This circular is published to provide information about Scholarship |
Format of the 2006 assessment in Scholarship Science11 August 2006 - SC2006/024There is a change from the 2005 Scholarship examination which had three questions totalling 64 marks. The 2006 Scholarship examination will have six resource-based questions, each worth 8 marks, totalling 48 marks.
Candidates gaining Scholarship will be able to critically analyse integrated contexts using the knowledge and methodology of Science. They will do this by:
Content/Context detailsQuestions will be asked within a variety of integrated contexts, some of which may be unfamiliar. Each question will be based on a context covering two or more of the four curriculum strands: Living World, Material World, Physical World and Planet Earth and Beyond, or based on integrated contexts from within one curriculum strand. Knowledge required will be drawn from the relevant explanatory notes of the Level 3 Science standards. The skills required for achievement standards 90727 (Practical Investigation) and 90728 (Scientific Controversy) will also be drawn on, such as discussions of collection and reliability of data, justifications of experimental design, sources of error, and validity of conclusions drawn. The discussion of aspects of a given scientific controversy, conclusions that can be drawn about the controversy, and the critical analysis of the given controversy, for example, the reliability of given information or deductions will also be assessed. All necessary formulae, constants and data will be provided and calculations should show appropriate use of significant figures. The 2006 Chemistry examination is to be conducted on Friday 1 December 2006. The examination writing teamThe writers and checkers of the Scholarship Science examination are very experienced teachers and/or lecturers from the secondary and tertiary sectors. The marking panel consists of two of the people involved in the writing of the Scholarship Science examination and both are very experienced markers. The marking processThe marking panel will interpret the assessment schedule flexibly when candidates demonstrate insight(s) linked to an understanding of the science required by a question, beyond that which was expected by the schedule. Clearly expressed discussions showing logical understanding and accurate linking of key points will also be rewarded. The panel will meet frequently throughout the marking process and a significant proportion of the papers will be check marked and re-marked, including all top papers and those around the Scholarship cut-off. Over January, NZQA will work alongside the Scholarship Technical Advisory Group, comprising Professor Gary Hawke, Head of the School of Government at Victoria University, Professor John Hattie, Faculty of Education, University of Auckland and Professor Terry Crooks, Director of The Educational Research Unit, University of Otago, to determine the cut off points for the award of Scholarship. NZQA will be advised by the panel leader in this process. The results of the 2006 Scholarship examinations will be distributed to candidates by mid February 2007. EnquiriesA PDF Previous Circulars are available through the menu to the right above. Please refer any enquiries relating to this circular to:
Any feedback or queries are welcome. To receive these circulars by email enter your email address below: |
Previous circulars
|
Page updated: 15 August 2006