Clarification details
Updated August 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.
Assessment guidance
To reach Achieved, students must:
- select and process a wide range of reliable scientific information related to an astronomical aspect and the science behind the aspect
- explain the astronomical aspect and the science behind it.
The aspect can be any aspect, and could include an event, a discovery, principles or knowledge gained from space probes or telescopes. The science behind the aspect must be able to be explained.
Students are required to investigate to collect primary and/or secondary evidence. They will then use their findings to explain the astronomical aspect and the science behind it. This is essential for awarding the final grade.
A minimum of two or more sources of information that cover both the aspect and the science behind it must be researched. These must be included in a traceable format for authenticity purposes
Information, research, experiments, videos, etc., may be supplied by the teacher and can include primary and/or secondary information.