This week, Year 13 pupils welcomed Old Greshamian Siam Kidd for an enrichment talk examining the rapid development of artificial intelligence and the technological forces likely to shape the decades ahead.

Drawing on examples from previous waves of innovation — from the rise of the internet, to today’s accelerating AI infrastructure — Siam encouraged pupils to consider how transformative technologies have historically reshaped economies, industries and everyday life. His talk explored how AI is now influencing fields as diverse as robotics, biotechnology and space exploration, and challenged pupils to think about the scale and speed of change that may define the coming generation. 

The session prompted a wide range of reactions among the Year 13 cohort. Some pupils appreciated the speaker’s direct and provocative style, valuing the honesty with which he discussed both the promise and the uncertainty of emerging technologies. Others questioned aspects of the predictions presented and engaged critically with the ideas shared.

Whatever individual viewpoints, the talk certainly achieved its aim of stimulating thought and discussion. 

As Generation Z prepares to enter an increasingly technology-driven society, opportunities to hear different perspectives on innovation, ethics and global change remain an important part of the enrichment programme. The session served as a reminder that while the future of AI may be uncertain, intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and adaptability will be essential qualities for the next generation navigating it.