Junior School wins AI Agent Competition in Primary Curriculum Category
We are proud to celebrate an exciting achievement for The McDonald College, with one of our educators taking out top honours in a first-ever AI Agent Competition for schools, by Independent Schools NSW.
Peter Slattery’s innovative “Copy Paste Forget Agent” was named the winner in the Primary Curriculum category, earning recognition for its creative approach to using artificial intelligence to enhance student learning.
The competition’s inaugural year attracted outstanding submissions from educators and professionals across the education sector, showcasing innovative ways AI can support teaching, learning and professional practice. With so many high-quality entries, this achievement highlights both the strength of Peter’s idea and our commitment to forward-thinking education.
Reimagining AI as a Thinking Coach
What makes the Copy Paste Forget Agent stand out is its focus on developing student thinking rather than simply generating answers.
Instead of allowing students to rely on AI to do the work for them, the agent acts as a thinking coach, prompting learners to explain their reasoning, justify their responses and deepen their understanding of concepts. This approach encourages critical thinking, reflection and genuine engagement with learning, helping students build the skills they need to become independent thinkers.
By shifting the role of AI from answer provider to learning partner, Peter’s agent demonstrates how technology can be used to support meaningful educational outcomes while maintaining student agency and curiosity.
Showcasing Innovation in Education
As part of the competition, all winning agents and finalists will be featured in the AI Agent Gallery at the Curriculum Conference. Delegates from schools and educational organisations will have the opportunity to explore each submission, learn about the ideas behind them and adapt successful approaches for use within their own educational settings.
The inclusion of the Copy Paste Forget Agent in the gallery will allow educators from across the sector to see how AI can be thoughtfully integrated into primary education to support deeper learning and student growth.
Congratulations, Peter!
We extend our congratulations to Peter Slattery on this outstanding achievement. We look forward to seeing the impact of the Copy Paste Forget Agent as it inspires educators and students alike to think more deeply, learn more effectively and engage with AI in purposeful and meaningful ways.
