Stage 6 - Physics


Course Overview

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. Questions such as; What is light? How does electricity work? and How do we know what is inside an atom? will be covered in the course. This course 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 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 understaking post-school studies in a wide range or Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related fields. A knowledge and understanding of physics often provides the unifying link between interdisciplinary studies.

Course Content

Year 11

  • Module 1: Kinematics
  • Module 2: Dynamics
  • Module 3: Waves and Thermodynamics
  • Module 4: Electricity and Magnetism

Year 12

  • Module 5: Advanced Mechanics
  • Module 6: Electromagnetism
  • Module 7: The Nature of Light
  • Module 8: From the Universe to the Atom
Assessment

Both the Year 11 and Year 12 Courses will be assessed using the following:

  • Module tests
  • Laboratory reports
  • Research assignments
  • Open-ended investigations
  • Depth Studies (compulsory in Year 11 and 12)
  • Examinations
HSC Examination
  • 3 hour paper
Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills

Physics is a very demanding academic course and as such, a grade B or better in Science and 5.3 or 5.2 Mathematics for the Year 10 end of year report are the prerequisites for this course. If this prerequisite is not met, a student must make application to the Assistant Head of Secondary: Teaching and Learning.

Essential skills include: intuitiveness in Mathematics and Science, and the ability to formulate and test strategies to produce mathematical models from practical situations. Students need to be independent and motivated learners as there are a number of self-directed research components to each module.


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