AI Education in Focus: Parliament Prize 2025.
On Monday, August 25th, I had the privilege of attending the 2025 Parliament Prize ceremony, where I was awarded first place in the Senior Division (Years 10-12). The Parliament Prize invites students across Victoria to submit a members’ statement (i.e. a 90-second speech) that they would deliver in Parliament, and this year I chose to focus on an issue that’s slowly shaping our future: artificial intelligence.
In my speech, I encouraged AI education in schools and urged the government to help students use AI ethically and responsibly. I also highlighted how many of our current assessment methods are outdated in our AI-driven world, and instead of only relying on traditional essays and tests, I suggested we need more diverse forms of assessment, such as oral presentations, group tasks and video essays; all activities that focus on creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking; skills that AI can’t replicate.
Click on the image above to watch Aashini’s speech.
Funnily enough, the idea for my speech came when I was struggling to decide what to speak about. I considered asking ChatGPT for help and then realised - why not do it on AI?! While our generation is only just beginning to use AI, future generations will grow up with it, and it’ll shape their learning and lives from a very young age. This could get in the way of their own development, which is why I chose to bring it up.
I feel really privileged to have won this award, receiving $1,000 for our school and $500 as my own prize. I’d like to thank our school community, CHES, and especially Ms. Jones, my English teacher, for her guidance and encouragement. I’d also like to thank Mr. Regalo for coming to the ceremony to support me.
This experience has shown me how powerful it can be to speak up about issues that matter and I’d encourage more students to enter the Parliament Prize in the future. It’s the most amazing experience, and a rewarding opportunity to make your voice heard and to make a real difference in our community.
Aashini R