Physics 11–12
Resources and support to plan, program and assess the Physics 11–12 course.
Physics 11–12 Syllabus (2025)
The new Physics 11–12 Syllabus (2025) is to be implemented from 2027, with planning beginning in 2026.
These resources have been developed to support teachers in planning and programming.
The new Physics 11–12 Syllabus (2025) is:
- to be implemented from 2027, with planning beginning in 2026
- the syllabus will be taught to Year 11 from Term 1, 2027
- schools are to begin teaching Year 12 in Term 4, 2027
- the first HSC examination will be in 2028.
Resources
Resources to support the implementation of Physics 11–12 Syllabus (2025). Resources will include a scope and sequence, sample assessment and teaching and learning materials.
Scope and sequence
Scope and sequences can be used as a basis for the teacher’s own program, assessment, or scope and sequence, or as an example of how the new curriculum could be implemented.
Physics Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)
The Physics Stage 6 Syllabus (2017) is to be taught until implementation of the new Physics 11–12 Syllabus (2025) is implemented from 2027.
This 2026 Physics Stage 6 Quick Reference Guide (PDF 260 KB) provides an overview of support available to implement the Physics Stage 6 Syllabus (2017).
The physics course builds on students’ knowledge and skills developed in the science Stage 5 course and helps them develop a greater understanding of physics as a foundation for undertaking post-school studies in a wide range of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. Knowledge and understanding of physics often provides the unifying link between interdisciplinary studies.
The Physics Stage 6 Syllabus (2017) involves the study of matter and its motion through space and time, along with related concepts that include energy and force. Physics deals with the study of phenomena on scales of space and time – from nuclear particles and their interactions up to the size and age of the Universe. This allows students to better understand the physical world and how it works, appreciate the uniqueness of the universe, and participate in navigating and influencing the future.
The problem-solving nature of physics further develops students’ working scientifically skills by focusing on the exploration of models and the analysis of theories and laws, which promotes an understanding of the connectedness of seemingly dissimilar phenomena.
Students who study physics are encouraged to use observations to develop quantitative models of real-world problems and derive relationships between variables. They are required to engage in solving equations based on these models, make predictions, and analyse the interconnectedness of physical entities.
The study of physics provides the foundation knowledge and skills required to support participation in a range of careers. It is a discipline that utilises innovative and creative thinking to address new challenges, such as sustainability, energy efficiency and the creation of new materials.
- Module 1 guide (DOCX 6.3 MB)
- Module 2 guide (DOCX 6.9 MB)
- Module 2 momentum (DOCX 2.5 MB)
- Module 3 guide (DOCX 3.1 MB)
- Module 3 thermodynamics depth study (DOCX 3.9 MB)
- Module 3 thermodynamics unit plan (DOCX 8 MB)
- Module 4 guide (DOCX 1.2 MB)
- Module 4 magnetism unit plan (DOCX 5.7 MB)
- Introduction to vectors and scalars (PPTX 5.7 MB)
- Evaluating scientific data Stage 4 to 6 (DOCX 6.3 MB)
- Evaluating scientific investigations abridged (DOCX 69.3 KB)
- Indigenous perspectives (DOCX 3.6 MB)
- Inspired scientific thinking (DOCX 44 KB)
- Investigation planning sheet (DOCX 44 KB)
- Risk analysis table (DOCX 45 KB)
- Self assessment strategy met not met I noticed (DOCX 53 KB)
- Student reflection science investigations (DOCX 151 KB)
- Syllabus resource links (DOCX 84 KB)
- Working scientifically skills checklist (DOCX 46 KB)
The CERN: Particle physics masterclass website may be useful in the teaching of physics. This interactive resource allows students to:
- explore the workings of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Switzerland
- learn key terms and concepts around particle physics
- complete tasks that complement the Physics syllabus
- analyse real data collected by the CERN ATLAS detector
- virtually liaise and meet with CERN scientists
- extend their learning experiences by exposing them to working scientists and real-world applications of particle physics.