AI explorers

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way we learn, work, and live. At Gerbera Academy, we believe children should not only know how to use AI, but also understand how it works, how to think critically, and how to use it responsibly.

Our unique AI Explorers course introduces students to a different AI tool each week while developing creativity, problem-solving, digital literacy, and critical thinking. Children will be exploring leading AI platforms together with our specialist teacher.

Children today are already growing up surrounded by AI — from recommendations and voice assistants to predictive text and facial recognition. The difference lies between simply using these technologies and understanding how they work: between being a passive consumer and becoming someone who knows how to question, think critically and make informed choices. At AI Explorers, we focus on the latter.

Students create artwork, music, videos and real-world solutions while learning essential skills such as writing effective prompts, fact-checking AI-generated information, recognising deepfakes and online scams, and using AI to support learning ethically rather than replacing independent thinking.

A key focus throughout the course is AI ethics. We help children understand that AI is a powerful tool – not a substitute for human creativity, critical thinking, decision-making, or meaningful collaboration. They learn when to rely on technology and when their own ideas, judgement and imagination matter most. We explain that AI is not a friend or a person, it may communicate in a human-like way, but it has no feelings, personal experience or sense of responsibility. Children are encouraged not to share personal worries, problems or secrets with AI — these are conversations to have with trusted adults in their lives.

By the end of the course, students will have developed a practical understanding of how to use AI thoughtfully, critically and safely. They will be able to explain why AI can sometimes produce convincing but inaccurate information, why the same question may generate different answers, and how to check AI-generated content rather than simply accepting it as fact. They will learn how to write effective prompts, recognise the risks of deepfakes and AI-generated voices, and use AI to understand and explore school subjects rather than bypass the learning process. A theme running throughout the course is our ‘Trap of the Week’: each session explores a different way in which AI can mislead us, giving students eleven real-world examples and, importantly, the critical-thinking skills to recognise and respond to them.

How We Use AI Safely:

Children will not be required to create personal accounts with AI services. We follow and respect the age requirements and terms of use of each platform used or demonstrated during the course. As AI platforms and their age requirements can change, we review the tools used on the course regularly.
For services that students are not old enough to use independently, we use our ‘Pilot and Navigator’ approach – the teacher operates the service and shares the screen, while students remain responsible for the thinking and creative process. They develop and refine prompts, discuss different approaches, evaluate the results and make the creative decisions. The child leads the thinking, the teacher operates the technology.
Children are taught not to enter personal information into AI services, including their full name, home address, school details or photographs.