Designing the future at Wycombe Abbey

Wycombe Abbey recently held a 'Designing The Future' event, providing the opportunity to explore the big questions in education and to consider how to best prepare girls for life after school in a rapidly changing world.

Wycombe Abbey parents are keen to keep up with the latest discussions regarding school curriculum, technological advances, and how their daughters can leave school ready for a rapidly changing world.

The event was a panel-style conversation ably chaired by Nick Woods, Deputy Head (Strategy and Operations), and was designed to discuss the big questions on everyone’s minds, such as: What are the risks and ethical considerations of using AI in education? What have been the most influential technological developments over the last two decades? What will examinations look like in the years to come? What are employers looking for in school leavers and graduates? 

Between them, the panel had a wealth of experience; it was comprised of Baroness Rock (Member of the House of Lords and Chair of the Costain Group), Mark Steed (an experienced UK and International Headmaster), Rafi Azim-Khan (Head of the Data/Cyber and IP/IT Practices at an international law firm) and Morgan Dee (Director of AI and Data Science at EDUCATE Ventures Research). 

At the start of the evening, four pupils shared information on the innovative projects they have been working on. Ahana (LVI) talked about the creation of Saathi, a socially conscious menstrual hygiene brand. Rebecca (LVI) spoke about her work as an Arkwright Scholar (Engineering). Bea (LVI) explained how she is developing technological solutions to support accessibility for partially sighted people, and Lily (UV) talked about the development of award-winning AquaSentiel, a marine exploration initiative.

The conversation flowed, and Wycombe Abbey pupils asked some very insightful and challenging questions.

Watch the event recording here: Designing the Future - February 2024 (vimeo.com)