Clarification details
Updated December 2017. This document has been updated 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.
Biophysical principles
Biophysical principles must be applied by the student as they relate to the learning of physical skills.
More than one biophysical principle is required to be demonstrated in relation to the learning of physical skills. These principles may include: skill learning, sports psychology, biomechanics or functional anatomy. Focusing on the most relevant biophysical principles will allow for more depth in the student explanation/evaluation.
Functional anatomy
Anatomical knowledge is inherent in the understanding of biomechanics. This anatomical knowledge should be explained rather than identifying joints or lists of muscles.
Demonstrate understanding
Student responses must provide an explanation that includes:
- what the biophysical principle being applied is
- how and why each biophysical principle relates to the learning of physical skills
- specific examples from personal experiences.
For a verbal response, teacher annotation should be summarised to reflect the criteria of the standard.
Demonstrate in-depth understanding
Each biophysical principle must be explained in detail how and why they relate to the learning of physical skills. A clear interrelationship between the biophysical principles is required to be explained. For example, biomechanics (force summation) and skill learning (feedback).
Demonstrate comprehensive understanding
Student responses must include an evaluation of how and why biophysical principles relate to the learning of physical skills. A clear interrelationship between the biophysical principles is required to be evaluated. This may include:
- what biophysical principle(s) is the most/least beneficial when learning physical skills and reasons why relating to the learning of physical skills supported with specific examples
- changes/modifications made to improve the learning of the physical skill.