छात्रों को भविष्य और निरंतर बदलती दुनिया के लिए तैयार करना

When John Corlette founded Aiglon College in 1949, things were obviously very different to today. The whole world was recovering from the unimaginable destruction caused by World War II. Many cities had areas still in ruins and basic infrastructure like roads, bridges, factories across Europe remained severely damaged and disrupted. Millions of people had been displaced and there was significant economic and political instability. The world’s outlook looked uncertain. 1949 specifically saw the formation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in April, the lifting of the Berlin blockade (May), Russia testing its first atomic bomb (August) and Mao Zedong proclaiming the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (October). A world in significant flux. 

Against this backdrop, in 1949 John Corlette created our school, a school that values character development, flexibility and encourages creativity. In a world of great uncertainty, he believed that for education to have value and impact it needed to be holistic, based on experiences and designed to ‘prepare students for tomorrow and a world in constant motion’. 

Fast forward 76 years, and while statistics like those cited by Pinker (2011) suggest humanity is living in an unprecedented era of peace and prosperity, the nature of ‘constant change’ has evolved. Today it is technology, with exponential shifts in artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of things (IoT), Quantum computing, embodied AI and Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI), that is once again creating a future that is impossible to predict. What does seem certain is that change will come at unprecedented speeds as humanity leverages these new technologies for individual, business and national advantage. 

So how are we preparing Aiglon students 76 years on, for a future that is impossible to fully predict?

Aiglon’s answer lies not in predicting the future, but in cultivating the mindset, skills, and character that enable students to thrive regardless of what that future holds. 

‘Mind, Body, Spirit’ as a foundation for a life worth living

A few years ago, the school distilled John Corlette’s vision down into this simple but powerful guiding motto ‘Mind, Body, Spirit’. I would like to think that John Corlette would have approved as it encapsulates what we do as a school every day, in every area. 

• Mind: Learning at Aiglon is not about learning for the exam or from the textbook but about growing students’ curiosity, fostering their critical thinking and problem solving. Everyone can be creative, have their own original ideas if they are enabled and encouraged to think and share their ideas openly. Our whole school focus on promoting Oracy has given everyone an equal voice and an equal right to be heard in the classroom. In an artificial intelligence (AI) future world the ability to listen, reflect, ask the right questions, analyse information critically and innovate will be key.
• Body: Aiglons programme encourages every student to build physical resilience, teamwork and push personal limits through outdoor expeditions, sports and skiing. Students learn so much outside of the classroom, building stamina, perseverance, self reliance and the ability to cope with discomfort and overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Though students often see time on the mountain as growing physical skills in reality they are building mental toughness or grit and a growth mindset crucial for overcoming uncertainty in the future. 
• Spirit: Character development, ethical reasoning, a sense of responsibility and service are equally important at Aiglon. Every new school year starts with an opening message from the School Director about the need for kindness in all things. These are not just words. Aiglon aims to develop in every student a moral compass, integrity, compassion and a commitment to service. In a world of uncertainty these will help guide students to choose the right path.

Embracing Experiential Learning

• Beyond the classroom: Aiglon does not confine learning to the classroom. Experiential learning through expeditions like NASA Space Camp, sailing the Greek islands, Morocco/ Costa Rica service trips, directly apply classroom knowledge to real world situations building skills, adaptability and self discovery. Service trips, activities, cultural long expeditions and so many other experiences available to students help to make learning come to life. 
• Multidisciplinary approach: The Junior School’s ‘Wonder Years’ tackle real world challenges, blending history, geography, technology, and environment. All Aiglon Year 9 students have, through the ‘एंटरप्राइज़ फ़्यूज़न’ course, the opportunity over a whole school year to explore starting their own business supported by teachers from business and the technology departments. These multidisciplinary opportunities reflect the complex, interconnected problems students will face in the future, which rarely fit neatly into single subjects.
• Robotics and STEM: Aiglon offers structured robotics lessons and competition teams in both LEGO and VEX. This is not just about technical skills like coding, it is about collaboration, critical thinking, effective communication, teamwork and developing resilience through trial and error. As robots never work the first time, they provide students with an opportunity to fail, fix, fail and succeed. Invaluable experience for any future career. Starting in August 2025, Aiglon will further enhance its commitment to innovation with the opening of two new cutting-edge spaces: the ‘Applied Innovation & Robotics Lab’ (AIR Lab) and the ‘Emerging Technologies Lab’ (ET Lab). The ET lab, in particular, promises to be a voyage of discovery where students can experiment with new tools and methodologies, from virtual and augmented reality to AI-driven simulations. It will also provide a permanent home for our growing Esports teams.

Integration and Use of Technology

• Educating Educators: Aiglon focuses on equipping its teachers to understand and integrate new digital tools, like AI, into the classroom. This means ongoing professional development, experimentation, and shared learning among staff. The new academic year will begin with all Aiglon teaching and administrative staff receiving training with Gemini AI. Aiglon’s new IT roadmap 2025 – 2027 also outlines a new approach to data and AI use across the college.
• ‘Meet, Feet, Eat’ Policy: Instead of blanket bans, Aiglon’s approach to mobile phones and device use emphasises self-regulation, responsibility, and intentional technology use. Students learn when it’s appropriate to use devices and when to disconnect, a vital skill for managing digital distractions in life. This policy highlights that technology is a tool to be mastered and we have a duty to help students fully prepare ‘for tomorrow and a world in constant motion’.
• AI and Emerging Technologies: Aiglon is embracing AI and other emerging technologies to prepare students for a world of constant change. The school’s 2025-2027 IT Roadmap focuses on empowering Aiglon students and staff to use technology and AI to simplify processes, remove barriers, and foster innovation. AI-powered learning tools will increasingly be integrated into the everyday of ‘what we do’. Over the coming year we will develop for senior school students, personalised digital tutors and assistants, offer tailored learning experiences, instant feedback, and guided study pathways that adapt to their needs. The school’s approach to AI is human-centered, aiming to enhance student agency and access to learning; this will not replace the role of teachers. 
• Reimagining Assessment: As our world rapidly changes, Aiglon and education as an industry will need to reshape its approach to assessment. As the educational landscape continues to evolve, Aiglon is actively exploring and reimagining assessment methodologies, ensuring our students and teachers are not just reactive but are equipped to lead and succeed in whatever new paradigms emerge. 

Aiglon’s approach is not about knowing what the future holds, but about equipping our amazing students with the adaptability, integrity, and intellectual curiosity to confidently shape it, just as John Corlette aimed to prepare students for his own era of uncertainty. 

If you would like additional information about Technology at Aiglon College, please do get in contact. 

Darren Wise, Director of Technology & Digital Strategy