At Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong (WASHK), we are committed to an educational philosophy that honours a legacy of academic excellence while actively shaping the future. To move beyond theoretical discussions of AI in education, we spoke to several teachers at our Senior School to understand how they’re using AI in the classroom and what they’re seeing in terms of tangible benefits for themselves and their students. Their firsthand insights reveal a strategic, value-driven integration where technology amplifies human connection and personalises learning.
Mr John Williams, Deputy Head (Academic): Using AI for Personalised Student Growth
In our conversation, Mr. Williams focused on shifting from reactive to proactive support. “We’re using AI to transform how we identify and support student progress in real-time,” he explained.
What we’re using AI for:
- Deploying intelligent analytics platforms that pinpoint where a student’s understanding falters during practice sessions, not just after summative tests.
- Creating adaptive, personalised homework and revision paths that focus a student’s effort precisely where it is needed most, moving away from a one-size-fits-all model.
The direct benefit observed: A noticeable move away from a “cramming” culture. Teachers report students are building consistent confidence and demonstrate greater readiness for IGCSE and A-Level examinations.
Mr O’Brien, Head of Science: Using AI to Enhance Scientific Attainment
For Mr. O’Brien, AI is a practical toolkit for differentiation and engagement. “We’re using AI to make science more accessible and connected for every learner,” he noted.
What we’re using AI for:
- Generating differentiated, specification-aligned question sets and providing feedback that includes step-by-step reasoning and visual explanations, particularly in complex areas like Hess’s Law in Chemistry.
- Designing creative lesson resources, such as virtual labs for Physics motion studies or interactive case studies on disease transmission in Biology, which go beyond standard textbook material.
The direct benefit observed: Students achieve deeper conceptual understanding and are better able to connect scientific principles to real-world innovation and applications.
Mr Lent, Head of English: Using AI to Elevate the Art of Expression
Mr. Lent emphasises AI as a collaborative tool that raises standards. “We’re using AI to refine the writing process, which frees us to focus on higher-order critical thinking,” he shared.
What we’re using AI for:
- Providing students with a first-step editor that gives immediate feedback on argument clarity and structure, allowing them to submit more polished drafts for teacher review.
- Reallocating classroom time from basic grammar to deeper literary analysis, debate, and the ethical implications of AI as a creative partner.
The direct benefit observed: The development of more sophisticated student writers who are not only skilled critics but also responsible, ethically-aware digital citizens prepared for university-level discourse.
The Human Advantage: Where Technology Serves Character
A unanimous insight from our teachers was that strategic AI integration has made their roles more human, not less. By automating administrative and routine analytical tasks, they report having more time for the irreplaceable elements of teaching: one-on-one mentorship, nuanced feedback, and meaningful personal connection.
This practical application of technology directly serves a larger educational mission. As Katelin van Strijp, Assistant Head Academic at WASHK Prep School, states: “The best way to prepare students for the future is not to predict it, but to empower them to shape it.”
Every use of AI documented by our teachers—from fostering independent revision in Mr. Williams’s strategy to enabling scientific creativity with Mr. O’Brien or cultivating critical digital literacy with Mr. Lent—is an act of empowerment. These tools are building the mindset of innovation, collaboration, and global awareness that students need to navigate and ultimately influence their future fields.
A Research-Driven, Balanced Vision for Education
These teacher insights confirm that at WASHK, we are not adopting AI for its own sake. We are implementing it as a deliberate tool to ensure every student receives a truly bespoke education. This approach allows us to expand the definition of academic rigour for the 21st century, evolving from solely preparing for tests to holistically preparing for life.
By grounding technology in human connection and a clear values-based framework, we are fostering not only capable professionals but the compassionate, visionary citizens needed to contribute thoughtfully to a complex world. The evidence from our classrooms shows that when used with intention, AI doesn’t just change how we teach—it actively prepares students to shape what comes next.
