The Year 11 Physics course at Sydney Technical High School introduces students to key physical principles through the investigation of motion, forces, energy, and the properties of waves and matter. Students develop their scientific inquiry skills through practical investigations, modelling, and analysis of real-world phenomena.
The Preliminary course is organised into four core modules:
Module 1: Kinematics
Students study the motion of objects using graphical and mathematical representations. They explore:
Uniform and non-uniform motion
Displacement, velocity, acceleration
Graphical analysis of motion
Applications of kinematics in everyday and engineered systems
Module 2: Dynamics
This module investigates the forces that cause motion and how Newton’s Laws of Motion explain interactions between objects. Topics include:
Net force and acceleration
Friction and tension
Free-body diagrams
Safety and motion in vehicles and machinery
Module 3: Waves and Thermodynamics
Students explore the behaviour of mechanical waves and the transfer of energy through wave and thermal systems. They investigate:
Properties of waves (speed, frequency, wavelength, amplitude)
Sound and light as wave phenomena
Reflection, refraction, and interference
Temperature, heat, and thermal equilibrium
Module 4: Electricity and Magnetism
This module examines electric and magnetic fields and their role in energy transfer and technological applications. Students study:
Electrical circuits, Ohm’s Law, and power
Electrostatics and magnetism
Magnetic fields and current-carrying conductors
The relationship between electricity and magnetism in motors and generators
Depth Study and UNSW Laboratory Excursion
As part of the course, students undertake a Depth Study, which involves applying their scientific skills to explore a physics concept or question in greater depth. To support this, students attend an excursion to the University of New South Wales, where they work in purpose-built teaching laboratories to conduct extended investigations.
This excursion provides students with:
Access to university-grade equipment and lab environments
Exposure to authentic research processes
Opportunities to design, carry out, and report on a self-directed investigation
Insights into STEM pathways and careers
Throughout the Preliminary course, students engage in practical investigations, use scientific and mathematical methods to analyse data, and apply their understanding to real-world contexts. These experiences build a strong foundation for success in the HSC Physics course.
