The following guidelines outline how students in Years 7-12 should use AI tools at HILLS. These rules promote responsible AI use, academic integrity, and digital safety, working alongside our existing Technology Use and Academic Integrity policies.
Guideline 1: Approved Tools Only
Only use school-approved AI tools for learning activities. Never use AI for assessments unless explicitly permitted by your teacher, and always verify AI-generated information for accuracy.
Guideline 2: Proper Citation Required
Always acknowledge AI assistance in your work through appropriate citation methods as directed by your teachers. Treat AI sources with the same academic rigor as traditional research materials.
Guideline 3: Protect Personal Information
Never share personal details, photos, or private information with AI tools. Don't upload content containing classmate information, and consult teachers when uncertain about data privacy concerns.
Guideline 4: Responsible Digital Citizenship
Attend all school AI training sessions, use AI to enhance rather than replace learning, and appropriately share helpful AI discoveries with the school community.
Violations of these guidelines may result in disciplinary action according to school policy. If you have questions about appropriate AI use for schoolwork, consult your teacher or the student support center.
Understanding the difference between appropriate and inappropriate AI use is essential for maintaining academic integrity in your learning journey.
Acceptable AI Applications
Using AI for brainstorming ideas and research support
Organizing content and checking work for errors
Learning new concepts with proper citation
Generating practice questions for study
Unacceptable AI Applications
Submitting AI-generated work as your own
Using AI without disclosure when required
Bypassing learning objectives with AI shortcuts
Sharing personal or confidential information with AI
When uncertain about appropriate AI use for an assignment, always consult your teacher before proceeding. These guidelines will evolve alongside AI technology advancements.
Acceptable AI Applications
(Educators to specify appropriate AI use in Assessment task breakdown).
AI can be used to support your learning – but you stay in charge of the thinking.
USE REPUTABLE SCHOOL APPROVED TOOLS: Adobe, Canva and Google Gemini
Examples:
AI can help you learn, explore, and improve – as long as YOU do the thinking.
You can use AI to:
Brainstorm ideas
or gather different perspectives to kick-start your thinking (e.g. "Give me 5 angles on this topic" or "What questions should I explore?")
Explore a new concept
in student-friendly language (e.g. "Explain how photosynthesis works like I'm in Year 6") — just make sure to cite it!
Get research support
by asking for topic summaries or vocabulary explanations (But always fact-check with a range of sources and build on it with your own ideas.)
Organise your thoughts
into a plan, structure, or outline (Use it like a rough scaffold — not a finished product.)
Upload assignments for feedback
to get suggestions for improvement, while ensuring all edits are your own work (The final submission should always represent your understanding and effort.)
Generate practice questions
or quizzes to test what you've learned (e.g. "Make a 5-question quiz on animal habitats.")
Create templates or sentence starters
to help structure your writing (Acknowledge AI's help if you use it directly.)
Use With Caution
AI can help improve your writing – but the ideas and thinking must be yours.
Examples:
Improving grammar or sentence structure
Suggesting ways to make writing clearer
Helping structure your work, but not replacing your voice or analysis
Unacceptable AI Applications
AI use is not allowed when it replaces your learning or misrepresents your work.
Examples:
Paste in a task and submit the AI's answer as your own
(It's not your thinking, so it's not your work.)
Ask AI to rewrite or finish your entire assignment
(Editing = okay. Replacing your thinking = not okay.)
Let AI generate full reflections, analyses, or research reports
(Your ideas, voice, and perspective must come through.)
Use AI to do assessments that are meant to show what you know
(This includes essays, creative writing, research tasks, and projects.)
Avoid reading, watching, or analysing something by getting AI to summarise it for you
(AI can help after you've done the work – not instead of it.)
Feed in personal data, confidential info, or private school materials
(AI tools are not always secure – protect yourself and others.)
Hide that you used AI when your teacher asked for transparency
(Always be honest and upfront about how you used AI.)
Never Use AI To:
Submit AI-created work as if it were yours
Skip key learning by letting AI do the work for you
Hide that you used AI when honesty is expected
Share personal, sensitive, or confidential information with AI tools
Developing AI Literacy Skills
Building your understanding of AI tools is essential for future academic and career success. These guidelines focus on developing the critical thinking and evaluation skills needed for effective AI use.
Critical Evaluation Skills
Learn to analyze AI-generated content critically, identifying strengths and weaknesses. Practice refining prompts to improve output quality and relevance. Develop strategies to verify information from multiple sources.
Reflective Practice
Document your AI learning journey in a reflection journal. Note which approaches worked well, what challenges you encountered, and how AI tools enhanced your understanding of subject matter.
Skill Development
Participate in school AI workshops to build essential digital literacy. Learn to balance AI assistance with independent thinking. These skills will benefit your education now and prepare you for future opportunities.
By focusing on these development areas, you'll build a foundation for responsible AI use that complements the school's usage policies and ethical guidelines. Your teachers can provide additional guidance on how to apply these skills to specific subject areas.
Key Responsibilities for Students Using AI
As a HILLS student using AI tools, you have specific responsibilities that complement our guidelines. Understanding these responsibilities will help you become a more effective digital learner.
Develop Critical Analysis Skills
Learn to evaluate AI-generated content critically. Remember that AI can produce convincing but incorrect information. Developing the ability to fact-check and verify AI outputs is an essential skill for your academic and professional future.
Protect Intellectual Property
Understand that content generated with AI may have copyright implications. Never use AI to copy others' work or to circumvent proper attribution requirements. This includes respecting both digital and traditional intellectual property rights.
Practice Digital Citizenship
Use AI in ways that respect our school community values. This means avoiding AI for harmful content creation, respecting others' privacy, and using these tools to contribute positively to classroom learning environments.
Build AI Literacy
Take advantage of opportunities to learn about how AI works, its limitations, and ethical considerations. Participating in AI literacy workshops and discussing emerging AI issues will prepare you for a future where these technologies are increasingly common.
By fulfilling these responsibilities, you'll not only meet HILLS' academic expectations but also develop valuable skills for navigating an AI-integrated world. Remember that your unique human perspective and creativity remain irreplaceable, even as AI tools become more sophisticated.
The HILLS AI Student Responsibility Framework
Follow these guidelines to develop strong digital citizenship while using AI tools effectively in your learning journey.
Enhance Your Learning
Use AI to explore ideas and improve your thinking process, not to replace it. Always add your own analysis, creativity, and critical thinking to any AI-assisted work. You should be able to explain how AI tools contributed to your learning.
Complete Required Training
Before using AI for schoolwork, complete all required AI Digital Citizenship modules. These will teach you how to evaluate AI outputs critically, understand limitations, and develop responsible technology habits.
Document AI Assistance
When using AI tools, properly document your process using the HILLS AI Citation Guide. Clearly distinguish between AI-generated content and your original contributions in all submitted work.
Seek Guidance When Uncertain
If you're ever unsure about appropriate AI use for an assignment, ask your teacher before proceeding. Join school-offered AI literacy workshops and share knowledge with classmates to build your skills.
AI Usage Assessment Zones (Educators will decide when you can and cannot use AI for comments of assessment tasks). If you are not sure, ask!
Green Zone
Brainstorming ideas
Grammar and spelling checks
Exploring difficult concepts
Research assistance
Yellow Zone (Ask First)
Drafting initial content
Summarizing information
Creating practice materials
Translation assistance
Red Zone (Never Allowed)
Completing assignments
Writing entire essays
Solving problems without showing work
Bypassing learning processes
Remember that developing your ability to work effectively with AI while maintaining academic integrity is an important skill for your future success. These guidelines will help you build responsible habits.
The HILLS AI Code for Middle School
These guidelines help Years 7-10 students use AI effectively while developing essential digital skills.
Guideline 1: Think First, AI Second
As a HILLS student, you should use AI tools to boost your learning, not replace your own thinking.
Remember our school believes in using technology to help you think more, not less
Use AI to explore ideas and spark your creativity, not to avoid doing the work yourself
Always add your own thoughts and ideas to anything AI helps you create
Guideline 2: Middle School Specific Rules
As a Year 7-10 student, you should:
Only use school-approved AI tools that your teachers have introduced
Never use AI tools without your teacher's permission during class activities
Ask questions if you're unsure whether an AI tool is allowed for your year level
AI Traffic Light System for Assignments
Green Zone
AI use is fully permitted
Brainstorming ideas
Checking your grammar
Explaining difficult concepts
Research assistance
Orange Zone
Ask teacher first
Drafting paragraphs
Summarizing content
Creating practice questions
Translation assistance
Red Zone
Never allowed
Completing assignments for you
Writing entire essays
Doing your math problems
Cheating on tests or quizzes
Remember: AI is a tool to help you learn, not do the learning for you. If you're unsure about how to use AI properly, always ask your teacher first. Learning to use AI responsibly now will prepare you for success in high school and beyond.
AI Guidelines for HILLS Students: Responsibilities & Consequences
As you navigate using AI tools in your learning, understanding your responsibilities and the potential consequences of misuse is essential.
Core Privacy & Ownership Requirements
Protect Your Privacy
Only use school-approved AI platforms like Chat GPT Teams. Never share personal information or photos of yourself or others with AI tools.
Take Ownership of Your Learning
AI is a tool to help you, not do the work for you. You must remain the primary thinker and creator in all your schoolwork.
Always Review AI Content
Check all AI-generated material for accuracy and appropriateness. You are responsible for everything you submit, even if AI helped create it.
Classroom-Specific Guidelines
Assignment Guidelines
Only use AI when your teacher specifically allows it
Question information from AI and verify with reliable sources
Follow the traffic light system for each assignment
Always cite when you've used AI assistance
Assessment Rules
Never use AI on assessments unless explicitly permitted
Understand that using AI without permission is academic dishonesty
When allowed, use AI only for brainstorming or editing
Always acknowledge AI contributions in your work
Balance Technology with Human Skills
1
Develop Critical Thinking
Question AI responses and develop your ability to evaluate information independently.
2
Build Core Skills
Developing your own thinking, writing, and problem-solving abilities remains essential even with AI tools available.
3
Focus on Understanding
Use AI to deepen your comprehension of concepts, not just to complete assignments quickly.
4
Value Your Unique Perspective
Your original ideas and creativity cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence.
Consequences of Misuse
Using AI inappropriately may result in:
Having to redo the assignment without technology assistance
Parent-teacher conference to discuss digital citizenship
Temporary restrictions on technology access
Educational sessions on academic integrity
Remember: At HILLS, we want you to use AI as a tool to enhance your learning while developing the skills you'll need for future success in an AI-integrated world.
AI Learning Tools for HILLS Students
This guide highlights school-approved AI tools that enhance your learning while maintaining academic integrity.
Approved AI Tools by Year Level
Years 6-7
Perplexity AI, Canva for Education, Magic School
Year 8+
All of the above plus Gemini
How AI Can Support Your Learning
1
Getting Unstuck
When confused about a topic, AI can explain concepts in different ways until you understand
2
Organizing Your Ideas
AI can help you brainstorm, create outlines, or find connections between concepts
3
Checking Your Work
AI can help spot errors or suggest improvements to your writing (but you must make the changes yourself)
Your Learning Goals with AI
Critical Thinking
Question and evaluate AI responses rather than accepting them without verification
Technology Skills
Learn to use AI as a learning enhancement tool, not a replacement for your own work
Independence
Continue to develop your own knowledge and abilities without overreliance on AI
Collaboration
Learn to work with AI as a partner in your education and future career
If you have questions about using AI for your schoolwork, ask your teacher or visit the library for assistance.
AI and Assessment: Guidelines for HILLS Students (Years 7-12)
These guidelines establish how HILLS students in Years 7-10 should approach AI in their learning and assessment. Following these expectations will ensure academic integrity while helping you develop skills to use AI responsibly and ethically.
Understanding the AI Traffic Light System
Green Light: AI Permitted
You may freely use approved AI tools for this task. Remember to cite all AI-generated content properly.
Yellow Light: Limited AI Use
You may use AI tools only for specific parts of the assignment as indicated by your teacher. All other parts must be your own work.
Red Light: No AI Allowed
AI tools are not permitted for this assessment. This work must demonstrate your independent skills and understanding.
Key Principles and Responsibilities
Follow the Traffic Light System
Adhere to the AI Traffic Light System in all assignments to know when and how AI tools are permitted.
Maintain Academic Honesty
Be transparent about your use of AI tools and follow citation guidelines: (ChatGPT, personal communication, date). Include your specific prompt in References.
Verify Information
Always fact-check information provided by AI tools, as they can sometimes generate incorrect or outdated information.
Develop Critical Thinking
Use AI as a thinking partner to enhance your learning, not as a replacement for developing your own skills.
Approved AI Uses for Students
Research Support
Summarizing complex information
Generating research questions
Finding relevant resources
Explaining difficult concepts
Learning Enhancement
Creating study guides
Practicing through simulated discussions
Receiving feedback on draft work
Exploring different perspectives
Creative Assistance
Brainstorming ideas
Overcoming writer's block
Generating outlines
Exploring creative possibilities
Year Level Expectations
Year 7
Introduction to AI tools with close teacher guidance. Focus on understanding what AI is and its basic capabilities.
Year 8
Begin using AI for basic research support and creative brainstorming with continued teacher supervision.
Year 9
Develop critical evaluation skills when using AI and learn proper citation methods for AI-generated content.
Year 10
Use AI more independently while demonstrating strong digital citizenship and preparing for senior school expectations.
Self-Assessment Checklist
Before Using AI
Check the Traffic Light status
Consider which parts I should do myself
Plan how AI will enhance my learning
While Using AI
Ask specific, well-crafted questions
Verify information from other sources
Keep track of all AI assistance
After Using AI
Properly cite all AI contributions
Review and edit AI-generated content
Reflect on what I learned myself
Resources for Students
Access the HILLS Student AI Guide and APA-7 Citation Guide on the school learning platform for more detailed information about using AI responsibly in your studies.