Level 3 Biology ākonga visit Auckland Zoo for workshops on human evolution and animal behaviour, helping prepare for NCEA externals.

Hands-on learning brings NCEA concepts to life for Level 3 students

Level 3 Biology students spent a full day immersed in science at Auckland Zoo, exploring both ancient human history and live animal behaviour.

As part of their NCEA preparation, ākonga took part in a Human Evolution Workshop, working directly with fossil casts of skulls and tools used by early human ancestors. Later, they observed a range of animal behaviours, from social hierarchies to communication, linking these real-world examples to their studies on animal responses.

“It was an incredible experience and the perfect way to round off the topic,” said Phoenix Iopu Aso, who helped put together content for the trip.

The visit gave students valuable insights that will support two upcoming external assessments. 

Photo credit: Oliver Holmes