Review of Achievement Standards (RAS) – Science Trial: Interim report
[This report was created on Tuesday 13 February 2020. The consultation had not yet closed when this report was
generated. As such, this report may not accurately reflect the final distribution of responses, and should be treated
as interim only.]
The vast majority of responses are from teachers from State/Integrated secondary schools, with a
few from Independent schools etc.
Q.1 The Science Rationale provides enough background information for readers to understand how the Significant
Learning was identified by the Subject Expert Group (SEG) for NZC Level 6 / NCEA Level 1 Science.
Q2. The relationship with te ao Māori section makes it clear how Science and mātauranga Pūtaiao are related.
under the Official Information Act
Released
Sector is somewhat polarised over this item – exemplification and clarification needed TF
Q3. The introduction to the Learning Matrix explains its structure and how it can be used.
Act
Q4. Big Idea 1 - Investigating in Science reflects a Big Idea of Science at Level 6 of the New Zealand Curriculum.
Information
Official
the
Q5. Big Idea 2 - Use Science to engage in real world issues reflects a Big Idea of Science at Level 6 of the New
under
Zealand Curriculum.
Released
The sector is concerned and unclear with these two less familiar Big Ideas:
Q6. Big Idea 3 - Science as a Human Endeavour reflects a Big Idea of Science at Level 6 of the New Zealand
Curriculum.
Act
Q7. Big Idea 4 - Communicating in Science reflects a Big Idea of Science at Level 6 of the New Zealand Curriculum.
Information
Official
the
Q8. The Knowledge Big Ideas from the contextual strands (in the column on the left of the Learning Matrix)
under
reflects the important "content" of Science at Level 6 of the New Zealand Curriculum. This response was expected
– around 40% of respondents do not feel the knowledge big ideas capture the content they are familiar with and
which is traditionally the basis for their year 11 programmes.
Released
Q9. The language used in each Big Idea is appropriate for Level 6 of the New Zealand Curriculum.
Act
Q10. The Learning Matrix clearly shows connection and alignment with Science at Level 6 of the New Zealand
Curriculum (in particular the Learning Area Statement p28-29).
Information
Official
the
under
Q12. There is alignment between the Draft NZC Level 6 Science Learning Matrix with the Draft NCEA Level 1
Science Assessment Matrix.
Released
Q13. The internal and external modes al ocated to each standard are appropriate for the key outcomes in that
standard.
Act
The level of agreement here suggests we need to revisit how we frame the external assessments within our 50:50
internal:external mandate.
Q14. The Assessment Matrix as a whole assesses the most important learning outcomes for Level 1 Science.
Information
Official
the
under
The concerns indicated here need to be addressed. Clarification and exemplification through activities and student
exemplars are a key strategy.
Released
Q15 AS 1.1 – Use a range of scientific investigative approaches
The Title provides a general summary of the requirements for this standard.
Act
Q16. The Achievement Criteria sufficiently specify the requirements for the award of each grade.
Information
Official
the
Q17. The Explanatory Notes clarify and explain t
under
he standard.
Released
Q18. The Mode of Assessment (internal/external) suggested for this achievement standard is appropriate.
Act
Q19. The possible contexts and activities for teaching and assessment are appropriate for exemplifying this
standard.
Information
Official
the
under
Q21. AS 1.2 – Explore a real-world issue and devise a local, science-informed action.
The Title provides a general summary of the requirements for this standard.
Released
Q22. Achievement Criteria sufficiently specify the requirements for the award of each grade.
Act
Q23. The Explanatory Notes clarify and explain the standard.
Information
Official
the
under
Q24. The Mode of Assessment (internal/external) suggested for this achievement standard is appropriate.
Released
Q25. The possible contexts and activities for teaching and assessment are appropriate for exemplifying this
standard.
Act
Q27. AS 1.3 - Describe attributes of Science that contribute to the development of scientific ideas and processes.
The Title provides a general summary of the requirements for this standard.
Information
Official
the
under
Q28. The Achievement Criteria sufficiently specify the requirements for the award of each grade.
Released
Q29. The Explanatory Notes clarify and explain the standard.
Act
Q30. The Mode of Assessment (internal/external) suggested for this standard is appropriate.
Information
Official
the
Consider NZQA feedback for how this AS is assessed externally.
under
Q31. Please provide some suggestions that might be useful for the SEG and NZQA in further developing external
assessment activities for this standard.
Released
Q32. AS 1.4 - Interpret scientific claims in publicly communicated information.
The Title provides a general summary of the requirements for this standard.
Act
Q33. The Achievement Criteria sufficiently specify the requirements for the award of each grade. Clarify?
Information
Official
the
Q34. The Explanatory Notes clarify and explain the standard. Clarify ENs.
under
Released
Q35. The Mode of Assessment (internal/external) suggested for this achievement standard is appropriate for the
standard.
Act
Consider NZQA feedback for how this AS is assessed externally.
Q37. These products provide the opportunity for al learners to see their language, culture and identity in their
learning and assessment in Level 1 Science.
Information
Official
the
under
Released
