The Harris Group

A group of Harris students delved into the world of AI on Tuesday 24^th February as they participated in the Microsoft AI Tour at Excel London.  The 13 students had a fantastic time learning more about AI and seeing how it is transforming the world around us.  It was an exceptional opportunity which we were pleased to be able to arrange for students.

The Computer Science and IT Sixth Form students spent the day with Microsoft’s AI experts finding out about the latest advances in AI and what careers might be open to them.  The students heard from Satya Nadella, Microsoft Global CEO, and Darren Hardman, CEO Microsoft UK and Ireland, who spoke about the impact AI is having across all areas of life including education, medicine, construction, the Premier League and Formula 1. The students were enthralled by these keynote speeches and came away inspired by what they had heard.

Throughout the day-long event, students attended a series of short ‘lightning’ talks, participated in challenges and had the chance to speak to a variety of AI professionals working at organisations such as Microsoft, Copilot and Asure

A highlight of the day was a surprise meeting with former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who is a senior adviser at Microsoft.  Speaking with a small group of students, Mr Sunak asked them how they are using AI and how they would like it to be used.  The students were thrilled to meet him and asked him some very in-depth questions about the use of AI and how he thinks it should be regulated.

The students will now feed back everything they learnt to the Harris Federation Student AI Council which is supporting the Federation to embrace AI in a safe and effective way for both students and teachers.

Oghenefejiro Oyibo, a student at Harris Academy Riverside, said:

“Meeting Rishi Sunak was a particularly memorable experience and a rare opportunity for which I am very grateful.  It added significant value to the day and made the event feel especially impactful.  I also appreciated the opportunity to discuss degree apprenticeships and university pathways with him.”

William Amenyah, a student at Harris Academy Purley, said:

“The experience was incredibly motivating and has encouraged me to continue developing my skills in AI and its applications.”

Victor Rojo Pasynok, a student at Harris Westminster Sixth Form, said:

“I really enjoyed attending the AI tour.  All the interesting companies, expert voices on the topic and the AI expositions were a blast.  And a personal chat with Rishi Sunak was the cherry on top!”

Jonathan O’Donnell, Senior Computer Science Consultant and AI Lead at the Harris Federation, said:

“It’s been a truly inspiring day and our students have come away enthused about what they have learnt.  They have been given a fantastic insight into the world of AI and are very excited about the sorts of careers that are now open to them.

“We are very grateful to Microsoft for giving our students this incredible opportunity.  They listened intently to all the advice the Microsoft team had for them and I am sure they will refer back to this as they consider what career path to take.

“Special thanks to Rishi Sunak for taking the time to meet with our students.  He engaged in a really good discussion with them and it was a pleasure to listen to their questions and ideas.”