Curriculum » Science » NCEA Level 1 Science
NCEA Level 1 Science is usually completed during Year 11. There are various pathways to achieving Level 1 credits and students are placed into classes according to ability. All students will be offered the chance to gain credits from internally assessed Unit Standards; some will also sit both internal and external Achievement Standards. For more information on the Standards given below, please see the NCEA website: http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/index.html
There are high expectations of students in this top band class. This is a challenging course, giving a more detailed understanding of the topics covered at NCEA Level 1. Students should be prepared to dedicate time outside of the classroom for reviewing work, completing assignments and researching new topics. All students are offered a range of Unit Standards and Achievement Standards which are assessed within the school. In addition, they will sit the external examinations at the end of the year in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
| Topic | Credits | Standard Code |
| Atomic Structure | 3 | US 6329 |
| Acids and Bases | 3 | US 8936 |
| Metals | 4 | AS 90169 |
| Microbes | 4 | AS 90161 |
| Genetics | 3 | US 8923 |
| Forces and Motion | 2 | US 6366 |
| Electricity | 3 | US 6370 |
| Energy | 2 | US 6368 |
| External Biology Exam | 5 | AS 90188 |
| External Chemistry Exam | 5 | AS 90189 |
| External Physics Exam | 5 | AS 90191 |
There are new resources available online to help 101 students pass their external examinations. Go to http://www.studypass.co.nz/revision-checklists_l1.aspx and download a complete set of Science topic guides for free. they are not hugely detailed but are a great starting point for that pesky revision.
Students taking the 102 Science class cover a similar curriculum to their peers. They are offered a variety of Unit Standards and Achievement Standards, all internally assessed. Students do not sit external end of year examinations, instead completing additional Unit Standards chosen by their teacher.
| Topic | Credits | Standard Code |
| Atomic Structure | 3 | US 6329 |
| Acids and Bases | 3 | US 8936 |
| Metals | 4 | AS 90169 |
| Microbes | 4 | AS 90161 |
| Genetics | 3 | US 8923 |
| Forces and Motion | 2 | US 6366 |
| Electricity | 3 | US 6370 |
| Energy | 2 | US 6368 |
Students taking this course enjoy a more "hands on" approach to Science. The emphasis is on problem solving and utilising a wide variety of techniques. Workbooks are provided which aim to improve scientific literacy and comprehension skills. Level 1 credits are offered from a range of Unit Standards which are carefully chosen to reflect the needs and abilities of the students.
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