Physics

Overview

The HKDSE Physics curriculum provides senior secondary students with a rigorous foundation in the physical sciences. It balances a systematic exploration of classical physics with foundational exposure to modern physical systems and daily-life engineering. Emphasising scientific inquiry, contextual learning, and problem-based reasoning, the course prepares students for tertiary education in science and engineering fields while fostering scientific literacy for a technologically advancing society.

Curriculum Goals

Phase	Curriculum Goals
Senior Secondary Compulsory Part	Understand the five core branches: Heat and Gases, Force and Motion, Wave Motion, Electricity and Magnetism, and Radioactivity and Nuclear Energy. Design, safely implement, and evaluate practical experiments using laboratory apparatuses, data-loggers, and digital equipment. Analyse experimental data through graphs, tables, and mathematical models, including proper treatment of uncertainties and measurement errors. Apply physical principles to everyday phenomena, technological systems, and quantitative problem-solving.
Senior Secondary Elective Part	Extend learning through two of four elective topics: Astronomy and Space Science, Atomic World, Energy and Use of Energy, and Medical Physics. Connect physical principles with specialised applications in astronomy, atomic physics, energy systems, or medical diagnostics. Critically evaluate the economic, technological, environmental, and ethical implications of physical innovations. Develop advanced analytical and investigative skills through School-Based Assessment tasks and extended studies.

Phase

Curriculum Goals

Senior Secondary Compulsory Part

Understand the five core branches: Heat and Gases, Force and Motion, Wave Motion, Electricity and Magnetism, and Radioactivity and Nuclear Energy.
Design, safely implement, and evaluate practical experiments using laboratory apparatuses, data-loggers, and digital equipment.
Analyse experimental data through graphs, tables, and mathematical models, including proper treatment of uncertainties and measurement errors.
Apply physical principles to everyday phenomena, technological systems, and quantitative problem-solving.

Senior Secondary Elective Part

Extend learning through two of four elective topics: Astronomy and Space Science, Atomic World, Energy and Use of Energy, and Medical Physics.
Connect physical principles with specialised applications in astronomy, atomic physics, energy systems, or medical diagnostics.
Critically evaluate the economic, technological, environmental, and ethical implications of physical innovations.
Develop advanced analytical and investigative skills through School-Based Assessment tasks and extended studies.

Subject Highlights

Physics places a powerful emphasis on experiential learning, competitive excellence, and scientific literacy. Students engage with immersive astronomy experiences in the A-Planetarium (宇宙探索館), including full-dome space simulations that bring astrophysics concepts to life. These are extended through star-gazing activities and rooftop telescope sessions, where students apply optics, gravitation, and orbital mechanics to real celestial observations. High-achieving students participate in the Hong Kong Physics Olympiad (HKPhO), developing advanced analytical problem-solving skills. Field trips to green energy facilities allow students to evaluate the thermodynamics, mechanics, and environmental impacts of renewable power systems.