Section D: Academic Integrity

1.0 General Principles

1.1 Definition of Academic Integrity

• Academic integrity refers to the commitment to honesty, fairness, and responsibility in all academic work.
• Students are expected to produce original work, respect intellectual property, and avoid dishonest practices.

1.2 Core Values

• Honesty, accountability, respect for others' work, and fairness are the guiding principles for academic integrity.

2.0 Expectations for Academic Work

2.1 Original Work

• All assignments, projects, and assessments must reflect the student’s own work, ideas, and understanding.
• Students must credit any external sources (books, articles, websites) used in their work through proper citations.

2.2 Group Work

• Collaborative assignments must follow the teacher's guidelines regarding group and individual responsibilities.
• Each group member must contribute fairly, and misrepresenting efforts will be treated as academic dishonesty.

2.3 Examinations and Tests

• Students must not cheat, copy, or use unauthorized resources (notes, devices) during examinations or tests.
• Communicating with other students during exams, including sharing or receiving answers, is prohibited.

2.4 Use of Technology

• The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), translation tools, or online platforms must align with teacher instructions.
• Students must not use unauthorized tools to complete assignments or tests.

3.0 Forms of Academic Dishonesty

3.1 Cheating

• Copying from others or allowing others to copy your work.
• Using unauthorized notes, cheat sheets, or devices during tests.

3.2 Plagiarism

• Submitting someone else’s work, ideas, or words as your own without proper citation.
• Copying from websites, books, or peers without acknowledgment.

3.3 Fabrication

• Falsifying information or data in assignments, projects, or experiments.
• Inventing citations, sources, or lab results.

3.4 Facilitating Academic Dishonesty

• Assisting others in cheating, such as sharing answers, work, or test materials.
• Allowing someone else to complete your work or completing work on their behalf.

3.5 Improper Use of Technology

• Using unauthorized tools, devices, or online platforms to gain an unfair advantage.
• Submitting work generated by AI or tools not permitted by the teacher.

4.0 Responsibility of Students

4.1 Understanding Instructions

• Students are responsible for clarifying doubts regarding assignments, group work, and acceptable resources.

4.2 Avoiding Shortcuts

• Students must prioritize learning and effort over shortcuts or dishonest practices.

4.3 Reporting Violations

• Students witnessing academic dishonesty are encouraged to report it to the teacher confidentially.

5.0 Consequences for Academic Dishonesty

5.1 First Violation

• Zero marks for the specific assignment, test, or exam.
• Meeting with the teacher and counsellor to discuss the violation.
• A written warning sent to parents and placed in the student’s file.

5.2 Second Violation

• Zero marks for the subject for that term.
• Mandatory counselling session and behaviour improvement plan.
• Parent-teacher meeting with the school administration.

5.3 Third Violation

• Suspension from school for a specific period.
• Disqualification from academic awards, leadership roles, and extracurricular activities.
• Referral to the disciplinary committee for further action.

5.4 Severe Cases

• Cases of severe or repeated dishonesty, such as tampering with exams or impersonation, may result in expulsion.