Year 13 Economics
HANDBOOK
Contains:
 Course and Assessment Outline
 Student Record Sheet
 School Policies
 Year Plan
13 Economics Course and
Assessment Outline 2015
Course Aims
This course covers both micro-economic concepts, which analyse efficiency and effects in the market, and
macro-economic influences on the New Zealand economy.
A Christian perspective of Economics
Most traditional economics courses teach from a rationalist point of view, which says that human beings can
learn to understand the world in which they live and so ultimately control it materially through improved
understanding. You may not be a Christian but in this course you will be asked to think about the economic
ideas from a Biblical point of view and in so doing I trust that you will remain open to a personal relationship
with the living God.
Types of assessment and activities
There are 4 Achievement Standards (19 Level 3 credits) offered in this course, which are outlined in the
tables below. You can gain the following grades in the Achievement Standards: N: Not Achieved. A:
Achieved, M: Achieved with Merit, E: Achieved with Excellence. A course endorsement is possible.
No.
Achievement Standard Title
UEL
Credits
Assessment
Mode
AS91399
(AS 3.1)
Demonstrate understanding of the efficiency of
market equilibrium.
R/W
4
External
AS91400
(AS 3.2)
Demonstrate understanding of the efficiency of
different market structures using marginal
analysis.
R/W
4
External
AS91403
(AS 3.5)
Demonstrate understanding of macro-economic
influences on the New Zealand economy.
R/W
6
External
The THREE external Achievement Standards will be assessed by a three hour examination at the end of
the year. Sample examination papers are available on the NZQA website
(http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/qualifications/ncea/subjects/economics/levels/). All three
standards can generate reading & writing university entrance literacy (UEL) credits.
No.
Achievement Standard Title
AS91401
(AS 3.3)
Demonstrate understanding of micro-economic
concepts.
UEL
Credits
Assessment
Mode
R
5
Internal
The AS 3.3 internal Achievement Standard will be assessed as follows:

A collection of three reports based on the application of micro-economic concepts, which will be
taught in class from Week 2, Term 2 until Week 7, Term 2. Draft reports can be submitted on
scheduled dates for feedback, prior to the final report submission in Week 8, Term 2. There will
be no reassessment opportunity for this standard.
Exemplar assessments are available on the TKI website (http://ncea.tki.org.nz/Resources-for-alignedstandards/Social-sciences/Economics). This standard can generate reading university entrance literacy
(UEL) credits.
** Please note you must pass the AS3.5 achievement standard, as well as two of the other standards,
to gain ‘university entrance’ in Economics as AS3.5 is worth 6 credits.
Resources

Understanding Economics for NCEA level 3: Externals workbook (Cost approximately $24, debited to
your student account)

Understanding Economics for NCEA level 3: Micro-economic concepts workbook (Cost
approximately $13, debited to your student account)

e-learn on-line study programme - Rennie Resources (Cost approximately $15, debited to your
student account)

Westpac Commentary (Weekly summary of economic activity available free on-line. Register on-line:
http://www.westpac.co.nz/business/economic-updates/economic-research-and-market-strategy/)
Senior Prize-giving
Class ranking for senior prize-giving will be determined by grades for the internally assessed achievement
standard, formative topic/standard tests and practice examinations.
All students are invited to bring any matter of concern regarding the course to Mrs. Gilby. This should be
done sooner rather than later and especially applies to any problems concerning the internal assessment due
date.
Mrs. Karen Gilby
TIC Economics
[email protected]
(07) 579-1858
Student Record Sheet
Mark in N, A, M, E as appropriate in each square
INTERNAL UNIT STANDARDS
Achievement
Standard
Credits
AS 91401
(AS 3.3)
5
Summative Assessment*
*Summative Assessments are the final grades to be sent to NZQA.
EXTERNAL ACHIEVEMENT STANDARDS
AS
Credits
AS 91399
(AS 3.1)
4
AS 91400
(AS 3.2)
4
AS 91403
(AS 3.5)
6
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT**
Formative
Formative
Assessment 1
Assessment 2
**Formative Assessments are used to show progress. They are not the final grade.
The summative assessments for these Achievement Standards are in the formal
NZQA examinations at the end of the year.
There are a number of school policies that affect assessments in Economics. A summary of
the key points are below. Students are advised to refer to the school website
(www.beth.school.nz) or the booklet, ‘Bethlehem College NCEA Student Handbook’ (issued
at the beginning of each year) for further clarification.
Appeals
If a student considers that some aspect of an assessment mark is inappropriate, then the student should
initially speak to the subject teacher. If further discussion is required, then the student should follow the
procedure given in the Appeals Policy. (Policy – Appeals)
Authenticity of Student Work and Copied Work
It is expected that all work submitted by any student is their own work. All assignments must be signed by
students as a confirmation of this. Copying of other students work is not acceptable in any form.
(Policy – Authentication of Student Work / Copied work)
Examinations
Students who for any reason miss sitting an examination at the time required will be expected to sit it at the
earliest opportunity where possible. However, the sitting of an examination at a time different from that
specified, normally precludes the mark from being used for assessment purposes. Cheating in any way
during an examination will not be acceptable. (Policy – Examinations)
Extension / Late Work / Further Assessment Opportunities
Students should be familiar with the College policy on ‘Extension to Deadlines’. If an extension is requested,
then students must follow the procedure outlined in the policy. Students should note that the grade generated
by work handed in late will not be used for assessment purposes. Further assessment opportunities will only
be possible where practicable. Please note: if you request an extension because of illness, you must have a
medical certificate. If you miss a test you cannot sit the test, even with a medical certificate. Compassionate
consideration for a student who is absent from an internal assessment may be made if there is sufficient
evidence available from other work related to the same skill/content and no other assessment opportunity is
available. Compassionate consideration for external assessments requires NZQA guidelines to be followed.
(Policy – Extensions / Late Work / Further Assessment Opportunities / Compassionate
Consideration).
Internal Moderation
Where more than one class sits the same assessment, there will be a system set down to ensure that all
work is marked in a consistent manner. (Policy – Internal Moderation)
Ownership, Security and Retention of Student Work
Student internal assessment material will be retained by the department until it is no longer required for
moderation purposes.This means that all work handed in by students for assessment is the property of the
College. The College is responsible for keeping work and the records of marks in a secure manner in
accordance with the Privacy Act. (Policy – Security of Information and Ownership of Student Work)
Recording and Verification of Grades
All grades are recorded by the teacher in the manner outlined in the policy. It is recommended that you
maintain a record of your progress throughout the year as Students should also record accurately all grades
awarded them. Students will be required to verify the final grades that are submitted to NZQA.
(Policy – Recording of Assessment Data)
Special Assessment Conditions
Special assessment conditions may be available to students who have permanent or long-term medical
conditions or learning difficulties. Application must be made through the Learning Support Coordinator.
Students must have a history of support to qualify. Short- term illness or accident will not qualify for this
assistance. (Policy – Special Assessment Conditions)
Computing Acceptable Use Policy
Students and parents are expected to sign this policy. A student will not be able to use the school computer
system until they have done so. Breaches of the policy may result in the removal of computer privileges.
(Policy – Computing Acceptable Use)