St George’s Ascot was delighted to welcome Gaz Lewis, Global Reference Program Lead, and Luke Craig, Programs and Community Lead, from Google for Education for a special visit recognising the school’s role as a Google Reference School.
The visit provided an opportunity to share how digital innovation and emerging technologies are supporting teaching and learning across the School, while also enabling valuable dialogue about future developments in education technology.
The morning began with a Year 11 workshop exploring responsible AI use and the application of NotebookLM to support independent learning, critical thinking and academic organisation. Google colleagues then toured lessons across departments, met staff using technology creatively in their teaching, and spoke with pupils from multiple year groups about their experiences of learning with digital tools.
Throughout the visit, the Google team praised the school’s confident and thoughtful approach to technology integration, highlighting the strong relationships observed in lessons, the purposeful use of ICT and the maturity with which pupils engage critically with AI-generated content.
Particular highlights included pupil-led discussions around AI reliability and bias, alongside thoughtful suggestions for future platform developments which demonstrated both digital fluency and intellectual curiosity.
It was a wonderful exchange of ideas and a moment of real pride for us. The professionalism, warmth and curiosity shown by both staff and pupils truly reflected the culture of learning we strive to create every day.
Drinna Ferrer, Learning Innovation Lead
The visit also enabled valuable professional dialogue, with Google colleagues sharing insights, responding to questions and exploring ways the school’s innovative practice could continue to develop.
As a Google Reference School, St George’s Ascot remains committed to ensuring technology enhances, rather than replaces, deep learning, creativity and critical thinking. The focus is not simply on using digital tools, but on empowering pupils to understand them, question them and use them with confidence and responsibility.
The visit was a powerful reminder that innovation at St George’s is driven by people: thoughtful teachers, curious pupils and a shared ambition to prepare young women for a rapidly evolving world.
Critical engagement with AI is becoming a core academic skill. Visits like this allow us to remain both ambitious and thoughtful in how we prepare pupils for the future.
Jeremy Hoar, Deputy Head Academic