Clarification details
Updated December 2017. This document has been updated to address 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.
The intent of this standard
The intent of this standard is that students examine objects to provide reasons why, or why not, the objects may be considered art. The objects may be selected by the teacher or the student.
Evidence from the objects
Explanations are to be based on evidence from the objects. This can include observable evidence such as the appearance, the function and the material and methods used to make the object. This can also include evidence informed by wider research about the object including the reasons why the object was made, the significance that people or society have given the object, and the context(s) of the object.
Sufficient evidence
Explanations of why or why not selected objects may be considered art may be in the form of notes or annotated images rather than bullet-pointed lists of single words which may not provide sufficient evidence for the achievement of this standard.
Grade level indicators
A typical Achieved response explains at least two reasons why, or why not, a selected object be considered art, for each of at least two selected objects. These explanations are supported by evidence from the objects.
A typical Merit response explains clear and well-articulated reasons why, or why not, the selected objects may be considered art. These explanations are supported by evidence from the objects.
For Excellence, ‘convincing reasons’ will be evident in the use of persuasive language and quality of evidence from the objects used to support the explanation.