NSSCO Agricultural Science Syllabus
NSSCO Agricultural Science Syllabus
ORDINARY LEVEL
GRADES 10–11
ISBN:978-999-16-66-24-2
Printed by NIED
Website: http://www.nied.edu.na
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 1
2. Rationale ................................................................................................................................. 2
3. Aims ........................................................................................................................................ 2
4. Additional information .............................................................................................................. 3
5. Learning content ..................................................................................................................... 4
6. Assessment objectives ...........................................................................................................27
7. Scheme of assessment ..........................................................................................................28
8. Specification grid ....................................................................................................................29
9. Grade descriptions .................................................................................................................30
10. Glossary of terms used in science papers ..............................................................................31
Annexe A: Assessment criteria for coursework (School-Based Assessment - SBA) ......................33
Annexe B: Assessment of coursework ...........................................................................................35
Annexe C: Physical and chemical concepts and processes ...........................................................41
Annexe D: Mathematical requirements ..........................................................................................42
Annexe E: Terminology, units, symbols and presentation of data for agricultural science ..............43
Annexe F: Coursework assessment forms .....................................................................................46
1. INTRODUCTION
The Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary (NSSCO) level syllabus is designed as
a two-year course leading to examination after completion of the Junior Secondary phase.
The syllabus is designed to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum for Basic
Education (NCBE) and has been approved by the National Examination, Assessment and
Certification Board (NEACB).
The Namibia National Curriculum Guidelines, applicable at the stage of senior secondary
education (Grades 10 and 11) and at equivalent stages of non-formal education, as a part of
life-long learning, recognise the uniqueness of the learner and adhere to the philosophy of
learner-centred education.
Thus the Namibia National Curriculum Guidelines should provide opportunities for
developing essential skills across the various fields of study. Such skills cannot be
developed in isolation and they may differ from context to context according to a field of
study. The skills marked with an * are relevant to this syllabus.
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2. RATIONALE
Agricultural Science is a multidisciplinary subject that will, through the use of learner-centred
teaching approaches, allow the learners to make use of the existing knowledge, and
construct new ones so as to build understanding of crop and animal production, as well as
processing and marketing of agricultural produce. This curriculum is designed to integrate
cross-field, developmental objectives and content, thereby promoting entrepreneurial and
management skills that will enhance the development of desirable attitudes and values.
3. AIMS
The main aim of the syllabus in the agricultural science area is therefore to provide a
scientific background for our learners with the ambition of producing the much-needed
agricultural scientists for the country. The subject, Agricultural Science, within the natural
science area, promotes the following aims:
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4. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
4.3 Progression
NSSCO levels are general qualifications that enable learners to progress either directly to
employment, or to proceed to further qualifications. Learners who are awarded grades C to
A* in NSSCO are well prepared to follow courses leading to Namibia Senior Secondary
Certificate Advanced Subsidiary (NSSCAS) level Agricultural Science.
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5. LEARNING CONTENT
Theme 2: Soil
2.1 Soil formation
2.2 Soil profile
2.3 Soil types
2.4 Soil texture and structure
2.5 Soil composition
2.6 Soil fertility
2.7 Soil erosion and conservation
2.8 Irrigation and soil drainage
2.9 Water resource management
2.10 Land preparation and soil tillage
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Theme 5: Livestock and crop breeding
5.1 Monohybrid inheritance
5.2 Selection
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Theme 1: General agriculture
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TOPIC GENERAL OBJECTIVES SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
Learners will: Learners should be able to:
1.3 Environmental understand the effects of explain the effects of the following environmental factors on agriculture:
influences on environmental factors on - temperature – its effects on plant growth
agricultural practices agricultural activities in - humidity – its effect on the rate of water loss from plants and as a factor in
Namibia fungal disease attack
- rainfall – the variation in distribution, effectiveness, reliability and intensity
- wind – its effects on rate of evaporation and transpiration, soil erosion and
physical damage to plants
suggest ways that farmers can minimise the effects of temperature, humidity,
rainfall and wind on agriculture
describe the water cycle and the significance of ground water resources
describe the importance of water conservation, including the process of
mulching and minimum tillage
1.4 Principles of land acquire knowledge of different describe the main features of land tenure systems applicable in Namibia: rented
tenure land tenure systems and know land, state land, leasehold, freehold and communal land tenure
the types of land use in describe methods of land use such as shifting cultivation, settled arable land,
Namibia unenclosed and enclosed grazing systems
1.5 Impact of HIV/AIDS on analyse the effects of state how different age groups can become victims of HIV/AIDS: newborns,
human resource and HIV/AIDS on human resources teenagers and the elderly
food production and resultant food production discuss the effects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic on the turnout and productivity of
workers within the agricultural sector in Namibia
explain how the impact of HIV/AIDS reduces the output from a farm
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The practical activities, approaches and demonstrations required for Grade 10-11 Theme General agriculture are listed below. These are
considered basic and all learners should be exposed to them as a minimum requirement.
visit any nearby farm and observe how farm machines work to accelerate food production through technology
investigate the role of agricultural extension workers in improving food production in Namibia
conduct a simple survey in your area to find out how agriculture may have improved the lives of rural communities in Namibia
carry out experiments to demonstrate the effects of environmental factors on Agriculture in Namibia
dramatise role play on the negative impact HIV/AIDS might have on food security in Namibia
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Theme 2: Soil
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TOPIC GENERAL OBJECTIVES SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
Learners will: Learners should be able to:
2.6 Soil fertility understand the importance of describe the major functions of the following plant nutrients: nitrogen,
plant nutrients, the nitrogen phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur
cycle and soil pH describe the symptoms of nutrient deficiency in nitrogen, phosphorus and
potassium
state one organic and one inorganic source of nitrogen, phosphorous and
potassium
identify and explain factors affecting soil pH such as rainfall, irrigation,
application of fertilisers or manure, removal of crop residue, bacterial/microbial
actions and parent materials
describe the nitrogen cycle in terms of:
- decomposition by type of microorganism
- nitrogen fixation in the roots
- absorption of nitrogen compounds and their conversion to proteins
- the role of different types of microorganism in decay and the return of
nitrogen to the soil or the atmosphere (names of individual bacteria are not
required)
explain the negative effects of salt on plant growth
describe how to make compost from garden refuse and other available organic
substances
explain the effects of overuse of fertilisers
explain the significance of legumes in maintaining soil fertility
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TOPIC GENERAL OBJECTIVES SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
Learners will: Learners should be able to:
2.7 Soil erosion and understand methods of list the types of soil erosion: splash erosion, sheet erosion, rill erosion, gully
conservation conserving soil erosion
describe how to control soil erosion on agricultural land, with reference to humus
content and loss of biodiversity
2.8 Irrigation and soil know the various irrigation and define irrigation
drainage drainage methods used in describe methods of irrigation applicable in Namibia: flood irrigation, furrow
Namibia irrigation, sprinkler irrigation and drip irrigation
explain the need for irrigation and its effect on crop yield and quality
explain what is meant by leaching
discuss the effects of leaching on plant growth
define drainage
discuss the necessity of draining waterlogged agricultural land
describe how soil is drained using ditches and pipe drains
2.9 Water resource understand the importance of state what is meant by water resource management
management managing water resources discuss sustainable methods of managing water resources such as the use of
drip irrigation, earth dams, catchment area, pollution control
2.10 Land preparation and understand the principles and discuss methods of preparing and tilling the land/soil
soil tillage practices of land preparation state the advantages and disadvantages associated with methods of land
and soil tillage preparation and soil tillage
describe reasons for choosing specific tillage methods
The practical activities, approaches and demonstrations required for Grade 10-11 Theme Soil, are listed below. These are considered basic
and all learners should be exposed to them as a minimum requirement.
dig a pit, observe, identify and discuss various soil horizons (top-soil, sub-soil and underlying materials) in terms of colour, organic matter and texture
visit surrounding areas of the school and observe signs of weathering processes where applicable
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Theme 3: Plant production
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TOPIC GENERAL OBJECTIVES SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
Learners will: Learners should be able to:
3.2 Cereal crops
3.2.1 Cereal crop acquire knowledge and explain what is meant by a cereal crop
production in Namibia necessary skills on the explain what is meant by seed viability
methods of producing cereal outline the importance of viable seeds
crops in Namibia discuss factors that determine plant spacing and planting depth of cereal crops
describe the methods employed in the cultivation of one of the following cereal
crops: maize, millet, sorghum, rice, oats, wheat or barley including:
- soil and climatic requirements
- seed-bed preparation, sowing or planting time, planting depth, plant spacing
and seed rate
- application of fertilisers (organic and inorganic)
- recognition of crop maturity, harvesting, storage and marketing
explain reasons for the suitability of cereal crops for local conditions
3.2.2 Suitable cultivars understand the different explain what is meant by a cultivar
characteristics of a chosen identify specific cultivars of a chosen crop
cultivar explain reasons for choosing a particular cultivar
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TOPIC GENERAL OBJECTIVES SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
Learners will: Learners should be able to:
3.3 Crop protection
3.3.1 Pest control obtain knowledge about the describe the following four types of pest and the nature of the damage they
common pests affecting crops cause:
in Namibia including their - biting and chewing pests (e.g. grasshoppers, locusts, termites, leaf miners,
control methods army worms and beetles)
- piercing and sucking pests (e.g. aphids, Bagrada bugs, mealy bugs and
scale insects)
- boring pests(e.g. weevils, stalk borer and American bollworm (Helicoverpa
armigera))
- soil pests: nematodes/eelworms, cutworms
describe chemical, biological and cultural methods in controlling the types of
pests above
describe Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as an ecosystem-based strategy
which focuses on long-term prevention of pests or their damage through a
combination of techniques
discuss the advantages and disadvantages of chemical, biological and cultural
methods of pest control
3.3.2 Disease control acquire knowledge of crop describe the mode of infection, harmful effects, prevention and control of one
diseases, their modes of plant disease from each of the following groups:
infection and control - bacterial diseases: bacterial wilt, bacterial blight or black rot
- fungal diseases: damping off of seedlings, downy mildew or maize and
sorghum smut
- viral diseases: mosaic on sorghum, maize streak or groundnut rosette
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TOPIC GENERAL OBJECTIVES SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
Learners will: Learners should be able to:
3.3.3 Weed control understand the effect of weeds identify a named weed species affecting crops in Namibia
on plants and ways of investigate and describe its harmful effects and the mode of spread
controlling them describe biological, cultural, mechanical and chemical weed control
discuss the cost-effectiveness of the methods of weed control
The practical activities, approaches and demonstrations required for Grade 10-11 Theme Plant production are listed below. These are
considered basic and all learners should be exposed to them as a minimum requirement.
sow or plant seed of different cereal crops according to the required time of season, depth and space
conduct an experiment to determine the germination percentages
make compost from garden refuse and other available organic substances
illustrate the negative effects of salt on plant growth by means of an experiment
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Theme 4: Livestock husbandry
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TOPIC GENERAL OBJECTIVES SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
Learners will: Learners should be able to:
4.1.3 Livestock nutrition understand the nutritional state the sources and functions of the following nutrients: carbohydrates,
requirements of livestock protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, fibre and water
differentiate between the types of animal supplementary feeds: concentrates
and roughages: including their formulation, quality and dangers of
contamination
discuss the importance of supplementary feeding
describe the change in nutritive value of forage with age
describe the nutritional content and feeding practices, including: the
importance of a balanced ration, maintenance ration, production ration and the
importance of adequate water supply
outline the suitability of different rations to the ages and stages of development
of livestock
describe the symptoms of nutrient deficiency in farm animals
describe appropriate corrective measures for nutrient deficiencies in farm
animals
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TOPIC GENERAL OBJECTIVES SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
Learners will: Learners should be able to:
4.1.4 Pasture and range acquire knowledge and explain what is meant by the term pasture and range management
management understanding of pasture and discuss the methods of pasture and range management, including their
range management advantages and disadvantages
describe the vegetation of grazing lands in Namibia, including grasses and
legumes for grazing and bushes for browsing
describe one local grass species and one other pasture plant including their
methods of propagation and establishment
define stocking rate, carrying capacity and describe dangers of overstocking
describe improvement of pasture by the use of fertiliser, lime and drainage
Explain the value of non-grass species to the pasture and livestock
4.2 Beef cattle
4.2.1 Breeds acquire knowledge and identify the most important breeds of beef cattle, such as Afrikaner, Brahman,
understanding of different types Bonsmara, Sanga and Hereford
of beef breeds list the cattle breeds recommended by the Ministry of Agriculture for farming
purposes in Namibia
discuss reasons for the recommended breeds in Namibia
4.2.2 Characteristics of understand the general describe the general characteristics of beef cattle
beef cattle characteristics of beef cattle
4.2.3 Handling of beef acquire knowledge and skills on explain the reasons for carrying out different handling practices in beef cattle
cattle the handling of animals farming
explain how to carry out different handling practices in beef cattle farming and
the tools used
4.2.4 The role of beef cattle understand the role of beef explain the contribution of beef cattle farming to the economy of the country
in Namibia cattle farming in Namibia discuss the importance of beef products such as meat and hides (leather)
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TOPIC GENERAL OBJECTIVES SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
Learners will: Learners should be able to:
4.2.5 Health and diseases acquire knowledge and skills on identify diseases, (foot and mouth disease, red water, heart water, tuberculosis,
the types of diseases and lung sickness, brucellosis and anthrax) and parasites (round worms and ticks)
parasites affecting beef cattle affecting cattle in Namibia in general
describe symptoms, causes and control of one of the common diseases and
one of the parasites listed above
distinguish ways in which diseases are spread: air-borne, water-borne,
infectious, contagious and vectors
discuss legislation about animal diseases with specific reference to notifiable
diseases and animal movement
4.2.6 Record keeping understand the importance of explain the importance of record keeping in cattle
record keeping in beef cattle describe examples of beef cattle records such as register, record sheets, and
farming ear tagging including the use of the use of computer technology where
applicable
4.2.7 Marketing acquire skills on different identify countries that import beef and/or beef cattle products from Namibia
aspects of marketing beef cattle state the requirements for the export of beef cattle and beef products to regional
and their products and international markets including European market
Explain how the Veterinary Cordon Fence (VCF) affects the beef industry
The practical activities, approaches and demonstrations required for Grade 10-11 Theme Livestock husbandry are listed below. These are
considered basic and all learners should be exposed to them as a minimum requirement.
slaughter and dissect a farm animal, observe and identify the parts of the digestive system and the reproductive system (ensure to minimise the pain,
distress and suffering of an animal at the time of killing and that the animal does not present any signs of consciousness)
prepare a production ration, maintenance ration and a balanced ration of named farm animals
carry out a grassland survey and describe the vegetation of that grazing land
visit a nearby farm and carry out different handling practices
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Theme 5: Livestock and crop breeding
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Theme 6: Community-based natural resource management
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TOPIC GENERAL OBJECTIVES SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
Learners will: Learners should be able to:
6.2 Conservation of understand the importance of explain the meaning of community forests and the role of traditional authorities in
community forestry in empowering local communities forest management
Namibia to manage forest resources in describe the main steps for the establishment of community forests by interested
a sustainable way for their
communities in Namibia
improved livelihood
discuss the benefits obtained by the communities from well managed community
forests
discuss the requirements for communities to obtain rights to register community
forests
discuss the causes and consequences of the loss of biodiversity including
causes and problems of deforestation
discuss the role of farmers in conservation of forest resources
6.3 Community-based acquire knowledge about describe ways in which communities can benefit from the tourism industry to
tourism community based tourism promote social and economic development
policy of Namibia
explain how tourism provides opportunities for income generation for local
communities and the promotion of entrepreneurship
describe how tourism helps to provide knowledge and skills to rural residents as
they engage in tourism-related activities
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Theme 7: Farm structures and machinery
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TOPIC GENERAL OBJECTIVES SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
Learners will: Learners should be able to:
7.3 Water supply
7.3.1 Tools and fittings acquire knowledge and skills identify and explain the use of the following tools: pulley, block and tackle, pipe
on the use of various tools and spanners and vice-grip
materials in water supply identify and explain the uses of the different fittings used in water installation: pipe
systems nipple, nipple adapter, T-piece, reducer, elbow joint and tap washers
7.3.2 Water pumps acquire knowledge and skills identify different water pumps used for supplying water to farmers: motor-driven
on different water pumps pump, submersible pump, hand pump, Blake hydram pump
state the functions of the basic parts of the water pump
7.3.3 Maintenance of water understand the importance of explain the necessity of regular cleaning and maintenance of water installations
installations regular checking and cleaning describe the cleaning and maintenance of water installations
of water installations
The practical activities, approaches and demonstrations required for Grade 10-11 Theme Farm structures and machinery are listed below.
These are considered basic and all learners should be exposed to them as a minimum requirement.
construct a fence using available fencing materials
demonstrate the use of various tools used in the installations of water supply systems
demonstrate how to replace the basic parts of water pumps, e.g. handle, rod and valves
demonstrate the cleaning and maintenance of water installations
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Theme 8: Agricultural economics
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The practical activities, approaches and demonstrations required for Grade 10–11 Theme Agricultural Economics are listed below. These are
considered basic and all learners should be exposed to them as a minimum requirement.
draw up a simple budget and calculate the gross margin
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6. ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
The assessment will include, wherever appropriate, personal, social, environmental,
economic and technological applications of Agriculture in modern society. The Agricultural
Science syllabus must require that all candidates demonstrate the following objectives in the
context of the content and skills prescribed. Within each of the assessment objectives the
assessment must take account of the candidates’ ability to communicate clearly and
logically, using specialist vocabulary and conventions where appropriate.
The curriculum content defines the factual material that candidates need to recall and
explain. Questions testing these objectives will often begin with one of the following words:
sketch, identify, define, name, list, indicate, give examples, state, describe, compare,
explain, distinguish, outline and give reasons.
These skills cannot be precisely specified in the curriculum content as questions testing such
skills are often based on information which is unfamiliar to the candidate. In answering such
questions, candidates are required to use principles and concepts that are within the
syllabus and apply them in a logical, deductive manner to a novel situation. Questions
testing these skills will often begin with one of the following words: discuss, deduce,
compare and discuss, find, estimate, interpret, evaluate, predict, relate, suggest, calculate or
determine.
C. Practical (experimental and investigative) skills
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Learners should be able to:
understand and follow instructions
use and organise techniques, apparatus and materials
make and record observations and measurements
interpret and evaluate experimental observations and data
plan investigations
7. SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT
The assessment will consist of school based-assessment and a terminal end-of-year
examination.
All candidates should be entered for papers 1 and 2 as they are compulsory.
Paper 1: Theory
Paper Description of paper and types of questions Duration Marks
of paper
Paper 1: This section will consist of compulsory, multiple choice, 2 hours 90
Section A short and structured questions. The questions will test skills
and abilities mainly in assessment objectives A and B.
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Weighting of papers
NB: Teachers may not undertake school-based assessment without the written approval of
the National Examination, Assessment and Certification Board of Namibia. Teachers will
therefore have to undergo special in-service training in assessment and moderation of
coursework before entering candidates.
8. SPECIFICATION GRID
B. Handling information,
40% 70 -
application and problem solving
C. Practical (Experimental and
30% - 90
Investigative) Skills
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9. GRADE DESCRIPTIONS
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10. GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN SCIENCE PAPERS
It is hoped that the glossary (which is relevant only to science subjects) will prove helpful to
learners as a guide, i.e. it is neither exhaustive nor definitive. The glossary has been
deliberately kept brief not only with respect to number of terms included but also to the
descriptions of their meanings. Learners should appreciate that the meaning of a term must
depend in part on its context.
Discuss requires the candidate to give a critical account of the points involved in
the topic.
Deduce is used in a similar way to predict except that some supporting statement is
required, e.g. reference to a law or principle, or the necessary reasoning is
to be included in the answer.
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Suggest is used in two main contexts, i.e. either to imply that there is no unique
answer (e.g. in chemistry, two or more substances may satisfy the given
conditions describing an ‘unknown’), or to imply that candidates are
expected to apply their general knowledge to a ‘novel’ situation, one that
may be formally ‘not in the syllabus’).
Sketch when applied to graph work, implies that the shape and/or position of the
curve need only be qualitatively correct, but candidates should be aware
that, depending on the context, some quantitative aspects may be looked
for, (e.g. passing through the origin, having an intercept, asymptote or
discontinuity at a particular value).
Distinguish tell apart, show or indicate the difference between, find out what is unique
about a material or situation.
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ANNEXE A: ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR COURSEWORK (SCHOOL-BASED
ASSESSMENT-SBA)
To be read together with the Distance Training Manual obtainable from MoEAC (DNEA).
Paper 2 will be based on four practical exercises and one practical investigation and will be
compulsory for all learners of Agricultural Science. The teacher’s assessment of practical
work should aim at evaluating skills and abilities essential to the study of Agricultural
Science that are not measured by theory examination. Each practical exercise should be
marked out of 15 marks, while a practical investigation should count out of 30 marks leading
to an overall mark of 90.
Moderation
Internal moderation
When several teachers in a centre are involved in internal assessment, arrangements
must be made within the centre for all candidates to be assessed to a common standard.
It is essential that, within each centre, the marks for each skill assigned within different
teaching groups (e.g. different classes) are moderated internally for the whole entry
before they are subjected to external moderation.
External moderation
The internal coursework assessment will be externally moderated. Individual Candidate
Record Cards and Coursework Assessment Summary Forms must be received by the
DNEA in Windhoek no later than 31 October of each year. These forms must be
accompanied by a sample of written components undertaken by candidates and the
instructions for practical work prepared for candidates by the assessor or teacher. The
sample should cover the full ability range. Where there are ten or fewer candidates, all
the coursework that contributed to the final mark for all the candidates must be sent to
DNEA for moderation purposes. If there are more than ten candidates, all the
coursework that contributed to the final mark for ten of them will be required. The centre
should select candidates covering the whole mark range, with the marks spaced as
evenly as possible, from the highest mark to the lowest. If appropriate, the samples
should be selected from the classes of different teachers offering Agricultural Science at
this level. All records and supporting written work should be retained until after
publication of results. Examples of both coursework forms for paper 2 are included at the
back of this syllabus.
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Paper 2: Practical skills (90 marks)
The Agricultural Science teacher is required to assess the practical work carried out by
learners during the first five terms of the Senior Secondary programme. This entails
keeping a record for all learners, showing the operations carried out and the marks
awarded. Much essential ‘field work’ in Agricultural Science has no written component,
but exercises should be designed to generate some written work, e.g. plans, records of
results, etc. At least one practical skill must assess the planning of an investigation as
stated in the assessment objective C. Each practical exercise should be assessed
according to the criteria stated in Annexe B.
Vegetable production, animal husbandry, soil and crop husbandry offer many
opportunities to assess the learners’ practical work.
Note: Tasks that may be of a potential hazard to learners should be done under a
supervision of the teacher e.g. pruning, slaughtering chickens and handling of
cattle when branding, de-horning and castration.
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ANNEXE B: ASSESSMENT OF COURSEWORK
The following five criteria should be assessed and marked out of a maximum of three marks.
1. Responsibility–the ability to assume responsibility for the task in hand, and to work on
given instructions without detailed supervision and help
2. Initiative–the ability to cope with problems arising in connection with the task, to see
what needs to be done and to take effective action
3. Technique–the ability to tackle a practical task in a methodical, systematic way and to
handle tools skilfully and to good effect
4. Perseverance–the ability to see the task through to a successful conclusion with
determination and sustained effort
5. Quality–the ability to attend to detail, so that the work is well-finished and well-
presented
The final mark for paper 2 should be a maximum of 90 marks (i.e. 60 marks from practical
exercises and 30 marks from practical investigation)
1 Responsibility
follows written or verbal instructions without the need for help
carries out appropriate safety procedures
3
works well in a group, assumes responsibility easily and leads in the
group
follows written or verbal instructions with a little help
is aware of the need for safety procedures but has difficulty in
2
recognising them without guidance
works within the group, shows responsibility for the work
follows written or verbal instructions with considerable help
shows little regard for safety procedures, even when told 0–1
works alone, shows some responsibility for the work
2 Initiative
offers solutions or explanations for unexpected problems
recognises, and is able to anticipate problems
3
solves problems without help
comments on imperfections of practical work
offers solutions or explanations for unexpected problems after
seeking advice
2
solves problems with help
recognises faults in experimental methods, given some indicators
is uncertain how to proceed and requires considerable help
0–1
recognises only the most obvious errors in experimental methods
after guidance given
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3. Technique
approaches tasks methodically and systematically 3
handles tools/apparatus skilfully and confidently
carries out practical procedures with dexterity
handles tools/apparatus effectively 2
carries out practical procedures adequately
handles tools/apparatus clumsily 0–1
carries out practical procedures with difficulty
4. Perseverance
completes all the required practical tasks and attendant written work
has a positive attitude and is well motivated 3
carries out repetitive procedures willingly
completes the required practical tasks and attendant written work with
a little encouragement 2
carries out repetitive procedures willingly
does not complete the required practical tasks and attendant written
work
0–1
is somewhat disinterested/impatient when carrying out work and is
disinclined to repeat procedures
5. Quality
performs practical work thoroughly, pays attention to detail and
produces a very good final result 3
produces accurate, clear and neatly presented written work
performs practical work thoroughly for the most part and produces a
satisfactory to good final result 2
produces mostly accurate and clearly presented written work
performs practical work in a rushed and superficial way and shows
little concern for the finished product 0–1
produces inaccurate and poorly presented written work
This should address the parts of Assessment Objective C where candidates produce a
hypothesis, plan and carry out an investigation. The data collected is recorded, analysed
and conclusions made. A written report is required and the limitations of the
investigations noted.
The candidates will carry out the investigation and write a report. Not exceeding 1000
words. The teacher evaluates and marks the report and awards an overall mark out of
30.
The main aim of the investigation is that it should be done by the individual candidate, in
connection with some particular study problem. It should not be confused with the writing
up of class exercises.
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Principles to be followed when finding suitable topics:
a) The work must be investigatory. Candidates should find the information for
themselves by direct observation and measurement.
b) It is the teacher’s responsibility to guide the candidates or even to select problems
that suit the candidate’s investigatory abilities. The teacher must also suggest
methods of investigation that are likely to be effective. Candidates are not research
workers but, when given appropriate guidance, they can learn how to carry out
investigations for themselves.
c) The nature of the problem to be investigated should be stated and discussed by the
candidate in the introduction.
d) Time allocated to investigation work should be approximately 5 periods of 40
minutes, including homework. This should be enough to achieve a good standard.
Candidates should be discouraged from spending so much time on their projects that
their normal classwork suffers.
e) Candidates will not necessarily solve all the problems they tackle, but they should
make a worthwhile attempt to do so. When problems fail to yield positive results,
candidates should be encouraged to discuss their actual findings and comment on
the implications. Good investigation work by candidates often leads them to
understand the difficulties and subtleties of the problem and this can be very
educational. For some candidates, negative results can be depressing, and teacher
must use their judgement when guiding them, so that they do not become
discouraged.
Investigations can be based on a variety of topics. The following examples are intended
as a guide, but teachers may wish to help their candidates to devise investigations of
their own along similar lines.
Field experiments
Comparison of sowing depths, to discover effects; minimum, optimum and
maximum depths
Thinning of root crops; no thinning, thinning to various spacing, effects upon total
yield and size of roots produced
Planting population in relation to yield; spacing of plant stations and rows,
comparison to find optimum spacing
Spraying versus not spraying; effects on infestation with disease or pest
organisms, effects on yield, cost effectiveness
Top-dressing versus not top-dressing; various treatments and effects,
comparison of cost and yields
Fertiliser trials; organic versus inorganic, effects of differing application rates upon
yields, diminishing returns
Rationing of livestock feed versus ad-lib feeding; effects on production, cost-
effectiveness
Effects of different levels of nutrition on young stock (e.g. broiler chickens);
measurement of live weight gain under different rationing regimes, effects on
health, cost-effectiveness
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NSSCO Agricultural Science Syllabus, NIED 2018
In the case of field trials, it is often useful to have a group of candidates involved, in order
to make possible replication of treatments on plots in different parts of the garden or
field. This improves the statistical accuracy of the trial. However, each candidate’s
contribution must be assessed and individual reports must be written.
When different treatments are tried, the effect upon yield of produce is often a factor to
be measured. The cost-effectiveness of alternative treatments should also be worked
out, to see which one is the most profitable.
Attention should be paid to the presentation of results in a clear and concise form, i.e.
tabulation or graphical representation. Reasons should always be given for treatments
carried out, method tried, or conclusions reached.
An example of how the practical exercises may be integrated within the practical
investigation
A candidate has decided to carry out an investigation into the effect of nitrate fertiliser on
the yield of cabbages. Having proposed a hypothesis with the scientific reasons behind it
and planned a suitable investigation, the practical work is carried out. The first practical
assessment could involve the preparation of the soil seed bed.
The second assessment could involve the planting and the spacing of cabbages and the
application of the nitrate fertiliser. The third assessment could involve harvesting and
measuring the cabbage yield. The recording of the data, subsequent analysis and
limitations are then written up as part of the practical investigation.
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NSSCO Agricultural Science Syllabus, NIED 2018
Criteria for the assessment of the practical investigation
Criteria Marks
Available
1. The selection of relevant questions (hypothesis) for the investigation 5
Investigation well planned, without guidance, showing evidence that the relevant 5
principles are understood
4
Investigation adequately planned, with some guidance, relevant principles 3
understood
2
Investigation plan sketchy, plan produced with considerable guidance or no 1
evidence that principles are understood
Investigation plan are provided for the candidate 0
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NSSCO Agricultural Science Syllabus, NIED 2018
3. The handling of evidence Marks
Clear, full description of the aims and nature of the topic; work neat and well 5
presented; layout as required by the syllabus; candidate’s own work
4
Description of the aims and nature of the investigation given, lacking in either 3
neat presentation or layout not as required by the syllabus, candidates own
work
2
Outline only of the aims and nature of the investigation; poorly presented, layout 1
not as required by the syllabus, candidate’s own work
0
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NSSCO Agricultural Science Syllabus, NIED 2018
ANNEXE C: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CONCEPTS AND PROCESSES
For the purpose of assessment, learners will be expected to demonstrate:
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NSSCO Agricultural Science Syllabus, NIED 2018
ANNEXE D: MATHEMATICAL REQUIREMENTS
Calculators may be used in all parts of the assessment.
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NSSCO Agricultural Science Syllabus, NIED 2018
ANNEXE E: TERMINOLOGY, UNITS, SYMBOLS AND PRESENTATION OF DATA FOR
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
These will be used by Principal Examiners during the setting of papers. Learners should be
made aware of the terminology during teaching and practical work.
This section follows the practice laid down in the following documents:
Association for Science Education booklet, SI Units, Signs, Symbols and Abbreviations
(1981)
Institute of Biology, Biology Nomenclature, Standard Terms and Expressions used in the
Teaching of Biology (2000)
1. Numbers
The decimal point will be placed on the line, e.g. 52.35.
Numbers from 1000 to 9999 will be printed without commas or space.
Numbers greater than or equal to 10 000 will be printed without commas. A space will be
left between each group of three whole numbers, e.g. 4 256 789.
2. Units
The International System of Units will be used (SI units). Units will be indicated in the
singular and not in the plural, e.g. 28 kg.
length metre m
kilometre km
centimetre cm
millimetre mm
micrometre m
time year y
day d
hour h
minute m
second s
energy kilojoule kJ
joule J
(calorie is obsolete)
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NSSCO Agricultural Science Syllabus, NIED 2018
(c) Recommended units for area, volume and density are listed below.
3. Presentation of data
(a) Tables
(i) Each column of a table will be headed by the physical quantity and
appropriate SI unit, e.g. time/min. There are three acceptable methods
of stating units, e.g. metres per sec or m per s or m s-1.
(ii) The column headings of the table can then be directly transferred to the
axes of a constructed graph.
(b) Graphs
(i) The independent variables will be plotted on the x-axis (horizontal axis)
and the dependent variable on the y-axis (vertical axis).
(ii) Each axis will be labelled with the physical quantity and the appropriate
SI unit, e.g. time/min.
(iii) The graph is the whole diagrammatic presentation. It may have one or
several curves plotted on it.
(iv) Curves and lines joining points on the graph should be referred to as
‘curves’.
(v) Points on the curve should be clearly marked as crosses (x) or
encircled dots (). If another curve is included, vertical crosses (+)
may be used to mark the points.
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NSSCO Agricultural Science Syllabus, NIED 2018
(e) Column Graphs
These are drawn when plotting frequency graphs from discrete data, e.g.
frequency of occurrence of nests with different numbers of eggs. They
should be made up of narrow blocks of equal width that do not touch.
(f) Histograms
These are drawn when plotting frequency graphs with continuous data, e.g.
frequency of occurrence of stems of different length or chicks of different
masses. The blocks should be drawn in order of increasing or decreasing
magnitude and they should be touching.
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NSSCO Agricultural Science Syllabus, NIED 2018
ANNEXE F: COURSEWORK ASSESSMENT FORMS
Annexe F1: Individual Candidate Record Card (ICRC) for practical exercises
Please read the instructions printed overleaf and the General Coursework Regulations before completing this form.
Total
(max. 12) (max. 12) (max. 12) (max. 12) (max. 12) (max. 60)
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NSSCO Agricultural Science Syllabus, NIED 2018
Annexe F2: Individual Candidate Record Card (ICRC) for practical investigation
Please read the instructions printed overleaf and the General Coursework Regulations before completing this form.
Title:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........
Total
(max. 30)
Overall total marks for practical skills (4 practical exercises and 1 practical investigation)
(max. 90)
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NSSCO Agricultural Science Syllabus, NIED 2018
Instructions for completing individual candidate record cards
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NSSCO Agricultural Science Syllabus, NIED 2018
Annexe F3: Coursework Assessment Summary Form (CASF)
Please read the instructions printed overleaf and the general coursework regulations before
completing this form.
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NSSCO Agricultural Science Syllabus, NIED 2018
Instructions for completing the Coursework Assessment Summary Form (CASF)
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NSSCO Agricultural Science Syllabus, NIED 2018
ANNEXE G: CONSERVANCIES AND COMMUNITY FORESTS ACROSS NAMIBIA
Community conservation in Namibia 2016
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The National Institute for Educational Development
Private Bag 2034
Okahandja
NAMIBIA
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.nied.edu.na
© NIED 2018