13ESS

NCEA Level 3 Earth and Space Science

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Mr J. Smith.

Earth and Space Science

Earth and Space Science at Year 13 is for students wishing to pick up the subject or continue their Level 2 Earth Science qualification. The subject matter is not mathematically based but is very rigorous in assessment. This course will aid those wishing to study a science-based tertiary course such as Geology, Geo-mechanics, Geophysics, Astronomy, Meteorology, or Marine Sciences.

Course Overview

Term 1
Introduction to terms and revision of Level 2 examinations

Earth Systems-

Atmospheric systems. -External
Marine Systems. -External

Field Trip - Internal. Geological dating methods, Report

Term 2
Astronomy - Internal. Methods of exploring space. Report

Field Trip 2 days.
Camping Broken Hills - Internal. Geology of a local feature. Report

Term 3
Revision and Prep for examinations.

Term 4
Revision and Prep for examinations.

Recommended Prior Learning

This subject is available to students who have not taken a science at Level 1 or 2 although some prior knowledge in Science is useful. 

Pathway

This subject requires no mathematics at level 3 but if students progress with the subject at the University level then there is a need for some basic calculus, algebra and statistics. It is also useful to have at least one other science at level 2.
Physics is particularly important if students are going to pursue Geophysics, Geotechnical engineering Or the more physical science-based Atmospheric or ocean sciences.

Credit Information

You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.

Total Credits Available: 20
Internal Assessed Credits: 12
External Assessed Credits: 8
Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91410 v2
NZQA Info

Earth and Space Science 3.1 - Carry out an independent practical Earth and Space Science investigation


Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91412 v2
NZQA Info

Earth and Space Science 3.3 - Investigate the evidence related to dating geological event(s)


Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91413 v2
NZQA Info

Earth and Space Science 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of processes in the ocean system


Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r,4w *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91414 v2
NZQA Info

Earth and Space Science 3.5 - Demonstrate understanding of processes in the atmosphere system


Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r,4w *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91415 v2
NZQA Info

Earth and Space Science 3.6 - Investigate an aspect of astronomy


Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r *
Numeracy Credits: 0
Credit Summary
Total Credits: 20
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 16
Total Numeracy Credits: 0

Approved subject for University Entrance

Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 20

Only students engaged in learning and achievement derived from Te Marautanga o Aotearoa are eligible to be awarded these subjects as part of the requirement for 14 credits in each of three subjects.

Disclaimer

Rosmini College's timetable is student-driven and a new timetable is generated each year based on student subject selection. Unfortunately, while we do our best to avoid them, timetabling clashes may still occur and a few students may be required to choose an alternative subject option.

The 2025 timetable, including the number of classes in each subject and staffing allocations, is created based on student selections made in 2024. Because of this, changing subjects at the beginning of 2025 may not be possible. Please, make your subject choices carefully.