Academic Integrity Policy
1. Purpose
This policy outlines the expectations for academic honesty at Rock City Academy, and applies to all internal assessments as well as external examinations, particularly those conducted by:
- WAEC (West African Examinations Council)
- NECO (National Examinations Council)
We are committed to upholding the integrity of academic achievements and ensuring full compliance with national examination regulations.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All students and candidates of the Academy
- Internal tests, classwork, and assignments
- Mock exams and external exams (WAEC/NECO)
- Staff involved in instruction, invigilation, and grading
3. What is Academic Integrity?
Academic integrity is the principle of honesty, trust, fairness, and responsibility in academic work. It means:
- Doing your own work
- Following exam rules and instructions
- Giving proper credit for the ideas of others
- Avoiding dishonest practices to gain unfair advantage
4. Academic Misconduct: Definitions (Including WAEC/NECO)
Common Violations Include:
Cheating
Copying answers, bringing unauthorized materials, using phones or smart devices in exam halls
Plagiarism
Submitting another person's work as your own, even in homework or coursework
Collusion
Working together on a task meant to be completed individually
Impersonation
Sitting an exam on behalf of another candidate
Assisting Malpractice
Giving answers to others, or helping another student cheat
Leakage/Pre-knowledge
Using leaked exam questions or materials (considered examination malpractice by WAEC/NECO)
Disruptive conduct
Harassing invigilators or disturbing the exam environment
5. WAEC/NECO Examination Integrity
WAEC and NECO have zero tolerance for examination malpractice. Section 19 of the WAEC Act and NECO guidelines clearly state that cheating can lead to:
- Cancellation of subject papers or entire results
- Banning of candidates from future exams
- Blacklisting of schools
- Criminal prosecution under Nigerian law
6. Consequences at Rock City Academy
We apply disciplinary measures to uphold exam rules and national standards.
Consequences for Misconduct (Internal or External):
Minor
Examples: Incorrect citation in a project or homework
Possible Consequences: Verbal warning, redo assignment
Moderate
Examples: Plagiarizing a full essay, copying homework
Possible Consequences: Zero for assignment, parental notification
Serious
Examples: Cheating in mock exams or WAEC/NECO exams, impersonation, possession of foreign materials
Possible Consequences: Suspension, expulsion, reporting to WAEC/NECO, exam cancellation
7. Reporting & Investigation Procedure
For Internal Assessments:
- Teacher submits a report to the Academic Integrity Committee.
- Student is interviewed and allowed to respond.
- Decision is made, and parents are notified if serious.
For WAEC/NECO Exams:
- Any incident is immediately recorded on the Exam Malpractice Form (EMF).
- Report is sent to the exam body through the principal or exam officer.
- WAEC/NECO conducts their own investigation and delivers sanctions.
8. Preventive Measures
To avoid academic dishonesty, we will:
- Train students on how to reference and avoid plagiarism
- Educate students about WAEC/NECO exam rules
- Monitor exam halls through proper invigilation
- Use seating plans, ID checks, and pre-exam briefings
- Conduct mock exams under real exam conditions
9. Student & Parent Responsibilities
Students must:
- Read and understand WAEC/NECO rules
- Avoid bringing phones, notes, or devices into exams
- Report suspected leaks or cheating
- Sign the academy's academic honesty pledge
Parents/Guardians must:
- Support students in preparing honestly
- Avoid encouraging "expo", impersonation, or cheating in any form
- Cooperate with the school during investigations
10. Appeals
A student may appeal an internal misconduct decision in writing to the School Head or Academic Board within 5 working days of the decision. Appeals regarding WAEC/NECO penalties must follow official channels and timelines.
11. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually and updated in line with any changes from WAEC, NECO, or national education authorities.
12. Contact
For questions or concerns about academic integrity, please contact:
Academic Integrity Officer
Name: Mr Tayo Are
Email: hr@rockcityacademy.live
Phone: +234 704 949 3845
Declaration
All students and parents must read and sign the attached Academic Integrity Agreement Form below upon enrolment or before external exams.
Download Academic Integrity Agreement Form
Click the button below to download the Academic Integrity Agreement Form in PDF format. This form must be completed and submitted to the school administration.
Instructions:
- Download and print the form
- Complete all required fields
- Sign where indicated
- Submit to: hr@rockcityacademy.live