Andy Brunning, Lead Subject Advisor

This blog was originally published in November 2023 and has now been updated with additional resources and links.

The rapid and ongoing advances in generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools bring both benefits and challenges to education and assessment. Our programme of support will help you understand what you’re expected to do when it comes to student AI use, and what to look out for.

All of the materials we’re producing to support your understanding of AI are available on our AI support page. We know that different teachers’ understanding of AI will vary, so we’ve tried to make sure we have something to help everyone, including videos, webinars, and more.

I don’t know much about AI – where should I start?

We’ve created a helpful video, less than 10 minutes long, which gives you an overview of AI in education. This covers the basics of what AI is, how it can be used in assessments, and what you as teachers are expected to do. It’s a useful foundation to ensure you can get the most from our other AI support content.

What support is already available from OCR?

We’ve already run several general webinars, led by experts from our subject advisor, policy, and compliance teams. The first took a more detailed look at AI use in assessments. This included looking at the current guidance and what schools are expected to do, as well as tips on tackling AI malpractice concerns. Watch the recording of the AI webinar.

Our second webinar focused on how you can manage the use of AI in your school or college. Our team of subject advisors and guest teachers discussed how to put together an AI policy, and how to guide students to use AI appropriately. Watch the recording of this webinar.

Our third webinar was led by our compliance team, who highlighted strategies and tools for detecting student AI use, and the steps you can take to address any concerns. Watch the recording of this webinar.

How about subject-specific support?

We’re running a series of subject-specific AI support webinars in January and February, focusing on qualifications with non-examination assessment where the risk of inappropriate AI use is greater. These webinars will highlight the AI tools it’s helpful to be aware of for your subject. They will support your understanding of appropriate and inappropriate use of AI in teaching and assessment, as well as giving you an opportunity to ask your questions. Check the webinars we’re running and book your free place.

If you miss the webinar for your subject, don’t worry – we’ll be following up these webinars with blogs which will detail our guidance and answer your questions.

What other guidance should I be aware of?

The JCQ issued guidance on the use of AI in assessments which defines misuse of AI and what you should do if it is suspected. The guidance also details what schools need to do when it comes to AI policy, and teacher and student guidance.

How can I get answers to my questions about AI?

Our webinars give you the opportunity to ask our presenters questions about AI and you can even submit a question in advance. We’d encourage you to take advantage of these two great opportunities to learn more. Alternatively, you can also get support from our subject advisors by emailing us at support@ocr.org.uk. We’re always happy to hear teachers’ questions, ideas and suggestions, especially where you feel further guidance would be helpful.

Stay connected

Share your thoughts in the comments below. If you have any questions, you can email us at support@ocr.org.uk, call us on 01223 553998 or tweet us @OCRexams. You can also sign up to subject updates to keep up-to-date with the latest news, updates and resources. 

About the author

Andy joined OCR in September 2017 as the subject advisor for A Level Chemistry. He has a Chemistry BSc and a Secondary Science PGCE from the University of Bath. Before joining OCR, he worked as a chemistry teacher in Bournemouth and Cambridge. He also sidelines as a science communicator and has produced infographic projects for the Royal Society of Chemistry and the American Chemical Society.