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Canterbury pupils give up smartphones in behaviour experiment

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Claire Starr

BBC News, South East

BBC Two teenage girls, both with brown hair, look into the camera. They're in school uniform - white shirts with ties and are sat in a room with school desks in the background.BBC

The Canterbury Academy Trust pupils Emilia and Molly handed in their smartphones on Monday

Pupils at a school in Kent have given up their smartphones as part of an experiment to monitor their behaviour.

Year 10 students at The Canterbury Academy Trust who handed in their phones said it was a “scary” prospect, but also “a relief”.

As part of a research project by the University of Kent, the pupils will not have access to their smartphones for one week.

Experts said they wanted to track the change in the behaviour of students and the impact it has on them.

Two small Nokia phones being held by school pupils.

Nokia phones with basic call and text functions are given to pupils

Emilia and Molly handed in their smartphones on Monday morning.

Molly said: “It’s a nice bit of freedom because you don’t have to constantly be checking your messages and see you’re missing out on things.”

Meanwhile, Emilia added: “I think it’s going to improve our mental health and mental wellbeing because you’re not constantly looking at your phone, you can actually get on with things that you’re meant to.”

The pupils have been given a basic Nokia phone for the week, with no access to social media.

Jon Watson looks straight into the camera. He has grey hair and beard and is wearing a white shirt and tie with a lanyard. He is sat in a desk chair in his office.

Jon Watson, chief executive officer of The Canterbury Academy Trust, is also taking part in the trial

Jon Watson, chief executive officer of The Canterbury Academy Trust, is also taking part in the trial, which has previously been carried out at two Kent schools.

He said phone use was already restricted during the school day, but the experiment included when staff and pupils returned home.

“I thought it was important that I set that example, so that I can be present and in the moment,” he said.

“It’s about helping young people understand the power and responsibility they have when they are in possession of a smartphone, how positive they can be in terms of what they can do, but also some of the negatives and some of the challenges they’ll face while they have that mobile phone as well.”

Dr Lindsey Cameron looks into the camera - she's sat in a school room and is wearing a pink T-shirt. She has blonde curly hair.

Participants are to be interviewed at the start and at the end of the week by Dr Lindsey Cameron

Participants are to be interviewed at the start and at the end of the week by Dr Lindsey Cameron, a psychology lecturer at the University of Kent.

“We know there’s a link between smartphone use and mental health, problems with sleep, comparing yourselves to others – and phones are really addictive.

“We really have to understand what effect this is having on young people.”

This week, six primary schools and more than 5,000 parents and caregivers in Kent signed up to a pact that promised to delay smartphone use in teenagers until Year 9 and access to social media until two years later.

More schools are due to take part in the experiment in the coming months and a summit involving teachers from schools across Kent is to be held in September to discuss a cross-county approach to smartphones.



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Education

Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education launches four-month Cambridge AI Leadership Programme — EdTech Innovation Hub

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Launched in collaboration with Emeritus, a provider of short courses, degree programmes, professional certificates, and senior executive programs, the Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education course is now available for a September 2025 start. 

The Cambridge AI Leadership Programme aims to help participants navigate the complexities of AI adoptions, identify scalable opportunities and build a strategic roadmap for successful implementation. 

Using a blend of in-person and online learning, the course covers AI concepts, applications, and best practice to improve decision-making skills. It also covers digital transformation and ethical AI governance. 

The program is aimed at senior leaders looking to lead their organizations through transformations and integrate AI technologies. 

“AI is a transformative force reshaping business strategy, decision-making and leadership. Senior executives must not only understand AI but also use it to drive business goals, efficiency and new revenue opportunities,” explains Professor David Stillwell, Co-Academic Programme Director.

“The Cambridge AI Leadership Programme offers a strategic road map, equipping leaders with the skills and mindset to integrate AI into their organisations and lead in an AI-driven world.”

“The Cambridge AI Leadership Programme empowers decision-makers to harness AI in ways that align with their organisation’s goals and prepare for the future,” says Vesselin Popov, Co-Academic Programme Director.

 “Through a comprehensive learning experience, participants gain strategic insights and practical knowledge to drive transformation, strengthen decision-making and navigate technological shifts with confidence.”

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

Our sister title, RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers’ businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work – resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.



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Shanklea primary school stays shut after solar panel fire

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A primary school will remain closed until Thursday following a fire which started in solar panels on the roof.

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) said the blaze began just before 14:00 BST at Shanklea Primary School in Cramlington on Saturday.

No-one was injured and Northumberland County Council said the damage was “not as significant as first thought”.

The local authority said the school would remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday to allow remedial works and additional health and safety checks.

NFRS said five crews were sent to the scene where the solar panels on the west side of the building were ablaze.

A council spokesperson said: “School staff have worked hard alongside structural and electrical engineers to understand the extent of the damage caused by the fire.”

They added parents and carers would be informed of the next steps.



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AI’s Role in Education: Transforming How We Learn

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a powerful force reshaping classrooms, lesson plans, and the entire learning experience. As we move further into the digital age, AI’s role in education is expanding rapidly, offering new opportunities and challenges for both students and teachers. So, what can we expect next from this technological revolution? Here’s how AI is transforming how we learn, and what the future holds for education.

How AI Is Already Changing Education

1. Personalized Learning

AI-powered platforms can analyze a student’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning pace to deliver customized lessons and resources. This means students get the support they need, when they need it—whether they’re struggling with math or excelling in science.

Examples:

Adaptive learning apps that adjust difficulty based on performance

AI tutors that provide instant feedback and explanations

Personalized study plans and practice quizzes

2. Automated Grading and Assessment

AI can quickly grade multiple-choice tests, essays, and even coding assignments, saving teachers hours of work. This allows educators to focus more on teaching and less on paperwork.

Benefits:

Faster feedback for students

More consistent and objective grading

Early identification of learning gaps

3. Smart Content Creation

AI tools can generate practice questions, summaries, and even interactive simulations. Teachers can use these resources to supplement lessons and keep students engaged.

Examples:

AI-generated flashcards and quizzes

Virtual labs and simulations for science classes

Automated reading comprehension exercises

4. Language Translation and Accessibility

AI-powered translation and speech-to-text tools break down language barriers, making education more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities.

Benefits:

Real-time translation for multilingual classrooms

Closed captioning for videos

Text-to-speech for visually impaired students

What’s Next for Students and Teachers?

1. More Immersive and Interactive Learning

AI will power virtual and augmented reality experiences, allowing students to explore historical sites, conduct science experiments, or practice languages in simulated environments—all from their classroom or home.

2. Lifelong and Self-Directed Learning

With AI-driven platforms, learning doesn’t stop at graduation. Students and professionals can access personalized courses, track their progress, and upskill at their own pace, making education a lifelong journey.

3. Smarter Classrooms and Administration

AI will help schools optimize schedules, manage resources, and even predict student needs. Smart sensors and analytics can monitor classroom engagement and suggest improvements.

4. Ethical and Privacy Considerations

As AI becomes more integrated, schools must address concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the ethical use of technology. Expect new policies and guidelines to protect students and teachers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will AI replace teachers?

A: No. AI is a tool to support, not replace, educators. Teachers provide the human connection, mentorship, and critical thinking skills that technology cannot replicate.

Q: How can students benefit most from AI in education?

A: By using AI tools for personalized learning, seeking instant feedback, and exploring new subjects at their own pace, students can take greater control of their education.

Q: What skills will be most important in an AI-powered classroom?

A: Critical thinking, creativity, digital literacy, and adaptability will be essential. Students should learn how to use AI responsibly and understand its limitations.

Q: Are there risks to using AI in education?

A: Yes. Potential risks include data privacy concerns, over-reliance on technology, and unequal access. Schools and policymakers must work to ensure AI is used ethically and equitably.

Tips for Students and Teachers

Embrace AI as a learning partner: Use AI tools to supplement, not replace, traditional study methods.

Stay curious and adaptable: Technology will keep evolving—be open to new ways of learning and teaching.

Prioritize digital literacy: Learn how AI works, its benefits, and its limitations.

Advocate for privacy and ethics: Ask questions about how your data is used and push for transparent, fair AI systems.

Conclusion

AI is transforming education in ways we could only imagine a decade ago. From personalized learning to smart classrooms, the future promises more engaging, efficient, and accessible education for all. By embracing AI thoughtfully and ethically, students and teachers can unlock new possibilities and prepare for a world where learning never stops.



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