Championing humanity in the age of AI: Newcastle High School for Girls inspires the next generation
At Schools North East, we love seeing our schools give young people opportunities to explore the big questions that will shape their futures. Last week, Newcastle High School for Girls (NHSG) hosted its second annual Future First Conference, bringing pupils, parents, and alumnae together to discuss what it means to champion human intelligence in an age of artificial intelligence.
It was inspiring to see pupils stepping confidently into these conversations, exploring how creativity, empathy, and judgement remain central to the world of work, and how the choices they make today will shape the society of tomorrow.
A conference with purpose
Now in its second year, the annual conference brings together pupils in Years 10 and 12, alongside parents, to consider what the world of work might look like for the next generation — and how they can shape it.
Throughout the day, pupils, alumnae, and staff examined why human intelligence, creativity, and judgement remain essential in a world increasingly defined by rapid technological advancement.
Assistant Head and conference organiser David Hyde presented the event theme with his address “AI and 2026 – Two Competing Visions of Our Futures,” urging attendees to reflect on the opportunities, risks, and ethical questions surrounding artificial intelligence — including the possibility that human-designed systems could one day surpass human capability.
The programme also featured talks from three high‑achieving NHSG alumnae, each offering a frontline perspective on how AI is reshaping their industries:
- Lucy Baxter, Commercial Solicitor at Ward Hadaway: “Being a Newly Qualified Solicitor in the Age of AI”
- Jennifer Vineberg, Practice Educator Radiographer at the NHS: “Healthcare Must Remain Human in the Age of AI”
- Emilia Hardie, Associate Producer at CNBC International: “The Importance of Human Intelligence in Journalism”
While each speaker highlighted the efficiencies and innovations AI brings to their workplace, all three concluded that qualities such as accuracy, empathy, communication, and relationship‑building — hallmarks of human intelligence — remain irreplaceable.
Importance of human creativity, ingenuity, and communication
Complementing the alumnae contributions, pupils from Years 10–12 delivered a series of compelling talks on the human achievements that inspire them. Their presentations ranged from the invention of the telegraph to the role of imagination and play in early childhood, providing powerful arguments for the importance of human creativity, ingenuity, and communication across the generations.
Later in the Conference, pupils took part in series of seminars exploring the broader debate around AI and human values covering the future of knowledge, language learning, politics, and digital ethics.
Talking about the impact of the Future First Conference, David Hyde, Assistant Head and Conference Organiser, said: “The pace of technological change — especially in AI — is challenging every generation in both exciting and unsettling ways.
“AI is here to stay, but it is the choices we make, and particularly the choices this next generation will make, that will determine how AI develops and what role it plays in shaping our shared future. In my view, humanity must remain at the centre of that conversation.”
Amanda Hardie, Head of Newcastle High School for Girls, added: “As a forward‑thinking school, it is vital that we help our pupils understand not only the world they live in today, but the world they will shape tomorrow. The Future First Conference gives our pupils the chance to engage with some of the most important questions of our time and to hear first-hand from young alumnae who are navigating these challenges in their early careers.
“Their talks reinforced the importance of a values‑led, human‑centred approach to work and to life. Their insight was compelling and I was incredibly proud to see how the firm foundations they established in school have propelled them to enjoy incredible success in their careers to date.”
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, also commented: “The Future First Conference perfectly demonstrates how schools in our region are equipping pupils with the skills, confidence, and values they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
“Seeing young people debate, question, and imagine the future of work reminds us that education is not just about preparing for a job — it’s about preparing for life.”
Newcastle High School for Girls is a Schools North East Partner School. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.
We love to hear good news from North East Schools! To share your news with Schools North East, please tag @SchoolsNE on X (formerly Twitter) or fill out this short form here.