How GNS Is Approaching Artificial Intelligence in Education

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the world around us—including how students learn, create, communicate and prepare for the future. At Glenlyon Norfolk School (GNS), we believe it is important to approach these changes thoughtfully, responsibly and in alignment with our core values.

Since 2022, GNS has been intentionally developing a comprehensive approach to AI in education. This work has included staff professional development, classroom exploration, student AI literacy initiatives, collaboration with leading educational experts, provincial and national inter-school collaboration, and the development of a new Whole-School AI Policy and governance framework.

We are now pleased to officially launch the AI @ GNS website, a new resource hub for our community that outlines our approach to artificial intelligence at Glenlyon Norfolk School.

The site includes:

• Our official approach to AI at GNS
• The new Whole-School AI Policy
• AI guiding principles
• Approved AI tools and platforms
• Resources for students, staff, and families
• Information about responsible and ethical AI use in education

Click here to access: AI @ GNS

The GNS Approach to Artificial Intelligence

At At GNS, we see artificial intelligence as a tool that can support learning, creativity, accessibility, innovation and efficiency when used responsibly and intentionally.

Our official approach to AI states:

Glenlyon Norfolk School supports the thoughtful, strategic and responsible use of artificial intelligence to enhance teaching, learning and school operations; improve efficiency and sustainability; support creativity, innovation and informed decision-making; and strengthen future-focused practices while ensuring that human judgment, intellectual agency, strong relationships, ethical practice and responsible data stewardship remain central to our community.

As an IB World School and an Apple Distinguished School, GNS is committed to preparing students for a rapidly evolving future while maintaining a strong focus on human connection, critical thinking, creativity and student agency.

Grounded in GNS Core Values

While technology continues to evolve, the values that guide our school community remain constant. Our approach to AI is firmly grounded in the GNS core values of truth, courage, caring, individuality and community.

These values shape every aspect of our work with AI and educational technology.

Our AI framework is also guided by five key principles:

• Human Authority
• Intellectual Agency
• Privacy & Data Stewardship
• Transparency & Attribution
• Responsible Innovation

Together, these principles help ensure that AI enhances learning while preserving the importance of human relationships, ethical decision-making and student voice.

Supporting Students in an AI-Driven World

Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly integrated into the tools and technologies students use every day. At GNS, we believe schools have a responsibility to help students develop the skills, awareness, and judgment needed to navigate this changing landscape safely and responsibly.

Our work in AI education includes:

• Teaching students about responsible AI use
• Supporting AI literacy and AI fluency
• Helping students critically evaluate AI-generated information
• Protecting student privacy and data
• Encouraging creativity, originality, and independent thinking
• Providing structured and age-appropriate AI tools

Rather than avoiding AI altogether, GNS is focused on helping students understand how to use these technologies thoughtfully, ethically, and effectively.

Watch the 15-Minute AI @ GNS Presentation

To help introduce this work to our community, we have created a short video presentation that explores:

• Where GNS began its AI journey
• How our approach has evolved
• The policies and safeguards now in place
• How we are preparing students and staff for the future of education in an AI world

The presentation also highlights how GNS will continue to place people, relationships and community at the centre of learning—even as technology continues to evolve.

We invite all parents and families to watch the presentation and explore the AI @ GNS website to learn more about our thoughtful and human-centred approach to artificial intelligence in education.

Looking Ahead

We look forward to continuing to share our AI journey as technology evolves, tools change and new research and insights emerge. As we look towards the 2026/2027 school year, we are excited to continue expanding opportunities for learning and conversation through additional parent and community-focused events, workshops and discussions centred on the future of AI in education.

As we look toward a rapidly evolving future shaped by emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, the human connections within our GNS community—between students, families, staff, alumni and the broader community—become even more important. We deeply value the opportunity to learn, reflect and move forward together as we continue shaping a thoughtful and human-centred approach to the future of education.