Tāhuhu Kōrero | Independent Historical Inquiries NCEA 2 and 3/UE (2024)

Course aims / learning outcomes

• The study of History at levels 2 and 3 with University Entrance is based on an independent study on a topic of student choice. Historical understanding, appreciation for differing perspectives and arguments of significance to New Zealand are all key outcomes of this programme. Students work to complete a portfolio of work with assessment opportunities available in each term. Students must be working at least at level 7 of the NZ Curriculum and should have completed assessments at Level 1 before joining this course, or through negotiation directly with the course LA.

Course content

• Term 1 will introduce students to the plan for the year. Wide reading and the immersive phase of research planning will occur with focus on individual topics by the end of the term. Students will develop a research plan, a thesis of significance and apply lenses of perspective to their chosen topic. Assessment 91229 (2.1) and 91434 (3.1) will begin.
• Term 2 is designed around the research phase. Identification of differing perspectives and the exploration of relevant primary and secondary source material will occur. Assessment 91232 (2.4) and 91437 (3.4) will begin.
• Term 3 includes time to complete outstanding assessments and to complete the portfolio. Focus on communication of historical understanding, methods of presentation and targeted audience will all be explored. Assessment 91230 (2.2) and 91435 (3.2) will begin.
• Term 4 is devoted to preparation for the external exams and derived grades. All outstanding assessments MUST be submitted by week 3 of Term 4.

Assessment statement

• 3 internal assessments for NCEA qualifications are available throughout the year at both Level 2 and 3 plus one external exam each. Assessments are part of a completed portfolio of work which include students' historical research (AS 91229 and AS 91434), presentation of research (AS 91230 and AS 91435) and understanding of differing perspectives (AS 91232 and AS 91437). Historical research will be included in a google document, presentation of research will be in the format of a Teaching and Learning Resource, while understanding of differing perspectives will be communicated in an essay. Derived grade exams will occur in term 4.

Authenticity

• Assignments that take place over time will be produced in an online system such as Google Docs. Learning Advisors will monitor student work by accessing document history. A portion of work will need to be completed during class time under Learning Advisor supervision. 
• Class tests will take place under supervised test conditions within class.
• Students may be required to sign an authenticity statement, perform certain parts of assessment tasks under close supervision, or show through interview and the existence of notes and supporting material that the work submitted by the student is genuinely his/her own work.

Appeal Procedures

• Students have the right to appeal the mark they have been awarded. If a student wishes to appeal a grade, they should initially talk to the subject learning advisor about the marking process immediately after the marked assessment task is shown to them. If still dissatisfied the student should make an appointment and discuss grades with the Principal’s Nominee who will check that the correct procedures have been followed as outlined in the school and subject policies taking into account any special circumstances.

Table of Assessments