With technology playing an ever more critical role in education and the rise of Artificial Intelligence large language models such as Chat GPT, Wishford Education are delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Balderson as Director of Innovation. This new role will provide group-wide leadership in all things AI and Digital, to ensure our schools remain at the forefront of educational innovation.
Artificial Intelligence provides great opportunities for educational innovation, but also poses potential threats which will require schools to adapt their approach, for example with changes to homework and coursework. In this new role, Simon will spearhead the integration of AI into classroom practice, supporting colleagues, pupils and parents to understand the impact, assess responses and adapt our approach.
Currently in position as Deputy Head (Academic) at Westonbirt School, Simon brings a wealth of experience from a number of senior roles in leading schools, with a passion for technology and a deep interest in how the power of AI can be harnessed for the benefit of education.
Commenting on his appointment, Simon Balderson said: ‘I’m excited to take on this new role. The intersection of technology and learning has long been an area of interest for me. With the rate of change and development in these areas accelerating, I’m looking forward to supporting schools across the group to get the best from technology, looking at teaching and learning, assessment, feedback, jobs, skills and ethics.’
Sam Antrobus, Founder and Chief Executive of the Wishford group, added: ‘The creation of this new role highlights the importance technology plays in the classroom today and our commitment to be at the leading edge of change. Technology doesn’t replace excellent teaching. The relationship between pupil and teacher in the classroom and the tailored approach for each child is central to the value of an independent education. It can, however, be an enabling tool which supports teaching and learning. Training and empowering teaching staff across the group will form a critical element of the role as we all adapt to a technology which is evolving at breakneck pace.
‘We are launching a search for Westonbirt’s new Deputy Head (Academic) today. This is a really exciting role for an ambitious educationalist. Westonbirt is part-way through an incredible transformation, having shifted from a small girls-only school with fewer than 200 pupils, to being fully co-educational with over 500 pupils, over a five-year period. We have great ambition for Westonbirt and the new Deputy Head (Academic) will play a leading role in the next phase of the school’s development.’
Candidates interested in the Deputy Head (Academic) role can find further details here: Deputy Head (Academic), Gloucestershire – Tes Jobs