Some schools wait to see what the future brings. At Epsom College Malaysia, we have started building it. Our school is currently working towards formal certification from UK-based AI in Education (AiEd). This is a process that recognises high standards in the purposeful and ethical use of artificial intelligence. This initiative sits alongside our existing commitment to quality teaching and learning, but it marks an important step forward. As digital technologies reshape the world, we believe our students should be equipped not only with knowledge, but with the critical skills required to thrive in a rapidly changing environment. I am delighted to share with you that Epsom College Malaysia is proud to hold Pathfinder status within the AiEd Certified framework, supporting responsible and purposeful AI integration across our community.
Our journey to certification so far has involved close collaboration across the school. Classroom teachers, pastoral teams, leadership, students and parents have all been part of the discussion. We have been reviewing how AI is used in classrooms, examining how staff are trained and established clear guidance on academic integrity through our student and teacher use policies. Our aim is that students see AI as a tool to enhance creativity, thinking and independence, rather than a shortcut or replacement for genuine learning.
This work matters to our students because they will graduate into a world where artificial intelligence is embedded in almost every field, from medicine and engineering, to design, research, finance and the arts. Understanding AI gives them an advantage, but more importantly it helps them ask thoughtful questions about how technology should be used. Learning how to evaluate sources, verify information and make ethical decisions about digital tools is part of becoming responsible, informed citizens.
One of the most positive outcomes of this process has been the way staff and students have embraced innovation together. Teachers are exploring how AI can enrich lessons, save time on planning, and support personalised learning. We see this through our use of Google Gems and Notebook LM on our student Google Classrooms, where entire units can be merged into videos, quizzes, personalised tutors and much more. Students are beginning to use AI to draft ideas, analyse texts, practise questioning techniques and challenge their own assumptions. The focus has always been on learning, not technology for its own sake.
Working towards certification has also enabled us to reflect on what we do well. We have strong systems for safeguarding academic honesty, a culture that values curiosity and a willingness to adapt. The certification process does not require us to change who we are, but it encourages us to be intentional in our approach and to remain forward-thinking. It signals to our Epsom community that we take innovation seriously, and that we are preparing our students with confidence for a future where AI is not optional, but essential. The world won’t wait for the potential of AI to be realised, and neither will we at Epsom College Malaysia.
Mr Andrew Thompson
Deputy Headteacher, Teaching, Learning and Standards