Oracle Academy Faculty Day in London kicked off in early December, with members traveling from across the country to join together for a packed agenda, whether seasoned members or those just starting out with Oracle Academy and looking to learn more.

The day began with a warm welcome and introductions from Vice President William McCabe, followed by updates on Oracle Academy’s latest initiatives from William Mcrae, Oracle Academy EMEA Principal Instructor. From there, participants explored how they can use free Oracle Academy curriculum and Oracle technology as a toolkit to inspire students in the classroom.

Oracle Red Bull Racing

We were thrilled to hear from Miles Jackson, Oracle technical staff, who shared how Oracle Red Bull Racing uses Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) and Oracle technology to gain a competitive edge on the track. Attendees got a rare glimpse into the world of Formula 1, learning how advanced data analytics and cloud-powered insights help the team optimize performance in real time.

AI in Education Panel

One the most anticipated sessions was the AI in Education panel, chaired by William McCabe and joined by Professor Michael Kölling, Kings College London, Associate Professor Javier Andreu-Perez, University of Essex, and Pankaj Sharma, Oracle, Director of AI.

The conversation unfolded across three themes:

  • Student Use of AI – How learners are encountering AI as both inspiration and challenge, and the role educators, institutions, and industry can play in guiding responsible use.
  • AI in the Classroom – Strategies for integrating AI into curriculum design while preserving the human element of teaching, and realistic expectations for AI tools today versus the future.
  • Governance and Responsibility – Fairness, inclusion, and unbiased data, with practical steps schools and universities can take to safeguard students while embracing innovation.

The session closed with forward-looking insights on where AI in education might be headed over the next two to three years, followed by a Q&A session.

Demonstration with APEX

Willie Mcrae gave a comprehensive overview of what’s new in Oracle Academy and how educators can make the most of Oracle APEX in teaching. He introduced the Oracle Academy Member Hub, shared updates on upcoming courses, and demonstrated how Oracle APEX empowers learners with SQL and app development skills that are valued across global enterprises.

The Oracle Academy APEX curriculum spans from foundational database concepts to advanced programming and applied systems, with modules on app development, AI workshops, and project-based learning. Students gain experience in database modeling, SQL and PL/SQL mastery, and end-to-end application development, preparing them with career-ready skills for the global market.

Database in the Classroom and Chatbot Innovation

Another highlight was the session on databases in the classroom, with John Lathouwers, Oracle Developer Evangelist, who explored what a database is, how it underpins modern business, and how educators can inspire students to see the career opportunities database skills unlock. The talk also examined the anatomy of an AI chatbot, emphasising responsible use of AI technologies and the importance of safeguarding sensitive information. Educators were introduced to vector searches and natural language with SQL, with a live demonstration showing how these technologies can be applied in teaching using free Oracle Academy tools.

Social Value in Education

We were delighted to welcome Ainslie Beattie, Program Director, Oracle Social Value EMEA, who spoke about the importance of and work the Oracle social value team does in collaboration with educational institutions. The session unpacked what social value means in practice, from creating opportunities for students to fostering inclusive communities, and how it connects to corporate responsibility.

TechSPARK and CyberFirst

The day also featured a fantastic chat from Chris Hotchin from CyberFirst, who highlighted initiatives designed to strengthen cyber education in colleges and higher education. He emphasised the growing demand for digital and technology careers and the need to address gaps in gender and diversity. With only 21% of Computer Science students in 2023 being female, and similar underrepresentation in the cyber industry, inclusive initiatives like CyberFirst are vital.

Attendees learned about the benefits of the CyberFirst programme, including access to national cyber events such as the CyberFirst Girls’ Competition, free NCCE-accredited CPD for teachers, mentoring opportunities, and work experience placements for students.

We thank all involved in this engaging event!Learn more about Oracle Academy and join at academy.oracle.com