Understanding the BSSS Framework for Responsible Use

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are becoming increasingly common in education, offering new ways to support learning, research, and productivity. For Year 11 and 12 students, AI can be a powerful resource—but only when used ethically and transparently.

The ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS) has released a national support document to guide schools, students, and families in navigating AI use responsibly. This framework reinforces the importance of academic integrity, skill development, and clear communication about how AI tools are used in assessment and learning.

What Students Need to Know

AI tools—such as writing assistants, summarisers, and citation generators—can help with:

• Brainstorming ideas
• Clarifying complex concepts
• Organising information
• Practising revision and retrieval

However, students must ensure that:

• All work submitted reflects their own understanding and effort
• AI-generated content is acknowledged where appropriate
• Direct quotes, paraphrasing, and references follow BSSS academic integrity standards
• Assessment tasks are completed independently unless otherwise permitted

Using AI to replace critical thinking or to generate full responses without understanding the content is considered a breach of academic integrity.

For Parents and Carers: Supporting Ethical Use

Families play a key role in helping students use AI responsibly. You can support your child by:

• Discussing the purpose of AI tools and when their use is appropriate
• Encouraging transparency—students should be able to explain how AI supported their work
• Reinforcing the importance of original thinking, effort, and ethical scholarship
• Staying informed about school policies and BSSS guidelines on AI use

Moving Forward

As AI becomes part of everyday learning, our shared goal is to ensure students use it as a tool for growth—not a shortcut. With clear guidance, ethical habits, and open conversations, Year 11 and 12 students can harness AI to enhance their learning while upholding the values of academic integrity and personal responsibility.

If you have questions about how AI is used in your child’s learning or assessment, please contact Miss Martin for further information or refer to the BSSS support materials.

Jenna Martin
Acting Senior Studies Coordinator