Scotland Appoints First Dedicated AI Literacy Teacher Amid Growing Concerns

Mearns Castle High School in Scotland has appointed Jamie Laycock as the UK's first dedicated principal teacher of AI literacy, a role focused on educating students and staff about the implications of artificial intelligence.

The school's initiative reflects a growing awareness of AI's presence in students' lives, with many already using the technology for homework and coursework. Laycock's mission is to equip young people with the skills to critically evaluate AI outputs, rather than simply accepting them.

In his lessons, Laycock has used exercises such as identifying AI-generated images to demonstrate the increasing difficulty of distinguishing between real and fake content, highlighting the rapid advancement of deepfake technology. He also addresses the phenomenon of AI "hallucinations," where the technology confidently presents fabricated information. Laycock emphasizes the importance of foundational knowledge and critical thinking to help students discern genuine facts from AI-generated inaccuracies.

Another concern Laycock addresses is "anthropomorphism," the tendency for users, particularly young people, to treat AI chatbots as human-like companions or experts. He stresses that AI is a machine, and maintaining this perspective is crucial for balanced interaction.

The curriculum will also cover AI biases, which stem from the data used to train the systems. Lessons will be adapted for different age groups, starting with fundamental knowledge and critical thinking for younger students, and progressing to practical applications for older pupils. Laycock clarifies that the school's approach is not to promote AI but to ensure students can use it appropriately and responsibly without compromising their own critical thinking abilities.

This appointment follows a report by Edinburgh University that found Scottish schools lacked the capacity to adequately prepare for the rapid rise of AI. While many schools have AI leads, Mearns Castle's dedicated role is believed to be a first in the UK.

All pupils in the first two years of secondary school (S1 and S2) will receive AI literacy lessons, with older students covering the topic in citizenship and personal education classes. An elective course will also be available for senior students. Laycock will also train colleagues and develop teaching materials for other schools.

The creation of the role was prompted by significant interest from parents and pupils regarding AI's potential impact on future careers. Some senior students, like 17-year-old Tomo, are already contemplating how AI might reshape professions they planned to enter.

Head teacher Stuart Clark stated that the implications of AI are profound for both the economy and society. He emphasized that the school's engagement with AI is about responsible education, not advocacy, and aims to avoid the pitfalls of social media adoption without adequate understanding of its consequences.

In March, the Scottish government released national guidelines on AI in education, underscoring the importance of ethical use, avoiding over-reliance, and maintaining human interaction. Education Secretary Màiri McAllan expressed encouragement for schools exploring AI literacy and affirmed that the government will continuously review the evolving technology.