Unlocking the Future: The Importance of Arts and AI in Education

On September 17, a group of senior parents gathered for an engaging and thought-provoking presentation on the critical role of arts subjects and AI in today’s world delivered by Head of Arts and Technology at British School Dhahran, Mr. Simon Horsey.

The Power of the Arts: Why Creativity Matters More Than Ever

Mr. Horsey presented data from McKinsey reports The Skills Revolution and the Future of Learning and Earning and Defining the skills citizens will need in the future world of work, commissioned by the World Economic Forum, about the perceived value of subjects compared to the skills employers seek in the workplace.

The arts are not just about producing artists or musicians; they are about developing well-rounded, adaptable individuals who can think creatively, collaborate across disciplines and thrive in any career—whether in the creative industries, technology or even medicine.

Whether it’s music, drama, art or design technology, these subjects go far beyond just ‘creativity.’ They help students develop essential skills such as problem-solving, collaboration and critical thinking, communication, creativity and empathy—skills that foster unique human qualities that have become increasingly important in the fast-evolving world they will face.

Reimagining Education: How AI Will Transform Learning… Whether We Like It or Not

The second part of the presentation explored how students can use AI to enhance their learning, from writing clear, well-structured prompts to ensuring that any content generated is fact-checked and edited where necessary. Having human input at both ends of the process is essential.

Mr. Horsey gave a brief history of the development of Large Language Models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, and an overview of how they work, including examples of why they can sometimes ‘hallucinate’ or produce inaccurate information. He also addressed concerns about AI being used to cheat and clarified how AI tools can and cannot be used, citing new guidelines from exam boards regarding the use of LLMs like ChatGPT.

Finally, he touched on the ethics of AI use, including its environmental impact, and reiterated the importance of understanding AI as a *co-pilot, not an autopilot*.
It was fantastic to see parents actively engaging with these topics, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many parents left with a deeper understanding of why arts education is so vital to their children’s overall development, and how we, as a school, are committed to teaching students to use AI safely and effectively—preparing them not just for exams but for life.

If you could not attend, we encourage you to keep an eye out for future events and opportunities to learn more about the exciting developments in the arts and technology at BSD. You will not want to miss the next one!