Physics Year 11 and 12
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. A knowledge and understanding of physics often provides the unifying link between interdisciplinary studies.
The Physics Stage 6 Syllabus 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.
Scope and sequence resource
Module resources Year 11
- Module 1 guide (DOCX 6327 KB)
- Module 2 guide (DOCX 7261 KB)
- Module 2 momentum (DOCX 2392 KB)
- Module 3 guide (DOCX 3094 KB)
- Module 3 thermodynamics depth study (DOCX 57 KB)
- Module 3 thermodynamics unit plan (DOCX 106 KB)
- Module 4 guide (DOCX 1037 KB)
- Module 4 magnetism unit plan (DOCX 59 KB)
- Introduction to vectors and scalars (PPTX 5947 KB)
General resources
- Evaluating scientific data Stage 4 to 6 (DOCX 259 KB)
- Evaluating scientific investigations abridged (DOCX 70 KB)
- Indigenous perspectives (DOCX 57 KB)
- 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 following websites may be useful in the teaching of physics:
- CERN: Quantum physics and the standard model of atom, an interactive resource for physics students. Students:
- 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.
- Particle Physics masterclass which provides students with the opportunity to:
- participate in a masterclass with working scientists at the forefront of their field
- build their physics knowledge and understanding
- experience real scientific work by analysing actual ATLAS data
- improve their skills in scientific data analysis
- understand the principles that allow scientists to draw conclusions and new insights from data
- meet syllabus outcomes in a meaningful way through participating in a cutting-edge real-world context.
The resource can be extended beyond the Physics Stage 6 Syllabus (2017) and may provide the basis for depth studies to be undertaken.
Syllabus
Please note:
Syllabus outcomes and content descriptors from Science Physics Stage 6 Syllabus (2017) © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2021.