Clarification details
Updated December 2016. 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.
Selecting resources
Students need to make informed selection of the tools and equipment required to make the prototype, evidence of which should be provided. For example, informed selection may involve evaluating past and current practices, considering availability of tools and equipment, and determining fitness for purpose of the tools for the nature of the intended outcome.
Students could refer to materials and/or components, tools and equipment, and techniques and processes required in the subject specific 'implement' standards such as 91344, 91345, 91350, 91351, 91368, 91370, 91373, 91375 for guidance.
Stakeholder feedback
Stakeholder feedback should be undertaken throughout the development process. It should be relevant and of sufficient depth to inform and confirm the selection of resources and making of the prototype. Students should be supported to undertake quality feedback to evaluate fitness for purpose of the outcome.
Synthesising evidence
The development of a prototype includes ongoing testing and stakeholder feedback. Students should triangulate the findings from ongoing testing and trials, stakeholder requirements and feedback, and the design context (social and physical environment) to evaluate fitness for purpose of the process used to make the prototype (selection of resources) and trialling of the constructed prototype itself.
Prototype
A final prototype must be produced and trialled in its intended social and physical environment to determine its fitness for purpose.
Decisions to accept or modify the prototype
To meet this criteria, all changes to the prototype during its development should be informed by trials and tests. The decisions made during this investigation should be clearly evident.
Where constraints such as time and money limit further improvement of the final prototype, students could present a case for the outcome’s implementation, refinement or further development that clearly identifies the modifications required.