Clarification details
Updated May 2015. This document has been updated in its entirety to address new 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.
Key messages for demonstrating understanding
- A minimum of two management practices are required at each level.
- Not all steps are required, but the student should have the majority.
- Students need to relate plant structural features and function, and/or horticultural science concepts, in order to reach Merit and above.
- For Excellence, comparing and/or contrasting and analysing or justifying needs to be done with all of the following; quality, quantity, timing, and the economics of production. The answers will depend on the techniques chosen, and not all are equal. There will be aspects that are more important than others and therefore require greater focus.