NCEA Level 2 Chemistry
12CHE Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Mrs L. Brown.
Recommended Prior LearningAchieve in three standards in any level 1 Science course (e.g. Science, Biochemistry, physical science and Earth Science, Agriculture/Horticultures), including passing one external standard at the achieved level, PLUS be enrolled for either 12MA1 or 12MA2 AND either 12EN1 or 12EN2.
A chemist’s answer to the question “What is Chemistry?” could easily be, “What in the world isn’t Chemistry?”. Chemistry involves a study of everything about us; from the air we breathe and the food we eat, to the chemistry of a comet, the planets, and beyond. Chemistry involves the study of the structure and nature of substances, how they behave chemically, and the synthesis of new substances; in short, taking things apart and putting them together.
Knowledge of chemistry is an essential prerequisite for many science-based careers, e.g. engineering, medicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy, dentistry, consumer science and other scientific university courses. It may also be useful for some polytechnic courses. Chemistry is a subject that helps students to develop their own powers of scientific reasoning and understanding, whatever career they decide upon.
A student will be withdrawn from a standard if the teacher is not confident that the achievement of the standard is within the reach of the student or there is no evidence of the student attempting the assessment.
Course Overview
Term 1
91165 - Demonstrate understanding of bonding, structure, properties and energy changes
(External - 5 credits)
Assessment: Test in Week 7/8
Derived grade exam: Term 4
End of year exam - Monday 16 November 2026
91911 - Carry out an investigation into chemical species present in a sample using qualitative analysis
(Internal - 3 credits)
Assessment: In class, Term 2
OPTIONAL EXTENSION
91165 -Demonstrate understanding of the properties of selected organic compounds
(External - 4 credits)
Assessment:
Derived grade exam: Term 4
End of year exam - Monday 16 November 2026
Note: this standard will be offered throughout the year as EXTENSION to any student who wishes to have extra credits or needs this specific standard for university study.
Term 2
91911 - Carry out an investigation into chemical species present in a sample using qualitative analysis
(Internal - 3 credits)
Assessment: In class, Week 3
91910 - Carry out a practical investigation into a substance present in a consumer product using quantitative analysis
(Internal - 4 credits)
Assessment: In class, Week 9
91166 - Demonstrate understanding of chemical reactivity
(External - 4 credits)
Assessment: Test in Week 7, Term 3
Derived grade exam: Term 4
End of year exam - Monday 16 November 2026
Term 3
91166 - Demonstrate understanding of chemical reactivity
(External - 4 credits)
Assessment: Test in Week 7, Term 3
Derived grade exam: Term 4
End of year exam - Monday 16 November 2026
91967 - Demonstrate understanding of oxidation-reduction
(Internal - 3 credits)
Assessment: In class, Week 2, Term 4
Term 4
91967 - Demonstrate understanding of oxidation-reduction
(Internal - 3 credits)
Assessment: In class, Week 2, Term 4
Pathway Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
It is recommended that students purchase a write-on manual at approximately $30.00
1B8 punched, ringbinder, scientific calculator, pencil, 30cm ruler, blue & black pens, highlighter
These may be discussed and planned throughout the year as appropriate.