Computing & Digital Innovation Centre
AI Research Programme 2026/27
Learn Sheffield with the Computing & Digital Innovation Centre is offering primary, secondary and special schools the opportunity to take part in its highly successful one-year research programme to investigate either:
- The effective governance and implementation of AI in school, including how to develop an AI policy, and the impact of AI on staff workload, inclusive practice or another school priority.
- The impact of teaching about AI in primary or special schools on pupil AI literacy and staff confidence.
Each project costs £350 and includes up to 2 places, or it can be accessed as part of the AI Enhanced Package. Schools also have access to the Sheffield AI lessons as part of the project (see below).
“I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the A.I. Research project. Right from the start there was the right balance of educational content, signposting useful resources, and time to experiment with these tools.” - Deputy Head - Governance & Implementation of AI project
"AI is taking over the world but at the same time it helps me with all sorts. I’m starting to get worried because it’s changing lives in a bad way so it can corrupt young people to rely on AI for everything” – Y5 pupil voice
AI Lessons:
- Comprehensive lesson sequence for Year 2 to Year 6 mapped to the computing curriculum, plus full year 5 AI unit
- Sequence of SEND AI activities for pupils working below age expectations
- Full lesson plans, worksheets and slides
- Video guides for teachers to explain key content and background knowledge for each lesson
- RSHE & AI Literacy appendix
- AI progression framework