The remarkable growth of generative AI tools like ChatGPT has opened up exciting new opportunities for young learners. Used wisely, AI can be a powerful ally in boosting creativity, learning and problem-solving skills. However, without proper guidance, young people may stumble into challenges including inaccurate information, data security risks, and a growing reliance on AI over their own critical thinking.

From setting clear usage boundaries to teaching digital hygiene and promoting independent thought, it’s important that parents are familiar with some practical advice on the safe, positive use of AI. With the right understanding and guidance, you can ensure that generative AI becomes a positive influence, rather than a potential pitfall in young people’s digital lives.

Read the AI safety guide for more information.

Parents Pastoral Forum – Generative AI

For further tips and information, parents are warmly invited to our next Foundation Parents Pastoral Forum. Mrs Parkinson-Mills,  Foundation Director of Digitally Enabled Learning, will lead a session for parents on Thursday 12 March, 6.30pm — 8pm in Kings High Hall.

The session will cover:

• What A.I. is (and what it isn’t) in an educational context  
• Practical examples of how students can use A.I. tools responsibly to support their learning 
• How parents can help guide positive and appropriate use at home  
• Key considerations around safeguarding, ethics and digital literacy
• How we are educating our students in all areas of safe and appropriate use of AI

Sign up now

Year 4 have been exploring Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. They created colourful self-portraits in the style of the artist's work. All the boys' work will be shown in an exhibition after Easter, but the first batch of paintings have gone on display in the Junior School, and they look fantastic!

It was wonderful to welcome the boys back this week after half-term. On Monday, we introduced our new Learning Strength, Reflectiveness. Linking to our Book Day, which we celebrated on Thursday this week, we reflected on reading and how we could approach the challenges of finding time to read, choosing the right books and getting advice.  The boys heard ‘top tips’ form children's authors on how to ensure you enjoy reading. This included: 

• Reading with friends who are reading the same book makes it more fun through conversations about characters and plot twists.  

• Treat new books like trying new food — give it a chance, because it may become a favourite 

• Enjoying reading starts with picking stories that genuinely appeal to you — your favourite genres, topics, or characters. This personal connection makes reading feel like a treat rather than a task. 

• Find a place and time when you are comfortable and able to read – this might be first thing in the morning in bed or in your favourite chair in the corner of your bedroom. You might enjoy reading outside in the garden or just before going to bed.  

Please do look at the World Book Day website which provides lots of information and resources for families.  

It was another busy week at the Junior School with fixtures for Year 4 and Year 6, and it was great to see the boys engaging so positively with our Book Day celebrations. Thank you to Mrs Evason for coordinating the day and our PAWS volunteers for running the Book Sale. This morning, Year 6 also joined with the girls in the Prep School for a Loudmouth PSHE workshop.  

Wishing you a restful weekend, 

John Bond 

The 35th Warwick Junior School 7s Festival took place in glorious weather and welcomed some of the strongest rugby‑playing junior schools from across the Midlands, stretching from Nottingham to Oxford to Worcester.

Across eight matches — four in the morning and four in the afternoon — the standard of rugby was exceptionally high, with fast, skilful and competitive play throughout the day. The Warwick U11 team rose to the challenge superbly, showcasing outstanding teamwork, resilience and flair. They are developing into an outstanding 7s team and we look forward to seeing how them participating in the upcoming Summerfields and Caldicott Festivals.

A special mention goes to the U11 B Team, who showed tremendous determination competing against all the other schools’ and to the A team, who never once gave up, demonstrating some fantastic handling skills and representing the school with pride.

A huge thank you to all staff, referees, ground staff and the catering team for their hard work in making this year’s festival another great success.

Year 5 have been working hard on their percentages and enjoyed putting their skills to the test in a fun, practical way last week. Working in groups of different sizes, they designed their own challenges and timed how many members could complete each task. The results were recorded as fractions and then converted into percentages.

The activity gave the boys a great opportunity to apply their maths knowledge while having fun with friends. It was a fantastic way to show how relevant percentages are in everyday life and how maths can be both useful and enjoyable.

As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, this week we have focused on Children’s Mental Health Week and the theme of belonging. In assembly on Monday, I talked to the boys about the importance of feeling that you belong whilst also staying true to yourself. Linking to our current learning strength, we reflected on the responsibility we have to help others feel that they belong and are valued. 

Bearing this in mind, it was wonderful to see so many events this week where belonging was a theme. During the week, boys represented their houses in the house football competition whilst Year 3 and 4 joined with the Prep School for a Chapel service on Wednesday morning. Also on Wednesday, Year 6 continued their preparation for the move to the senior school with a meeting with Mr Walker, Head of Year 7, on how best to prepare for the transition to Warwick School. Today, Year 3 and 4 again joined the Prep School as part of the Link Day programme to take part in a range of activities with Year 3 designing the best marble ball rollercoaster and Year 4 completing an exciting spy challenge. 

As we start the half term break, please note the arrangements below for the Junior School Book Day on Thursday 26th February, including the donations for the PAWS Book Sale.  

Thank you for your support of your sons and I wish you all a restful half term holiday. 

John Bond