In a groundbreaking initiative, schools in Liverpool are being introduced to the advantages of artificial intelligence (AI) to help teachers customize lessons and simplify homework grading. This pilot program is a collaboration between Century Tech and Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram.
During a recent interview, Rotheram expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing its potential to improve educational outcomes in a region that has faced academic challenges in the past. He highlighted how the Century platform is specifically designed to deliver personalized instruction by selecting questions tailored to the unique needs of each student.
At Runnymede St Edwards Primary School, where AI tools have been implemented for three years, students are already witnessing the benefits of this technology. Year Six student Noah shared his thoughts during an open day event. “If you’re good at your times tables but struggling with science, the system provides you with extra science assignments while letting you keep practicing your times tables. It keeps you engaged with the subjects you need to improve,” he said.
The AI’s abilities extend beyond personalizing assignments; it also takes on the grading of homework, which significantly reduces the workload for teachers. After grading, the class teacher receives a detailed report highlighting each student’s strengths and weaknesses.
Priya Lakhani, founder and CEO of Century, pointed out that this tool empowers teachers to identify skill gaps effectively. “It’s nearly impossible for one teacher to do this for a class of 25 to 35 students without technology,” she explained.
Teacher Joe Quilty, who manages the Century system at Runnymede, commented on the considerable time savings it offers. “It’s a game changer for me; I used to spend hours grading homework after school. Now, I can use that time more efficiently,” he shared.
Mayor Rotheram expressed hope that the success of this pilot program will pave the way for a nationwide rollout. “The current state of our qualification standards in post-secondary education is concerning. Many students enter college needing additional assistance with fundamental skills like English and mathematics,” he noted. “We can’t afford to let our children down at such an early stage, as the costs of later intervention are exorbitant.”
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