Lower Sixth Explore ‘AI for Good’

On Friday, Caterham’s Lower Sixth pupils had the exciting opportunity to attend the Raleigh Lecture 2026 at Drapers’ Hall in London, exploring the theme ‘AI for Good?’ and the real-world impact of artificial intelligence across industries including technology, finance, defence, and enterprise.

The event brought together leading entrepreneurs and industry experts, offering pupils valuable insights into how AI is already shaping the modern workplace and the skills that will be essential for the future.

Pupils heard from an impressive line-up of speakers. Ideja Bajra discussed her journey from cell biology to AI strategy, emphasising the importance of mentorship, resilience, and human skills in shaping responsible AI innovation. Chris Simmance demonstrated how interconnected AI systems are already transforming everyday workflows, highlighting that critical thinking and the ability to ask the right questions remain essential human capabilities.

Manon Dave explored how AI can enhance creativity and support projects with positive social impact, while the Raleigh Lecture itself, delivered by Tom Murphy of Google DeepMind, examined the ethical and global challenges surrounding artificial intelligence and the importance of responsible development.

The day also included group discussions and opportunities for pupils to engage directly with experts, encouraging them to think critically about the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence.

It was an inspiring and thought-provoking experience, and we are grateful to the organisers for providing such a valuable opportunity for our pupils.

“Before attending the lecture, I mostly associated AI with risks such as job loss or machines replacing human skills. However, hearing directly from people working in the industry changed my perspective. The speakers explained how AI is most powerful when it works alongside human creativity, judgement and collaboration. I was particularly interested in how AI can help people become more productive and support innovation rather than simply replacing tasks. The discussions also highlighted the importance of ethics and responsibility when developing new technologies. Overall, the experience left me feeling much more optimistic about the role AI could play in future careers and society.”