Physics

PHYSICS STAGE 6 COURSE DESCRIPTION. 

New Syllabus for 2027

CATEGORY A

2 units for Year 11and Year 12 (HSC).

Board Developed Course.

The Physics 11–12 Syllabus provides students with the opportunity to analyse, study and enjoy an understanding of the physical world around us. Students build on their learning from the Science 7–10 Syllabus (2023) as they investigate phenomena, make predictions and solve problems related to emerging technologies, energy systems and scientific innovation. Students generate and analyse data and evaluate results to make ethical, evidence-based decisions as informed, reflective and scientifically literate citizens.

What students learn

Through the study of Physics 11–12, students:

• develop knowledge and understanding of the complexity of the physical world and the Universe and how they work

• explore how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ ways of Knowing, Being and Doing enhance and provide social and Cultural context to the study of physics

• apply their knowledge of physics to address real-world problems and explore the impact of physics on society

• develop critical thinking, ethical decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Course structure and requirements

Year 11 course structure and requirements

The Year 11 Physics course comprises a study of:

• 120 indicative hours across 3 focus areas, including 10 hours of depth studies

• integrated Working scientifically outcomes and content.

Students are required to study all components of the course.

Year 11 focus areas

Indicative hours

Fundamentals of mechanics

50

Waves

35

Electricity and magnetism

35

Year 12 course structure and requirements

The Year 12 Physics course comprises a study of:

• 120 indicative hours across 4 focus areas, including 10 hours of depth studies

• integrated Working scientifically outcomes and content.

Students are required to study all components of the course.

Year 12 focus areas

Indicative hours

Advanced mechanics

30

Electromagnetism

30

Nature of light

30

Matter, energy and the cosmos

30

Working scientifically

The Working scientifically outcomes and content are integral to the study of Physics 11–12. The Working scientifically outcomes address:

• questioning and predicting

• planning scientific investigations

• conducting scientific investigations

• processing data and information

• analysing data and information

• problem-solving

• communicating.

Teachers must integrate relevant Working scientifically outcomes and content with each focus area. All the Working scientifically outcomes and content must be addressed by the end of Year 12.

Scientific investigations

Each focus area in the Physics 11–12 Syllabus includes content points that contain scientific investigations. These content points include practical investigations and secondary-source investigations and are conducted individually and collaboratively. 

Practical investigations include:

• laboratory experiments

• computer simulations; modelling, processing and analysing primary data, and using appropriate digital technologies

• fieldwork.

Secondary-source investigations include:

• extracting, analysing and using data and information from secondary sources

• reorganising and communicating secondary-source data and information in the form of flow charts, tables, graphs, diagrams, written documents, keys, spreadsheets or databases

• using existing models to inform understanding.

Some students with disability may require adjustments to conduct scientific investigations.

Depth studies

Depth studies are targeted scientific investigations in which students deepen their understanding of course content through the application of Working scientifically knowledge. They provide opportunities for students to pursue their interests and deepen their scientific understanding of one or more focus areas.

• 10 hours of depth studies are undertaken as part of course requirements.

• At least ONE depth study must be completed in both Year 11 and Year 12.

• The depth study must include Working scientifically content from Questioning and predicting in addition to content from at least ONE other focus area.

• Depth studies may be completed individually or collaboratively.

Some students with disability may require adjustments in order to engage with the depth studies.

Safety and risk management

Schools are required to ensure they follow safety and risk management in delivering the Physics 11–12 Syllabus.

Course enrolment details

Physics Year 11

• Course number: 11310

• Course hours: 120

• Course units: 2

• Enrolment type: Elective

• Endorsement type: Board developed

Exclusions

• Physical World Science Life Skills (Year 11, 2 units): 16667

Prerequisites

• Nil

Corequisites

• Nil

Physics Year 12

• Course number: 15330

• Course hours: 120

• Course units: 2

• Enrolment type: Elective

• Endorsement type: Board developed

Exclusions

• Physical World Science Life Skills (Year 12, 2 units): 16667

Prerequisites

• Physics (Year 11, 2 units): 11310

Corequisites

• Nil