Ask Fern: the AI helper in Classfern Pro

A short written guide to Ask Fern and the rules for using AI safely.

Part of Classfern Pro. Pro adds the School Report Writer, the whole-year Year Planner with saving and sharing, the teachers’ forum, jobs and exchanges, and no adverts. The free tools always stay free. The first 500 teachers get Classfern Pro for £15 — and your second year is free.

Join Classfern Pro What’s in Pro

What you’ll learn

What to tell Ask Fern
How to ask for changes
The two rules for using any AI tool

The guide

Ask Fern is Classfern Pro’s AI helper for teachers.

Say who and what. For example: “Year 5, a 50-minute lesson on equivalent fractions, with a starter and an exit ticket.”
Ask for changes: shorter, simpler, more challenge, or a UK or US version.
Never type pupils’ personal details. Write “Pupil A” instead.
Check everything before you use it. AI can make mistakes.

More on this in Pupil data: the golden rules.

Print the guide (PDF, 80 KB)

Check what you know

Pick an answer to see if you’re right. Nothing is saved or sent.

1. What should you write instead of a pupil’s name? Pupil A Their initials and date of birth Their surname

Right. Never type pupils’ personal details into an AI tool.Not quite. The answer is “Pupil A”. Never type pupils’ personal details into an AI tool.

2. Can AI make mistakes? Yes – check everything before you use it No, never Only in maths

Right. AI can make mistakes, so check everything.Not quite. The answer is “Yes – check everything before you use it”. AI can make mistakes, so check everything.

3. Which is a good request? Year 5, a 50-minute lesson on equivalent fractions, with a starter and an exit ticket Maths Help

Right. Say who you teach and what you need.Not quite. The answer is “Year 5, a 50-minute lesson on equivalent fractions, with a starter and an exit ticket”. Say who you teach and what you need.

Related help

What is Ask Fern, and how do I use it well?

Still stuck? Try the Help Centre, or use Report a problem at the bottom of this page.