study partner—especially useful during those late-night revision sessions.” 

How it works for me: 

  • I ask for exam-style questions with mark-scheme style answers in Biology or Chemistry. 
  • I use it to summarise dense textbook pages or rephrase complex theories so I can teach them to a friend. 
  • It helps me plan essays, structure arguments, and simplify scientific jargon for presentations. 

“It’s like having an academic coach on tap. It pushes me to think at the right level for A-Levels and beyond.” 

Why It Works: The WASHK Approach 

What we’re doing isn’t random—it’s part of how Wycombe Abbey Hong Kong thinks about learning. Our teachers don’t just let us use AI; they show us how to use it wisely and well

Mr. John Williams, Deputy Head (Academic), told us: 
“We’re using AI to spot where a student might be struggling earlier, so we can help before it becomes a problem. It means less cramming and more consistent confidence—especially before big exams.” 

Mr. O’Brien, Head of Science, explained: 
“In my classes, AI helps create different versions of a worksheet or visualise a tricky concept like Hess’s Law. It means every student gets what they need to really get it.” 

Mr. Lent, Head of English, shared: 
“When students use AI to polish a draft first, it frees us up in class to debate, analyse, and think critically about the ‘why’—not just the ‘what’.” 

So, What’s Changed? 

For all three of us—Year 9, Year 10, and Year 12—AI has become a supportive learning partner. It helps us: 

  • Create personalised revision  
  • Understand challenging topics  
  • Review lessons quickly and study independently 
  • Walk into class (and exams) feeling prepared and confident 

It doesn’t replace the brilliant teaching at Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong. It just means we’re never stuck, never alone with a problem, and always moving forward. 

And for students like us, that makes all the difference. 

Ready to see how a Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong education prepares students for the future? Discover our innovative approach to learning, where tradition meets future-ready thinking.