1. Purpose
Squid Academy is committed to maintaining high standards of academic integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct across all educational programs, assessments, projects, coursework, and certification activities. Learners are expected to submit work that represents their own knowledge, understanding, and effort. This policy outlines Squid Academy’s expectations regarding plagiarism, academic misconduct, artificial intelligence (AI) tools, cheating, collusion, and other forms of dishonest academic behavior.2. Scope
This policy applies to:- Students
- Learners
- Apprentices
- Candidates
- Participants in accredited programmes
- Participants in non-accredited programmes
- Written assignments
- Coursework
- Assessments
- Projects
- Presentations
- Practical activities
- Portfolio submissions
- Online assessments
- Certification activities
3. Academic Integrity Principles
All learners are expected to:- Submit their own work.
- Acknowledge the work of others appropriately.
- Use sources honestly.
- Follow assessment instructions.
- Complete assessments independently unless collaboration is explicitly permitted.
- Maintain honesty throughout the learning process.
4. What Is Plagiarism?
Plagiarism occurs when a learner presents another person’s work, ideas, words, research, or intellectual property as their own without appropriate acknowledgement. Plagiarism may be intentional or unintentional. Both forms may result in academic penalties.5. Examples of Plagiarism
Examples include:Direct Copying
Copying text from:- Websites
- Books
- Articles
- Reports
- Other learners
Paraphrasing Without Attribution
Rewriting someone else’s work while presenting it as original.Copying Assignments
Submitting all or part of another learner’s work.Reusing Previous Work
Submitting previously assessed work without permission.Unauthorised Translation
Translating another person’s work and presenting it as original.Using Purchased Work
Submitting work created by another individual or service.6. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use
Squid Academy recognizes that AI tools may be used responsibly as learning aids. Examples include:- Research assistance
- Brainstorming ideas
- Grammar checking
- Structure suggestions
- Study support
- Declare the AI tool used.
- Explain how the tool was used.
- Demonstrate personal understanding of the submitted work.
7. Collusion
Collusion occurs when learners work together inappropriately on an assessment intended to be completed individually. Examples include:- Sharing answers.
- Jointly producing individual assignments.
- Allowing another learner to copy work.
8. Cheating
Cheating includes any dishonest action designed to gain an unfair academic advantage. Examples include:- Using unauthorized materials.
- Accessing prohibited resources during assessments.
- Receiving unauthorized assistance.
- Impersonation.
- Falsifying assessment evidence.
9. Contract Cheating
Contract cheating occurs when a learner arranges for another person or organisation to complete work on their behalf. Examples include:- Purchasing assignments.
- Hiring writers.
- Using essay-writing services.
- Paying third parties to complete assessments.
10. Referencing and Citations
Learners should:- Acknowledge all sources used.
- Use appropriate citations where required.
- Clearly identify quotations.
- Follow assessment guidance on referencing standards.
11. Detection Methods
Squid Academy may use various methods to identify potential misconduct, including:- Plagiarism detection software.
- Similarity reports.
- Assessment reviews.
- Oral questioning.
- Practical demonstrations.
- Staff observations.
- AI-detection indicators.
- Verification interviews.
12. Investigation Procedure
Where academic misconduct is suspected:- The concern will be documented.
- Evidence will be reviewed.
- The learner may be invited to provide an explanation.
- A fair and impartial decision will be made.
- The outcome will be recorded.
13. Academic Misconduct Outcomes
Depending on severity, outcomes may include the following:Minor Breach
Examples:- Incorrect referencing
- First-time citation errors
- Feedback and guidance
- Resubmission opportunity
Moderate Breach
Examples:- Significant unattributed content
- Copying sections of work
- Assessment penalty
- Resubmission requirement
- Formal warning
Serious Breach
Examples:- Contract cheating
- Deliberate plagiarism
- Assessment fraud
- Impersonation
- Assessment failure
- Programme removal
- Disqualification from certification
- Notification to awarding organisations, where applicable
14. Appeals
Learners may appeal academic misconduct decisions through the Academy’s Appeals Procedure. Appeals must:- Be submitted within the specified timeframe.
- Provide supporting evidence.
- Clearly state the grounds for appeal.
15. Responsibilities
Learners
Responsible for:- Producing original work.
- Following assessment rules.
- Acknowledging sources appropriately.
- Maintaining academic honesty.
Staff
Responsible for:- Explaining academic integrity expectations.
- Monitoring assessments fairly.
- Investigating concerns appropriately.
- Applying this policy consistently.
Squid Academy
Responsible for:- Promoting academic integrity.
- Providing guidance and support.
- Maintaining fair assessment processes.
- Protecting the value of its qualifications and certifications.