Mazenod College students caught using AI to cheat on crucial Year 12 assessment
At least 50 Year 12 students at Melbourne’s Mazenod College lost marks in their VCE oral presentation assessment after using AI to write their speeches, according to school principal Dr Paul Shannon. The incident highlights growing concerns over AI misuse in academic assessments, with the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) emphasizing the importance of independent student work.
Mazenod College, a private Catholic boys’ school in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, deducted marks from at least 50 Year 12 students after detecting AI-generated content in their oral presentation assessment. The task, worth 20 marks of their VCE Unit 4 English score, required students to deliver a 3-5 minute speech on a passionate issue. Principal Dr Paul Shannon confirmed the school identified AI use during an assessment review and followed VCAA protocols, including mark reductions and student discussions. The oral presentation contributes to students’ English study score, which determines their ATAR—the key metric for university admission in Australia. While no students failed the assessment, the incident underscores broader challenges in maintaining academic integrity as AI tools become more accessible. Dr Shannon stated AI has no place in assessments where students must demonstrate independent knowledge, aligning with VCAA rules prohibiting plagiarism or unauthorized assistance. The VCAA clarified that schools are responsible for administering school-assessed coursework (SACs) and investigating breaches of academic integrity. Mazenod College, with over 1,460 students and a median ATAR of 80.45, emphasized the importance of fair assessment practices. The school’s tuition fees range between $10,000 and $11,000 annually, reflecting its status as an independent institution. The VCE written exams for the 2026 cohort begin October 27, with the three-hour English exam scheduled first. The incident serves as a reminder for students about the consequences of using AI in assessments, where originality and personal effort are critical. Schools across Victoria are grappling with similar issues as generative AI tools blur the lines between acceptable learning aids and academic misconduct.
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