Economics is a subject that affects all aspects of our daily lives, from the cost of our morning coffee to the price of a home. Understanding the basics of economics is essential in today's world, and that's where NCEA Economics Level 1 comes in.
This comprehensive course provides students with a strong foundation in economic concepts, teaching them how to analyze and evaluate economic situations and make informed decisions.
But with so much information to cover and assessments to complete, it can be overwhelming for students to navigate NCEA Economics Level 1.
That's why we've put together this complete guide, to provide students with an overview of the course structure, assessment structure, and grade requirements.

In this guide, we'll take a deep dive into the key concepts of NCEA Economics Level 1, including supply and demand, market equilibrium, scarcity, choice, and opportunity cost. We'll also share tips and tricks for succeeding in the course, from time management to exam preparation.
Whether you're a student just starting out in economics or someone looking to refresh their knowledge, this guide has everything you need to know about NCEA Economics Level 1. So grab a notebook and let's dive into the world of economics!
Overview of NCEA Economics Level 1
NCEA Economics Level 1 is a course that introduces students to the fundamentals of economics. It provides students with the tools and knowledge to understand basic economic concepts and to analyze the ways in which people and societies allocate scarce resources to meet their needs and wants. The course covers various topics, including supply and demand, market equilibrium, scarcity, choice, and opportunity cost.
In this article, we will provide an overview of the course structure and syllabus, assessment structure, and grade requirements for NCEA Economics Level 1.
Course Structure
NCEA Economics Level 1 is a full-year course that is typically offered to students in their first year of high school. The course is divided into three terms, and each term covers different topics.
The first term covers basic economic concepts, such as scarcity, choice, and opportunity cost. The second term focuses on supply and demand, elasticity, and market equilibrium.
The third term covers macroeconomic concepts, such as inflation, economic growth, and international trade.

The course is taught through a combination of lectures, class discussions, and iFquendividual assignments. Students are also required to read and analyze economic texts, and to work on group projects.
The course is designed to be engaging and interactive and to provide students with a strong foundation in economics.
Understanding the Achievement Standards
To ace the NCEA Level 1 Economics assessment, it's crucial to comprehend each Achievement Standard and its components. Here's a brief rundown of the five Achievement Standards:
AS 90983 v3 - Embrace the Understanding of Consumer Choices, Using Scarcity and/or Demand: In this external assessment worth four credits, students must showcase their grasp of consumer choices and how scarcity and demand influence them.
AS 90984 v3 - Embrace the Understanding of Decisions a Producer Makes About Production: This internal assessment, worth five credits, evaluates students' comprehension of how producers make decisions regarding what to produce, how much to produce, and which resources to use.
AS 90985 v3 - Embrace the Understanding of Producer Choices Using Supply: This external assessment, worth three credits, assesses students' comprehension of how producers decide the quantity of goods and services to supply to the market.
AS 90986 v3 - Embrace the Understanding of How Consumer, Producer, and/or Government Choices Affect Society, Using Market Equilibrium: In this external assessment worth five credits, students must display their comprehension of how supply and demand interact to determine prices and quantities in a market and how choices made by consumers, producers, and the government can impact market equilibrium.
AS 90988 v3 - Embrace the Understanding of the Interdependence of Sectors of the New Zealand Economy: In this internal assessment, worth three credits, students must exhibit their comprehension of the various sectors of the economy and their interactions with each other.
Assessment Structure
NCEA Economics Level 1 is assessed through internal and external assessments. Internal assessments are completed throughout the year and are assessed by the student's teacher.
External assessments are completed at the end of the year and are assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

Internal assessments comprise 24 credits, and external assessments comprise 16 credits. The total number of credits that students can earn in NCEA Economics Level 1 is 40. To achieve the NCEA Level 1 certificate, students must earn a minimum of 80 credits across all their subjects, including at least 10 literacy credits and 10 numeracy credits.
Internal assessments are designed to assess the student's knowledge and understanding of key economic concepts. They include research projects, case studies, and presentations.
External assessments are designed to assess the student's ability to apply economic concepts to real-world situations. They include a written exam and an assessment task that requires students to analyse a given economic situation.
Grade Requirements
NCEA Economics Level 1 is graded on a four-point scale: achieved, merit, excellence, and not achieved. To achieve the course, students must earn a minimum of 12 credits, including at least one external assessment. To achieve a merit endorsement, students must earn 50 or more credits at merit level or above, including at least 15 credits at merit level or above in one subject.
To achieve an excellence endorsement, students must earn 50 or more credits at the excellence level, including at least 15 credits at the excellence level in one subject.
It is important to note that the grade requirements for NCEA Economics Level 1 are cumulative. This means that students must earn a certain number of credits at each level (achieved, merit, and excellence) across all their subjects to achieve an endorsement.
Additional resources for studying NCEA Economics Level 1
Studying for NCEA Economics Level 1 can be a challenging but rewarding experience. In addition to attending class and completing assignments, it is essential to utilize additional resources to enhance your understanding of the subject matter. In this article, we will explore the different types of additional resources available to students studying NCEA Economics Level 1, including textbooks and study guides, online resources, and tutoring services.
Textbooks and Study Guides
One of the most traditional resources for students studying NCEA Economics Level 1 is textbooks and study guides. These resources provide students with additional explanations, examples, and exercises to help them understand and apply economic concepts.
Some popular textbooks for NCEA Economics Level 1 include "Economics for NCEA Level 1" by Terry McDougall and "Economics: The Basics" by Michael Mandel.

Study guides are another helpful resource for students studying NCEA Economics Level 1. These guides typically summarize the key concepts and topics covered in the course and provide practice questions and answers to help students prepare for assessments.
Some popular study guides for NCEA Economics Level 1 include "Economics Made Easy: Level 1" by Cindy Taylor and "Achieving in Economics" by Sue Watts and Vipin Nair.
Online Resources
In today's digital age, there is a wealth of online resources available to students studying NCEA Economics Level 1. These resources can include videos, tutorials, interactive quizzes, and forums.
One popular online resource for NCEA Economics Level 1 is the Khan Academy, which offers a wide range of videos and exercises on economic concepts such as supply and demand, market equilibrium, and elasticity.
Other popular online resources for NCEA Economics Level 1 include the New Zealand Qualifications Authority website, which provides information on the assessment structure and past exam papers, and the Economics Network website, which offers a range of resources for economics students and educators.
Tutoring Services
For students who require additional support in understanding economic concepts and preparing for assessments, tutoring services can be a valuable resource. Tutors can provide one-on-one assistance with specific topics or can offer a more comprehensive review of the course material.
Some tutoring services specialise in NCEA Economics Level 1 specifically, while others offer support across a range of subjects.
Tutoring services can be found both online and in person and can vary in cost and availability. Some popular online tutoring services for NCEA Economics Level 1 include Superprof.
Superprof is an online tutoring platform that connects students with tutors across a wide range of subjects, including NCEA Economics Level 1.
With Superprof, students can search for tutors based on their location, availability, and teaching style, and can read reviews and ratings from other students to help them choose the right tutor.
Tutors on Superprof can provide one-on-one support for specific topics or can offer a more comprehensive review of the course material. With its easy-to-use platform and diverse range of tutors, Superprof is a valuable resource for students looking to enhance their understanding of NCEA Economics Level 1.
In conclusion, studying for NCEA Economics Level 1 requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to utilize additional resources to enhance your understanding of the subject matter. Textbooks and study guides, online resources, and tutoring services are all valuable resources that can help students succeed in the course.
By utilising these resources, students can deepen their knowledge of economics, prepare for assessments, and achieve their academic goals.