Artificial Intelligence at Barton Peveril
We aim to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance the overall educational experience for our staff and students. By maximising the opportunities that this technology offers, we can improve efficiency and effectiveness while maintaining excellent standards, with a human always on hand when needed.
The bespoke tools that we are using were created for us by Applied Data Science Partners (ADSP). ADSP worked closely with the College to develop innovative AI solutions specifically tailored to the College’s needs. Our AI tools operate within our IT tenancy, meaning no data is shared externally or with public Large Language Models (LLMs) like Chat GPT.
Generative AI at Barton Peveril Sixth Form College
Barton Peveril Sixth Form College recognises the importance of embracing innovative technologies that enhance education and prepare our students for the future. Generative AI has become an important tool in this approach, empowering both students and staff to engage with cutting-edge tools that enrich teaching, learning, and personal development.
How Do We Use Generative AI?
Generative AI is integrated into various aspects of college life at Barton Peveril:
- Enhance our Business Services: We use bespoke AI tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness within a number of administration areas in the College. By leveraging this technology we reduce repetitive work, enhance efficiency and reduce error – leading to improved services and enhanced staff satisfaction.
- Supporting Student Learning: Generative AI tools assist students in exploring complex concepts, generating ideas for projects, and providing instant feedback on written work. By offering access to AI-powered resources, students can benefit from a more personalised learning experience and staff can provide better informed interventions.
- Enhancing Teaching Practice: Our staff use generative AI as a tool to develop revision skills and retrieval practice for all students, enhance teaching and learning strategies to engage all learners and finally, to help ensure all learners make exceptional progress.
- Promoting Digital Literacy: Understanding how to use and evaluate AI technologies is a vital skill in the modern world. We will work with our students so that they are not only proficient in using these tools but also critically aware of their ethical implications, limitations, and potential biases.
What does this mean for students?
For our students, the introduction of AI is about opportunity, empowerment, and preparation for the future. We want every young person to leave college with not only subject knowledge, but also the digital skills and confidence they will need in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Students will benefit from:
Preparation for the future
AI is already part of the modern workplace and higher education. From medicine to finance, engineering to the creative industries, employers are looking for people who can use these technologies effectively. By embedding AI learning at college, we give our students a competitive edge, helping them transition confidently to university, apprenticeships, or employment.
Safe and effective training
We are not simply giving students access to AI tools, we are teaching them how to use them properly. This includes guidance on responsible and ethical use, avoiding misuse (such as plagiarism), and understanding the limits of AI. Students will learn how to ask the right questions, critically assess responses, and apply AI as a supportive tool rather than a shortcut. These skills will help them in both their studies and their future careers.
Equitable access for everyone
Not all students have the same resources outside of college. To make sure no one is left behind, we are providing free equitable access to a premium Large Language Model (LLM), Barton AI, a powerful AI system enhanced with strong safeguards and guardrails. This ensures that all students, regardless of background, can benefit from high-quality AI support in a safe, controlled environment.
At the heart of this work is our commitment to fairness and safety. Every student should feel confident that they can explore AI in a structured, secure way that enhances their learning without replacing their own effort and creativity.
In short, AI at Barton Peveril is about giving students the skills, access, and awareness to succeed, not just in their time at college, but in whatever path they choose to follow afterwards.
How are we preparing students to use AI?
We believe that simply giving students access to AI is not enough. To truly prepare them for the future, we need to ensure they develop the knowledge, judgement, and confidence to use these tools in the right way. That’s why we are delivering a programme of support that goes beyond technology, it’s about teaching digital literacy, critical thinking, and responsibility.
Here’s how we are preparing students:
Lessons in tutor sessions
Students will take part in dedicated workshops and classroom activities designed to help them understand the safe and effective use of AI. These sessions cover everything from how to structure questions for AI tools, to spotting mistakes or bias in AI-generated answers, to ensuring academic integrity (avoiding plagiarism and over-reliance).
Developing critical awareness
A key part of learning with AI is knowing when to use it, and when not to. Students are encouraged to think critically about how AI can support their work, while recognising that it is not a substitute for their own ideas, creativity, or effort. For example, AI might be helpful for generating revision questions, but it cannot replace the understanding gained from actively engaging with a subject.
Confidence for academic and professional life
By practising safe and responsible use at college, students will build the confidence to carry these skills into higher education, apprenticeships, and the workplace. They will leave us with practical knowledge of how AI is used in the real world, as well as the confidence to use it responsibly in professional contexts.
This approach ensures that AI becomes a supportive tool rather than a shortcut, helping students to strengthen their learning, independence, and readiness for the future.
TERMS
What is Generative AI?
Generative AI refers to advanced artificial intelligence systems capable of creating original content, including written text, images, music, and more. These systems, such as Google Gemini ChatGPT, Canva, and others, are transforming how people access and produce information, solve problems, and develop creative ideas.
OUR AI POLICY
Ethical and Responsible Use of AI
Barton Peveril is committed to the ethical use of generative AI. We prioritise:
- Data Privacy and Security: Ensuring all AI interactions are compliant with data protection regulations.
- Academic Integrity: Educating students on appropriate use and discouraging misuse, such as relying on AI for assessments without understanding the content.
- Ongoing Training: Providing staff and students with guidance on using AI responsibly and effectively.
AI AND SUSTAINABILITY
We are aware that training large AI models can come with a significant environmental cost. That’s why Barton Peveril has chosen to develop and host smaller, tailored AI systems, such as Barton Buddy, Barton AI, Library AI, and the forthcoming Barton PD.
By building models optimised specifically for our needs, we reduce energy consumption, avoid unnecessary data processing, and ensure our innovation remains responsible as well as effective. This approach aligns closely with the College’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes ground source heat pumps, solar panels, LED lighting with absence detection, double glazing, and a comprehensive recycling programme.
Together, these initiatives reflect our commitment to balancing progress with environmental stewardship, preparing students for a future where technology and sustainability must go hand in hand.
HOW ARE WE USING AI?
AI is being introduced thoughtfully and carefully to enhance, not replace, the excellent teaching and support our students already receive. We are using AI to make everyday processes more efficient, to enrich learning experiences, and to ensure our college continues to run smoothly and effectively.
Here are some of the ways AI is being used:
Day-to-day support
AI helps with routine administrative tasks such as timetabling, data management, and processing information. By streamlining these processes, staff have more time to focus on teaching, mentoring, and directly supporting students. The aim is to remove unnecessary “paperwork pressure” so people can spend more time on what matters most, student learning and wellbeing.
Learning enhancement
Students benefit from AI tools that support learning, provide personalised feedback, or help them explore subjects in new ways. For example, an AI system might help a student practise exam questions, explain a tricky concept in a different way, or suggest useful resources for further study. These tools are not designed to give students the answers, but to enhance their learning journey and build confidence in their own abilities.
Efficiency and accuracy
Behind the scenes, AI helps ensure the college runs as effectively as possible. From improving data systems to ensuring accuracy, these tools support the smooth running of Barton Peveril. This means students and staff can rely on clear information and well-organised systems, creating a more consistent and reliable experience across the college.
By using AI in these ways, we are hoping to create an environment where technology supports people. The ultimate goal is not to replace the human connections that make education so valuable, but to use innovation to strengthen them, helping teachers, staff, and students work smarter, not harder.
STUDENT GUIDANCE
Download our Student Guide (PDF) for Barton AI.
If you have any questions about how we use AI that is not covered, then please email us at ai@barton.ac.uk.
What is Barton Buddy?
Barton Buddy is our very own custom-built digital assistant, designed specifically for Barton Peveril students. Unlike general AI tools found online, Barton Buddy has been carefully developed to be safe, secure, and tailored to the needs of our college community.
Here’s what makes Barton Buddy unique:
Built for Barton Peveril
Barton Buddy isn’t a generic chatbot. It has been designed around the needs of our students and works in a different way from internet-based AI. Importantly, Barton Buddy does not have access to the internet. Instead, it searches within preset, carefully selected data sources chosen by the college. This means students can be confident that the information they receive is accurate, appropriate, and relevant to Barton Peveril. Because of this, students won’t encounter distractions, misinformation, or content outside the scope of their studies and college life. Barton Buddy gives reliable answers based only on what we know to be correct and useful for our community.
Safe and secure
Student safety is our top priority. Barton Buddy is built with strong safeguards and privacy protections to ensure conversations remain secure. Unlike many public AI platforms, it is designed with guardrails to prevent misuse and to make sure responses are accurate, respectful, and appropriate.
A supportive companion for learning
Barton Buddy can help students in a variety of ways, whether that’s exploring Q-Xtra’s, generating a list of homework that they have due, or helping them decide what that they want to eat from the lunch menu that day. It’s not there to do the work for them, but to guide, support, and enhance their learning experience by answering their questions when they have them.
Equitable access for all
Every Barton Peveril student has access to Barton Buddy, ensuring that everyone can benefit from high-quality AI support, regardless of their background or personal resources outside of college.
In short, Barton Buddy is like a digital study partner, always available, always safe, and always working to support our students’ success.
What is Barton AI?
Barton AI is our very own custom-built Large Language Model (LLM), a powerful AI system similar to ChatGPT, but designed and refined specifically for use in education. It has been developed to give our community access to the benefits of advanced AI while ensuring that safety, reliability, and educational value come first.
Built for education
While many AI tools available online are designed for general use, Barton AI is created with teaching and learning in mind. Its primary purpose is to support students and staff in an academic setting, helping with revision, research, study skills, and subject exploration.
A safer alternative
Public AI tools can raise concerns around privacy, misuse, or access to unsafe material. Barton AI provides the same power and usefulness of cutting-edge AI, but in a controlled environment designed to protect students and align with the college’s values.
Practical support for learning
Barton AI can help students brainstorm ideas, practise exam-style questions, clarify complex topics, or generate revision aids. It is not there to replace hard work or creativity but to act as a study partner and learning enhancer.
Enhanced safeguards and guardrails
Barton AI has filters, monitoring, and guardrails built in to prevent inappropriate content, reduce the risk of misleading information, and keep interactions safe for students. This makes it a far more reliable and secure option compared with public AI platforms, many of which are unregulated.
Equitable access for all students
Every student can access Barton AI. This ensures that AI learning is not just for those who can afford premium tools outside of college, but for everyone, regardless of background.
Barton AI is a safer, education-focused version of advanced AI technology, created so Barton Peveril students can explore, learn, and prepare for the future with confidence.
What is Barton PD?
Barton PD stands for Barton Personal Development. It is a bespoke AI-powered agent designed to help students grow not just academically, but also personally and professionally. While subjects and qualifications are central to college life, we know that students also need support in building the skills, confidence, and self-awareness that will prepare them for life beyond Barton Peveril.
Here’s how Barton PD supports students:
Personal growth and reflection
Barton PD provides a safe space for students to reflect on their strengths, areas for development, and goals. It can guide them through structured activities that encourage self-awareness, resilience, and confidence-building.
Skills development
From time management and organisation to communication and problem-solving, Barton PD helps students practise and strengthen the “soft skills” that are increasingly valued by employers and universities. It acts as a digital coach, offering tips, scenarios, and encouragement to support growth.
Future planning
Whether a student is considering university, apprenticeships, or employment, Barton PD can help them explore their options, prepare for applications and interviews, and think carefully about the steps they need to take. It offers advice and resources tailored to individual goals, supporting informed and confident decision-making.
Barton PD is more than just a tool, it is a personal development companion, guiding students through the wider journey of growth that happens alongside their academic studies. It ensures that when they leave Barton Peveril, they are not only well-qualified but also well-prepared, confident, and ready for the future.
What is Library AI?
Library AI is a bespoke digital assistant designed to enhance how students and staff engage with our library services. Its purpose is to make accessing resources, research materials, and study support faster, easier, and more personalised.
Safe and Controlled
Just like Barton AI and Barton Buddy, Library AI operates in a secure environment. It draws only from the college’s curated library databases and trusted resources, ensuring that information remains reliable, relevant, and free from distractions or misinformation.
Smarter Searching
Library AI helps students quickly locate books, journals, articles, and digital resources in the college library system. By using natural language queries, students can save time and uncover relevant, high-quality sources.
Barton Buddy FAQs
Barton Buddy is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered digital assistant that can search Barton Peveril content from various systems and sources to answer student questions and provide relevant information on various topics. These include (but are not limited to) the following:
Talk to the Careers Site and retrieve information
Talk to Focus and retrieve data about attendance, grades, lessons, teachers, etc.
Talk to the Health and Wellbeing Site and retrieve information
Talk to the Exam Site and retrieve information
Talk to the Library Site and retrieve information
Before anything is sent to the Gemini Large Language Model (LLM), the prompt itself is scanned in two ways.
Banned Topics
There is a list of Ban Topics currently set to:
- Violence
- Self Harm
- Terrorism
- Suicide
- Sexual Acts
- Pornography
If it detects any of these topics in the input prompt, it will raise the following response:
Toxicity Monitor
There is also a ‘toxicity’ monitor, defined as picking up on statements that are toxic – e.g. against a particular religion or sex; again, this will return the same statement as above.
Then, there is our second line of defence on the output itself. If Gemini detects that it is saying something that triggers Gemini’s own content filter, then it will output the following instead.
We have also added a disclaimer to Barton Buddy, stating:
“Please note that Barton Buddy is in beta and can make mistakes. Always check the sources of information.”
All the pre-checks for flagging add about 3.5 seconds to each request, but it’s a necessary step for safety.
No. AI is a tool to assist students, not replace their own efforts. Students are responsible for completing their work independently, and AI should only be used to support their learning and development.
We have invested in developing our own AI tools that have additional safeguards built into them, in addition to the providers standard ones.
Barton Peveril will continue to ensure that students can learn effectively without access to AI. AI cannot replace critical thinking and human decision making.
Encourage your child to experiment with different AI tools and discuss their experiences with you. Help them understand the ethical considerations of using AI and support them in developing responsible research and writing habits.
The main risk is the potential for misuse, such as plagiarism or over-reliance on AI-generated content. However, with proper guidance and responsible use, AI can be a valuable asset for students. It’s important to have open conversations with your child about ethical AI use and encourage them to consult their supervisor if they have any questions or concerns.
Barton AI is our ‘front end’ to Large Language Models (LLM) designed to assist you with your studies. It can answer your questions, provide explanations, generate ideas, and offer feedback on your work.
We are committed to providing a fair and unbiased learning experience. We are constantly monitoring and refining Barton AI to mitigate potential biases that can occur in AI models.
Barton AI is completely free for all students of Barton Peveril. We believe this is a resource that should be accessible to everyone in our learning community.
Barton AI can help you with a wide range of tasks, including:
Preparing for exams: Test your knowledge and identify areas where you need to focus your studies.
Research: Find information and resources for your assignments.
Writing: Generate ideas, improve your writing style, and check for grammar and spelling errors.
Understanding complex topics: Get clear explanations and different perspectives on challenging subjects.
Problem-solving: Work through problems step-by-step and get assistance with finding solutions.
No, Barton AI is a tool to enhance your learning experience, not replace human interaction and guidance. Your teachers remain essential for providing personalised support, feedback, and mentorship. Barton AI is here to assist both you and your teachers in the learning process.
While Barton AI is a powerful tool, it’s important to remember it has limitations:
- It cannot provide personal advise or opinions.
- It may not always have the most up-to-date information on every topic.
- It can sometimes generate incorrect or biased responses, so it’s crucial to critically evaluate the information it provides.
Barton Buddy uses data within the College network, and is covered by our GDPR and privacy policies. Your data will be kept within the College’s control and will not transferred externally to any third party when using its functionality.
Examples of personal data that Barton Buddy can access include, but are not limited to:
Talk to department sites (those that use sites instead of Classroom)
- Student and staff names
- Student and staff timetables and course enrolments
- Attendance, grades and progress
- Exam schedules
- Read docs from the BB Brain folder – anything on a doc, including
- Answer questions about closure days, exam dates, end of term, college holidays, etc
- Provide details of the lunch menu each day, including allergen information
- Answer questions on EPQ and Q-XTRA
- Answer questions about reporting absences
- Provide details on bus times
- Talk to Google Classroom
AI stands for Artificial Intelligence. It refers to computer programs that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as understanding language, generating text, and analysing data. AI can help students with research, brainstorming, and getting feedback on their work.
Talk to your child about the importance of academic integrity and the ethical use of AI. Encourage them to cite any AI-generated content properly and to use AI as a tool to enhance their own work, not to plagiarise or take shortcuts.
AI is becoming a widely available tool, and all students will have the opportunity to use it responsibly. The course assessments focus on the student’s own skills and understanding. Using AI effectively can demonstrate initiative and resourcefulness, but it won’t replace the need for critical thinking and independent research.
Encourage your child to explore different AI tools and discuss their experiences with you. Help them understand the ethical considerations of using AI and support them in developing responsible research and writing habits. You can also stay informed about AI in education (through our updates in the College newsletter) and discuss its potential benefits and challenges with your child.
When used responsibly, AI can complement and enhance learning, not replace it. Encourage your child to use AI as a tool to support their own thinking and problem-solving skills, not as a shortcut to avoid effort or critical thinking. Using technology is also an important part of study, society and employment.
Check in with your child about their study progress and discuss how they are using AI in their research and college work.
All your interactions with Barton AI are stored within our own secure domain (barton.ac.uk). This means your data is not shared with any third-party companies or cloud services, ensuring it remains private and confidential.
Yes, for safeguarding purposes, all your interactions with Barton AI are logged (just as they are with internet searches on the College system). This helps us identify and address any inappropriate use of the system. These logs are regularly reviewed, and any concerning interactions are flagged for further action.
You can access Barton AI from any device with your Barton login, anywhere with an internet connection, by visiting ai.barton.ac.uk.
While Barton AI shares similarities with other LLMs, it has some key advantages:
Privacy and security: Your data stays within the Barton Peveril domain.
Focus on education: It’s specifically designed to support your learning and academic success.
Be clear and specific with your questions and requests. The more context you provide, the better Barton AI can understand your needs and provide relevant responses. Experiment with different prompts and ways of phrasing your queries to explore its full potential.