Assessment Matters

Extension of expiry date of level 1 Core Science, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Earth Science unit standards – available until 31 December 2012
A2011/016 - 29 Sep 2011

Extension of expiry date of level 1 Core Science, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Earth Science unit standards – available until 31 December 2012

After careful consideration a decision has been made to extend the expiry date of the 18000 series and 21611 and 21612 level 1 Science unit standards for one year.  These standards will now expire on 31 December 2012. 

Rationale

Implementing the newly aligned achievement standards has required the redesign of many courses for schools.  Feedback from schools has highlighted concerns about developing Science courses for some students. 

Data collected by NZQA regarding uptake of the new achievement standards indicates that a significant number of schools are still relying on the expiring standards to form courses for some students.

Schools have made considerable efforts to implement these new standards for level 1 in 2011 across all subjects.  However, some schools have indicated that more time is required for teachers to develop Science courses using the newly aligned achievement standards to meet the needs of their students.

Extension of expiry date of level 1 Science unit standards

The expiry date of the 18000 series and 21611 and 21612 level 1 Science unit standards has been extended for one year.  These standards will now expire on 31 December 2012.  NZQA’s website will be updated accordingly in due course.  Assessment using these standards will not be able to take place after 31 December 2012 (see SecQual S2011/034).

Standards that have been extended

The standards that have been extended are: 18969 - 18983, 18986, 18988, 18989, 21611 and 21612.  A full list of the standard titles is below.

Standards that have NOT been extended

This expiry does not apply to any other unit standards designated as expiring on 31 December 2011 including those which have been replaced by achievement standards.

Exclusions

Exclusions listed in the Standards Exclusion List on the NZQA website continue to apply: http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/standards/standards-exclusion-list

Level 1 Science unit standards available until 31 December 2012

These are all 2 credit internally assessed unit standards.

Enquiries

Please refer any enquiries relating to this circular to:

Jennifer Mackrell
Secondary Examinations
Telephone:   04 463 3032
Fax:   04 463 3113
Email:  jennifer.mackrell@nzqa.govt.nz