NCEA L1 Science
NCEA Level 1 Science
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Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
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Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
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Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
NCEA Level 1 Science is the first of the three NCEA levels described by NZQA, the National Certificate of Educational Achievement - the main qualification for secondary school students in New Zealand. In general, students work through levels 1 to 3 in years 11 to 13 at school, so Level 1 Science is typically a Year 11 course, though the standards and credits are what matter rather than the year you sit them. NCEA is recognised by employers and used for selection by universities and other tertiary providers in New Zealand and overseas, and credits you gain last forever, so Level 1 Science credits can be built up during the year or over more than one year.
Unlike a single end-of-subject exam, Level 1 Science is made up of standards, each covering a specific set of skills and knowledge and each worth credits. NZQA's own example of a Science standard is "Investigate implications of electricity and magnetism for everyday life". Schools use internal and external assessments to measure how well you meet these standards: some standards are assessed in national exams at the end of the year, and others are assessed in school during the year - NZQA notes that some things, such as doing a science experiment in the lab, cannot be tested in a sit-down exam.
Each standard you achieve is graded N, A, M or E (Not Achieved, Achieved, Merit, Excellence). Merit and Excellence grades do not add credits, but 50 credits at Merit or Excellence earns Certificate Endorsement, and 14 credits with Excellence in a course earns Course Endorsement. To prepare, find out which standards your course covers and whether each is internally or externally assessed, practise the practical and investigative work as well as the exam content, and aim beyond Achieved where you can. Questions go to your teachers, the NZQA website, or NZQA on 0800 697 296.
What you'll study
About NCEA L1 Science preparation
What is NCEA Level 1 Science, exactly?
It is the Level 1 part of NCEA, the main qualification for secondary school students in New Zealand. In Science, your course is divided into standards, each covering a specific set of skills and knowledge and each worth credits. You gain credits by achieving standards, and those credits count towards the NCEA qualification.
Is it all one big exam at the end of the year?
No. Schools use internal and external assessments to measure how well you meet the standards. Some standards are tested in national exams at the end of the year (external assessment), and others are assessed during the year in school (internal assessment). NZQA points out some things, like doing a science experiment for real, cannot be tested in a sit-down exam.
What do the letters N, A, M and E mean?
They stand for Not Achieved, Achieved, Merit and Excellence. Achieved, Merit and Excellence tell you how well you did in reaching the standard. Note that E now means Excellence - NZQA advises letting parents know, since when they were at school an E was bad news.
Do Merit and Excellence grades earn extra credits?
No. NZQA states you will not get any more credits for getting Merits and Excellences. There are still good reasons to aim high: 50 credits at Merit or Excellence gives Certificate Endorsement, and 14 credits with Excellence in a particular course, such as science, endorses that course with Excellence.
Can I spread Level 1 Science credits over more than one year?
Yes. NZQA says you can build up credits during the year, or even over more than one year, and once you have got credits, they last forever. You can also keep track of how many credits you are stacking up as you go along.
How should I order my study for a science course?
Start from your standards list. Note which standards are internally assessed and when, and which are examined externally at the end of the year. Prepare practical and investigative work on the internal timeline, then build exam revision around the externally assessed standards, checking your progress credit by credit rather than only at results time.
What is a common way candidates lose out?
Focusing only on the end-of-year exam. Internally assessed standards are where you can bank credits during the year, and they often involve practical work you cannot cram for. Also remember that simply passing is not the ceiling - Merit and Excellence grades drive Certificate and Course Endorsement and are looked at by universities.
How do I know which standards my science course covers?
Ask your teacher, since schools choose which standards make up a course. NZQA's example of a Science standard is "Investigate implications of electricity and magnetism for everyday life", which shows how specific each standard is. Your teacher can confirm which standards you are entered for and how each one is assessed.
Where can I get official answers or help?
NZQA directs students to ask their teachers, go to the NZQA website, or phone NZQA on 0800 697 296. Your results per standard are viewed online, where the N, A, M or E grade appears next to each standard. This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with NZQA.