Physics
Physics combines a sound theoretical base with considerable practical work and the use of technology. At all levels, students make and test things so that they see the application of basic theory.
Physics opens the way to a wide range of careers and is a prerequisite for some, including engineering, architecture, medical physics, environmental monitoring, telecommunications, research science, education, aerospace, electronics, computing and many industrial fields. Examinations require students to understand the physics involved in a given context and apply their knowledge to explain or calculate outcomes in real-world situations.
Students wishing to do well in this subject need confidence in mathematical skills, particularly graphing, rearranging and using formulae, and using a calculator effectively. NCEA assessment also requires students to demonstrate their understanding by explaining the physics principles involved in a given situation.
Year 12
Prerequisites Completion of Prep Physics working at Stage 3 or above, or another Science with good supporting Mathematics results. Description This course has a greater practical component than previous years, including practical tests and extended investigations. The course offers the same range of topics as in the Prep Course, but builds on them, extending into projectiles, circular motion, momentum, gravity, kinetic theory, wave interference and diffraction. It also introduces the new topic areas of radioactivity and atomic physics. These topics and skills form the required foundation for success in Level 3. Assessment* This course contributes towards NCEA Level 2, with 16 of the 23 credits externally assessed by examination, and the remaining 7 credits internally assessed. Students will sit external exams in both the the Level 2 and Level 3 slots at the end of the year.
They will sit two externals at Level 2 (electrical and mechanical) and one at Level 3 (waves.) This will decrease exam performance pressure as they will have much more time in each of the two external exam slots at the end of the year. The following Achievement Standards will be assessed: • AS 91168 (4 credits – internal) Carry out a practical physics investigation that leads to a non-linear mathematical relationship. • AS 91523 (4 credits – Level 3 external) Demonstrate understanding of waves. • AS 91171 (6 credits – external) Demonstrate understanding of mechanics. • AS 91173 (6 credits – external) Demonstrate understanding of electricity and magnetism. • AS 91172 (3 credits – internal) Demonstrate understanding of atomic and nuclear physics.
72 NCEA Course Booklet 2027
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