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November 2011

Contents

• Planning with the level 2 realigned Achievement Standards
• 91241 Understanding of an Urban Pattern
• 91244 Conduct Geographic Research
• 91245 A contemporary NZ Geographic Issue
• 91246 Geographic topic at a Global Scale
• 91247 Spatial analysis to solve a Geographic problem
• Geographic Terminology

Planning with the level 2 realigned Achievement Standards 

Final draft versions of the Level 2 Achievement Standards, Conditions of Assessment and internal assessment resources are available on TKI.  It is important to note that these materials are in draft until the standards are registered in December. After the standards are registered the sample assessment resources and annotated exemplars of student work will be updated to reflect any possible amendments.

The above resources are suitable for planning 2012 courses, but it is important to check for any changes made to the assessment resources prior to use with students.

The NCEA resource kit provides useful information to assist with the implementation of the new standards and for the planning of courses.

The following is a brief overview of each of the new standards highlighting some important changes.

91241 Understanding of an Urban Pattern 

It is important that:

• The city selected as the case study is large enough to allow for spatial and/or temporal variations to be clearly identified.

• One pattern is selected and there is sufficient evidence for students to fully explain variations in the pattern and the factors and/or circumstances that contribute to the variations.

• Spatial and/or temporal variations can be developed. Most spatial patterns will have a temporal aspect; including this will give a greater opportunity for a student to demonstrate comprehensive understanding.

91244 Conduct Geographic Research 

This standard continues to develop the approach taken in 91011, with the presentation, explanation of findings and evaluation being the focus aspects of an Excellence level research report. The teacher should provide guidance with the topic, aim and research procedures. The collection and presentation of data must include a minimum of 2 techniques (explanatory note 4). The findings incorporate geographic concepts and are separate from the conclusion. The evaluation is more complex than previously including impact on the validity of findings and/or conclusions, and ways of improving the research.

91245 A Contemporary NZ Geographic Issue 

As the title states this must be a local or national issue within New Zealand.

When describing the nature of the issue three aspects should be considered:

1. How the location is significant to the issue (spatial dimension).
2. Natural and/or cultural features/characteristics.
3. Effects of the issue on people and the environment.

Different viewpoints must be explained; this can be views of individuals or groups. Students need also to explain how viewpoints relating to this issue have or could change over time. How this particular aspect is approached will be determined by the issue selected. If the issue is in its very early stages and viewpoints show no evidence of change, students could examine factors that could result in change; in this sense they will be providing a hypothetical answer. The focus understanding is that viewpoints can and do change over time for a variety of reasons.

91246 Geographic topic at a Global Scale 

The pattern can be spatial or temporal, but must have a clear global spatial dimension. A single pattern is required and the causes now need to contribute to the pattern. Students must be able to discuss patterns, factors and/or processes using appropriate geographic terminology, which are clearly outlined in the Level 1 clarifications document on the subject page.

91247 Spatial analysis to solve a Geographic problem 

Unlike the Level 1 91014 a simulated problem cannot be used. It must be an actual geographic problem and genuine “real” data used to solve it. Our interpretation of an ‘actual problem’ is realistic, but could be a hypothetical scenario such as where to develop another mall or hospital; but the data must be genuine to the area. Assessment resources must be provided by the teacher and they should be of a sufficient quality to enable students to achieve at excellence level.

Geographic Terminology 

To achieve at the Excellence level, all the geography achievement standards will require students to use correct geographic terms, where appropriate, in their answers. For standards such as 91241 and 91246 students should be encouraged to use appropriate terminology when identifying spatial patterns.