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How to study for the Diploma Exam
Below is a recommended schedule and approach for studying. It is based on the idea that you do not want to do too much in one day (i.e. no cramming). In this way, you will remain positive about Physics and you will still enjoy your life each day. I recommend doing each study session in the morning, if possible, so that you can enjoy the rest of the day. Be good to yourself.
Stage 1: Basics (6 days)
The first stage of studying is to build a strong foundation of the basic, most important concepts of the course.
Day 1: Read Units 1 to 3 ; Do Conceptual Tests (Units 1 to 3)
Day 2: Read Units 4 to 6; Do Conceptual Tests (Units 4 to 6)
Day 3: Year End Review - Unit 1
Day 4: Year End Review - Unit 2
Day 5: Year End Review - Unit 3
Day 6: Year End Review - Unit 4
Stage 2: Rest and Repair (2 - 3 days)
Now that you have done a week of physics, you want to take a break for 2-3 days. Check out the Physics 30 Information bulletin while you are resting. If you are still struggling with any unit, then you can do one or more of the Scona reviews in the Extra Practice section. At the end of this time, you should be feeling very comfortable with all of the Physics 30 material.
Stage 3: Diploma Exam Practice (3 - 4 days)
For the last few days before the exam, you MUST try some actual diploma exams to get used to the types of questions and timing. There are two sets of resources for you:
1. Basic Diploma Exams
If you want practice doing a standard diploma exam provided by the government, then do the released exams below.
2. Advanced Diploma Practice
If you want to challenge yourself and try some exams that are strictly scenario questions (in other words, if you are shooting for 90's in Physics 30), then do the Practice Diploma Exams - Scenario Style.
Diploma Day
Remember the following:
- come early to the exam (just in case there are traffic issues, etc.)
- bring a ruler and protractor
- bring spare batteries (and a spare calculator, if possible)
- bring food (snacks) and water
- don't bring your cellphone!! If you are caught with it during the exam, you will get an automatic zero.
Good luck! :-)
Physics 30 Information Bulletin
Physics 30 Information Bulletin
This is a released document from the government that provides a variety of important information about the Physics 30 course, including Physics 30 course expectations, diploma exam format, unique question styles on the diploma, sample questions, and common weaknesses of students in the past. It is vital you read this document in your preparation process.
Physics 30 YearEnd Review
Physics 30 YearEnd Review
This review covers the most important topics / questions of the Physics 30 course. I recommend that you complete 1 unit per day. Be certain to identify questions that you struggled with, so that you can get more practice on them during the "rest and repair" stage of studying.
Released Practice Diploma Exams
Released Practice Diploma Exams
These are exams that have been released by the government specifically so that students can get access to true diploma style questions. Be certain to complete them under exam conditions, which means "closed book" (i.e. no notes), using a proper formula sheet and cleared calculator, and using exam strategies that you would use on the real Diploma Exam (e.g. skipping difficult / scary questions and returning to them at the end).
Practice Diploma Exams - Scenario Style
Practice Diploma Exams - Scenario Style
The scariest questions on a diploma exam are invariably the scenario questions, where you are given a 1 page scenario / situation, and then you answer 3 or more questions related to that scenario. To do well on the diploma exam, you must be able to apply your knowledge to new situations, and the scenario question assesses this skill most effectively.
If you wish to achieve 80% to 100% on the Diploma Exam, I highly recommend that you try the exams below.
Excellence Diploma #1 Excellence Diploma #1 - Solutions
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