A2009/007 - 27 March 2009

Assessment Format Change for 2009

The 2009 Assessment Specifications advised the change in the format of questions in the examination papers for Science 2009:

Within each paper all questions will provide opportunity for all grades of performance - achievement, achievement with merit, and achievement with excellence; there are no stand-alone questions for lower achievement grades. Candidates should attempt all questions.

Please note that the key change relates to marking, with one judgment applied to the evidence from a question, to determine a single grade of N, A, M or E. Examples of possible question formats to be used in 2009 can be found in the following past papers:

1. Single-item questions, for example:
   2008 Science 90188, Question Four
   2008 Science 90192, Question Two
   
   
2. Single-item question with scaffolding/guidance, for example:
   2008 Science 90191, Question Three
   
   
3. Multiple-section question (e.g. parts a, b and c), with a single judgment made across the evidence from all parts. Question examples include:
   2008 Science 90188, Question Two
   2008 Science 90190, Question Three

It is important for candidates to attempt all questions to the best of their ability as all questions provide opportunity to achieve all grades of performance.

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Previous circulars

• 006 - 27 March 2009 - Moderation of Te Reo Maori and Te Reo Rangatira Korero achievement and unit standards
• 005 - 13 March 2009 - Use of Te Reo Māori in External Assessment
• 004 - 13 March 2009 - National Certificate in Business Level 3
• 003 - 9 February 2009 - Education for Sustainability
• 002 - 30 January 2009 - Education for Sustainability
• 001 - 9 January 2009 - Reconsideration process for externally assessed NCEA Level 3 and NZ Scholarship Visual Arts

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