NCEA Level 2 Biology 2021 - Course Outline and Assessment Information
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NCEA Level 2 Biology
2021
Course Outline and Assessment InformationNCEA Level 2 (Year 12) Biology 2021
Welcome to Level 2 Biology. We are looking forward to working with you this year and wish you an interesting
and rewarding year of learning.
Biologists and students studying biology want to explain the nature of living things and to understand where
and how life is evolving, how evolution links life processes and ecology, and the impact that humans have on
all forms of life. The course this year aims to provide a solid foundation of knowledge and skills on which to
base further studies in Biology. There are ‘Key concepts’ or big ideas that we hope will remain with you long
after you have left school.
What will I do in Year 12 Biology?
We will provide you with the knowledge, understanding and skills that enable you to be ‘scientifically literate’
citizens.
You will develop an understanding of how biological theories and ideas have evolved over time and as
technology has improved. Practical investigations will provide you with opportunities to experience how
scientists learn more about living organisms.
What will I learn in Year 12 Biology?
This year you will
• learn about the diverse ways in which animals and plants carry out life processes
• be able to explain how the interaction between ecological factors and natural selection leads to
genetic change within populations
• carry out an investigation that includes developing your understanding of the relationship between
the investigation and scientific theory
• analyse the biological validity of information to develop an understanding of socio-scientific issues
Summary of the Achievement Standards offered in Level 2 Biology 2021
Achievement Subject Version Topic/Title Mode of Credits Literacy or
Standard Reference Number Assessment Numeracy
Number
91153 Bio 2.1 vs 2 Carry out a practical Internal 4 Numeracy
biological investigation in a
biology context, with
supervision
91154 Bio 2.2 vs 2 Analyse the biological Internal 3 Literacy
validity of information
presented to the public
91155 Bio 2.3 vs 2 Demonstrate understanding Internal 3 Literacy
of adaptation of plants or
animals to their way of life
91156 Bio 2.4 vs 2 Demonstrate understanding External 4 Literacy
of life processes at the
cellular level.
91157 Bio 2.5 vs 2 Demonstrate understanding External 4 Literacy
of genetic variation and
change 5 Achievement Standards will be offered with a total of 18 credits.
2 Achievement Standards will be assessed by an external examination. (8 credits)
Tests and task sheets will be given regularly throughout the year to give you practice in answering
questions related to the topics being studied. Formative Tests will be used as indicators of your
progress.
3 Achievement Standards will be assessed internally during the year. (10 credits)
Bio 2.1 Practical Investigation Week 3, Term 2 4 credits
Bio 2.3 Animal Adaptation Week 8, Term 2 3 credits
Bio 2.2 Analysing Bio Information Week 3, Term 3 3 credits
Formative Tasks will be given as practice before these Achievement Standards are assessed.
All Achievement Standard tasks will have a checklist of what is required to attain an Achieved, Achieved with
Merit or Achieved with Excellence.
Textbook: SciPAD, Level 2 Biology: Externally Assessed Standards
Important Information for Internal Assessments
• Absences – It is important that you do not miss any assessments (Internal or External) except for
genuine reasons of sickness, accident or other extreme emergencies. Providing a Medical Certificate
from your Doctor must cover absence during an assessment. On your return to school you will be
given the opportunity to do the task for the Achievement Standard. This will NOT be possible if you
choose to go on a family holiday, or similar non-school related event, at the time of assessment.
• Assessment Policies – Procedures outlined in the School’s Assessment Policy, Authenticity Policy and
the Appeal process apply. Ensure you read these thoroughly and follow all guidelines. Know your
rights and responsibilities.
• Filing – When an Internal assessment task has been marked you will be asked to verify the sighting
and acceptance of the grade awarded by signing the cover sheet. All assessed work will then be filed
at school for security and for moderation by NZQA, if required.
• Assessment – If a ‘Not Achieved’ grade is awarded for an internally assessed Achievement Standard,
there will be no further assessment opportunities in that Achievement Standard.
• If you do not understand the reasons for the final grade you have been awarded you should initially
discuss it with your teacher and then if you still feel an appeal is required go to NCEA Information and
complete an ‘Appeal’ form. Your work will be reassessed in conjunction with either a colleague or a
subject specialist from outside the school. Remember your reason(s) must relate to the assessment
schedule for that task.
• You may be offered the opportunity of a resubmission if your work requires a minor corrections or
change that you may have overlooked and should be able to identify within a few minutes. Your
teacher will approach you prior to the task being handed back to the class as a whole if this is relevant
for you. You will be required to identify and make any changes immediately. Your teacher is not able
to tell you of the specific change required; you must be able to identify the required change yourself. Reminders
• Keep your folder up to date, tidy and well organised. When you have finished studying a section of
work take the notes home and file them using dividers to separate Course Information / External
Achievement Standards / Internal Achievement Standards
• Take responsibility for your own learning by keeping accurate, well structured notes.
• Be focussed and actively participate in your learning. Take every opportunity to practise and develop
your skills.
• Use class time effectively to listen, discuss and question.
• Hand in work punctually
• Complete formative tasks and take note of the feedback you receive. (oral and/or written)
• Take feedback/feed forward on board and use it to further develop your knowledge and skills.
• Ask your teacher if you have any questions about the course and/or assessments.
Award of Year 12 subject prizes
Top subject awards are determined by the whole year’s academic performance. Award winners are based
on the following criteria:
• The proportion of Excellence grades in Achievement Standards
• Completion of a standard at the first attempt, as well as the comparative quality and quantity of a
student’s class work in Achievement Standards.
• Completion of all compulsory standards offered in the course.
• Completion of all standards to a high level in the school examinations.
• Consistent effort made in homework throughout the year.
• Satisfactory class attendance throughout the year.NCEA LEVEL 2 (Year 12) BIOLOGY 2021
Order of Topics & Assessment Dates
Term One 10 weeks
Bio 2.4 (E) Cell Biology
Bio 2.4 (E) Derived Grade Assessment Week 10
Bio 2.1 (I) Practical Investigation: Introduction
Term Two 10 weeks
Bio 2.1 (I)contd Practical Investigation
Summative Assessment (4 credits) Week 3
Bio 2.3 (I) Animal Adaptation
Summative Assessment (3 credits) Week 8
Bio 2.2 (I) Analysing Biological Information
Term Three 10 weeks
Bio 2.2 (I) contd Analysing Biological Information
Summative Assessment (3 credits) Week 3
Bio 2.5 (E) Genetic variation & change
Term Four 3 weeks
Bio 2.5 (E) Genetic variation and change: Derived Grade Assessment Week 2
Revision Bio 2.4/2.5
NCEA Level 2 Biology Exam: Thursday 25 November (9.30am)You can also read
