Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept. It’s already part of our daily lives, from predictive text on phones to AI-generated search results. For students, it’s even more present. Many are already using tools like ChatGPT to help with homework or generate ideas for essays. At The British College of Brazil (BCB), we believe it’s essential to guide students in using AI responsibly, critically, and creatively.
As AI becomes more accessible, it also becomes easier for students to rely on it in ways that can hinder genuine learning. Copying AI-generated answers or using it to bypass thinking can limit a student’s ability to develop essential skills like analysis, reflection, and independent writing. That’s why we focus on building AI literacy — helping students understand how to use these tools as support, not shortcuts.
We also teach students to question the information AI provides. AI tools are not neutral. They reflect the biases of the data they were trained on, which can lead to skewed or incomplete perspectives. For example, when asked to list the most intelligent people in history, many AI tools return a list dominated by white, male, Western figures. At BCB, we help students recognise these patterns and think critically about the sources they use.
We know that teachers are still learning how to use AI themselves. That’s why we’ve introduced Flint — an AI tool designed specifically for safe classroom use. Flint allows teachers to upload curriculum materials and generate quizzes, feedback, and learning activities. It saves time while supporting high-quality teaching.
In our Humanities department, Flint has become a valuable tool for developing student writing. After receiving teacher feedback, students redraft their work using Flint, which offers further suggestions and prompts. This process encourages metacognition and helps students take ownership of their learning. Importantly, it doesn’t replace the teacher — it enhances the feedback process without increasing workload.
Our students appreciate the support AI tools provide, but they’re also clear about what matters most: human connection. They’ve told us they value teacher feedback more than AI-generated responses. They trust their teachers to understand their progress, their goals, and the bigger picture of their learning journey.
This reinforces our belief that AI should never replace the teacher. Instead, it should be used to strengthen the learning process, giving students more opportunities to reflect, revise, and grow.
As AI continues to evolve, so will our approach. At BCB, we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve — not just by adopting new tools, but by teaching students how to use them with care, curiosity, and critical thinking.
We know parents have questions about how AI is used in schools. Here are a few practical tips and resources to help you support your child:
