Curriculum Studies Guide 2018

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Curriculum Studies Guide 2018
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Science
YEAR 9
Status Compulsory
Prerequisites None
Periods per week Five
Description
Students study three modules of science: Biology,
Chemistry and Physics. Each module will be
approximately 12 weeks long. The content of the
three modules is described under the appropriate
subject headings.
YEAR 10
Status Compulsory
Prerequisites None
Periods per week Four
Description
Science in Year 10 builds on the work in Year 9
and follows the same format. Each module will be
approximately 12 weeks long. The content of the
three modules is described under the appropriate
subject headings.
YEAR 11—LEVEL 1 SCIENCE
Status Optional
Prerequisites None
Periods per week Four
Description
The Level 1 course offers the three Science
external standards to give students an
understanding of key concepts in Biology,
Chemistry and Physics. In addition the Chemistry
practical internal builds investigation skills while
the carbon cycling internal examines the science
behind climate change.
This course is an ideal selection for students
who may wish to continue with Science at Level
2 and 3 but do not know in which area they wish
to specialise. Students who succeed in this
course are able to specialise at Level 2 in Biology,
Chemistry and/or Physics or they can continue
into the Level 2 Science course.
Assessment
There are a wide range of Level 1 Science
standards available for assessment. The course
may be tailored to meet the needs of the class or
student as appropriate, following discussion with
the TiC General Science. The following standards
form the core component of the course.
AS 90940
Demonstrate understanding of aspects of
mechanics. (4 credits – external, numeracy)
AS 90948
Demonstrate understanding of biological ideas
relating to genetic variation.
(4 credits – external, literacy)
AS 90944
Demonstrate understanding of aspects of acids
and bases. (4 credits – external)
AS 90930
Carry out a practical chemistry investigation, with
direction. (4 credits – internal, numeracy)
AS 90953
Demonstrate understanding of carbon cycling.
(4 credits – internal, literacy)
The external standards are assessed in a three
hour end-of-year examination. Trial examinations
are held during the year to help prepare students.
Some standards count towards the NCEA Level 1
literacy and numeracy requirement, as indicated
above. A total of 8 literacy and 8 numeracy credits
are available.
Total credits: 20 (12 external, 8 internal)