Physics learning area contacts:

• ATAR

  In the Physics ATAR course students will learn how energy and energy transformations can shape the environment from the small scale, in quantum leaps inside an atom’s electron cloud, through the human scale, in vehicles and the human body, to the large scale, in interactions between galaxies. Students have opportunities to develop their investigative skills and use analytical thinking to explain and predict physical phenomena. Students plan and conduct investigations to answer a range of questions, collect and interpret data and observations, and communicate their findings in an appropriate format. Problem-solving and using evidence to make and justify conclusions are transferable skills that are developed in this course.

  • Types of science inquiry investigations
  • Also available in  Word Format

  Syllabus

  • ATAR Year 11 Syllabus – For teaching from 2026 (750.6 KB)Last updated: 04 Aug 2026 2:52pmAlso available in Word Format (414.3 KB)
  • ATAR Year 11 Syllabus – For teaching from 2025 (703.8 KB)Last updated: 04 Aug 2026 2:52pmAlso available in Word Format (416.0 KB)
  • ATAR Year 12 Syllabus – For teaching from 2024 (557.9 KB)Last updated: 04 Aug 2026 2:53pmAlso available in Word Format (290.1 KB)
  • ATAR Year 12 Syllabus – For teaching from 2026 (791.0 KB)Last updated: 04 Aug 2026 2:53pmAlso available in Word Format (363.8 KB)

  What's changing

  • ATAR Year 12 What's changing - General capabilities (407.3 KB)Last updated: 20 Oct 2025 11:06amAlso available in Word Format (317.8 KB)
  • ATAR Year 12 What's changing - Rationale and Aims (391.4 KB)Last updated: 20 Oct 2025 11:06amAlso available in Word Format (315.7 KB)

  Grading

  • Grade descriptions in Year 11 syllabus

  • Grade descriptions in Year 12 syllabus

  Support Materials

  • Glossary of key words used in the formulation of questions (381.7 KB)Last updated: 28 Jan 2026 11:38amAlso available in Word Format (212.3 KB)
  • ATAR Year 12 sample assessment outline (921.0 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:57pmAlso available in Word Format (345.8 KB)
  • ATAR Year 12 sample assessment tasks (1.1 MB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:57pmAlso available in Word Format (499.6 KB)
  • ATAR Year 12 sample course outline (784.0 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:57pmAlso available in Word Format (243.1 KB)
  • ATAR Year 12 Sample course outline – For teaching from 2026 (582.4 KB)Last updated: 24 Mar 2026 9:29amAlso available in Word Format (255.0 KB)
  • ATAR Year 12 Sample assessment outline – For teaching from 2026  (389.4 KB)Last updated: 06 Feb 2026 2:58pmAlso available in Word Format (354.7 KB)
  • ATAR Year 11 sample assessment outline – For teaching from 2025 (353.2 KB)Last updated: 28 Nov 2024 3:18pmAlso available in Word Format (353.1 KB)
  • ATAR Year 11 sample course outline – For teaching from 2025  (384.8 KB)Last updated: 28 Nov 2024 3:48pmAlso available in Word Format (252.5 KB)
  • ATAR Year 11 formulae and data sheet - For teaching from 2025 (743.3 KB)Last updated: 14 Jul 2025 1:18pmAlso available in Word Format (603.9 KB)

  Examination Materials

  • 2025 Summary examination report for candidates (248.5 KB)Last updated: 19 Mar 2026 2:28pm
  • 2025 Examination (2.0 MB)Last updated: 29 Jan 2026 2:54pm
  • 2025 Marking Key (725.9 KB)Last updated: 29 Jan 2026 2:54pm
  • Physics Sample Examination – For teaching from 2026 (1.6 MB)Last updated: 02 Apr 2025 1:04pm
  • Physics Sample Marking Key – For teaching from 2026 (634.0 KB)Last updated: 09 Dec 2025 11:45am
  • 2026 Formulae and data booklet (811.2 KB)Last updated: 02 Jul 2026 9:08am
  • Additional Past ATAR Course Examinations