Clarification details
Updated December 2025. This document addresses issues that have arisen from moderation.
The purpose of clarifications
We create clarification documents to help people understand the current requirements of achievement standards. Clarifications do not introduce new criteria, change the intent of the standard, or change what we expect from assessment.
These documents unpack and explain the language and intent of the standard so people interpret and apply the standard consistently. We provide examples or guidance as illustrations only. They are not prescriptions or requirements.
For official requirements, always refer to the current version of the achievement standard as published by NZQA.
Individual vs group work
Investigations are often carried out in small groups in classrooms for logistical reasons. This includes carrying out the eventual group method and the collection of data.
However, each student should create their own method and have an active part in carrying out the investigation and collecting data. Processing, interpreting data and writing the report should be done individually and without collaboration.
Gathering data over time
This standard involves an extended investigation that requires taking several data readings over the duration of the investigation.
Checklist
A checklist of requirements for completion of the investigation should be provided to students by the teacher, instead of a template.
Using other findings
This investigation requires students to have identified and included relevant findings from another source. Sources should be from verifiable or published resources, not from other students’ findings.
Students must name the source of information to properly identify it, rather than simply providing a link.
It is good practice for students to reference all the findings from the sources utilised.
Merit requires a discussion of the biological ideas related to the investigation that is based on the student’s findings and those from other sources. Biological ideas should be agricultural or horticultural ideas.