Level 3 Physics 2015
Welcome to Level 3 Physics for 2015 and well done for making the choice to complete this course. You are
also to be congratulated on the recommendation from your year 12 Physics teacher based on your
performance, both academic and attitudinal, in year 12 Physics. Your teacher for this year is Mr Moulin. I
look forward to working with you this year.
Introduction
Physics is a full year course, consisting of five topics, that progresses you towards gaining 22 Level 3 NCEA
credits. You are expected to attend class on a regular basis and complete all of the course and the
associated assessment tasks.
The Linwood College Science Learning Area website is an online learning environment that you will be
expected to visit to complete quizzes, contribute to forums, access resources and important notices. Save
this link on your home computer: http://tinyurl.com/LCSciencePage
In this course two of the standards are assessed internally (6 credits), the three remaining standards are
externally assessed (16 credits). If, in the future, you intend to complete a tertiary course that requires
Level 3 Physics you must ensure you know both which standards and/or the number of credits needed.
Topics and Assessment (in order covered)
Topic
Contextual
Investigation
Mechanics
Waves
Electricity and
magnetism
Modern
Physics
Achievement
Standard No.
91522v1
(Phys3.2)
Internal
91524v1
(Phys3.4)
External
91523v1
(Phys3.3)
External
91526v1
(Phys3.6)
External
91525v1
(Phys3.5)
Internal
Assessment
Date
Description
Lit
Demonstrate the understanding
of the application of physics to a
selected context
Y
3
Term 2 Week 1
(Formative)
Demonstrate understanding of
mechanical systems
Y
6
Term 2 Week 2
(Summative)
Demonstrate an understanding
of wave systems
Y
4
Term 2 Week 9
(Summative)
Demonstrate understanding of
electrical systems
Y
6
Term 4 Week 1
(Summative)
Demonstrate understanding of
modern physics
Y
3
Term 4 Week 5
(Formative)
Num
Credits
There will be a reassessment opportunity for the Modern Physics internal assessment. This will be done
during ‘Science Study’ time. Therefore it is important that you follow instructions very carefully, complete
formative work and take on board any feedback from your teacher. The re-assessment must be started
and completed in a timely manner following the teaching of the topic.
For internal assessments, it is important that you are not given an unfair advantage over others by being
allowed to hand work in late or by submitting work which is not your own. NZQA Guidelines apply for all
assessments. It is important that you have a clear understanding of these. Refer to your ‘Student
Handbook’ and if you are unsure if any aspect talk with your teacher prior to completing any assessment.
There is only one assessment opportunity for external Achievement Standards. These are in late November
and will be examined by NZQA in an external examination. There will be practice assessment opportunities
for these external standards during the year in the form of quizzes, end of topic tests and school
examinations.
Homework:
Homework will be a combination of tasks set from the Level 3 Physics AME workbook and other relevant
exercises assigned by your teacher. It is important that you complete these as they form an integral part of
your Physics course. You should also spend time each week reviewing your work so that you are
adequately prepared for tests. Tests and school exams are important opportunities to clarify your
understanding of concepts as well as practise writing clear, accurate, detailed responses.
If at any stage you feel you are having difficulty coping with your work, please see your
teacher.
Stationery Requirements:
To ensure that you can access all your course work during the year, particularly for the external standards,
all your notes and exercises are to be completed in a 1B8 Hardcover exercise book. It is essential that work
for internal standards is organised following the guidelines provided by your teacher. You will be provided
with folders to store all assessment materials. This body of work will be referred to as a science ‘portfolio’
and will be used for authenticity purposes.
You will be issued with a write on AME workbook Level 3 Physics at a cost of $25. You will need to bring
this workbook to class each day and it will be used at home for homework. Please take good care of it as it
is a valuable resource used throughout the year and for the final NCEA exams.
Student Obligations:

Ensure you have a clear understanding of the Level 3 Physics assessment programme and policy.

Standard laboratory safety procedures MUST be followed at all times.

Ensure you understand the requirements of each assessment being completed

Check thoroughly the accuracy of the assessment by your teacher when work is returned.

Discuss problems/concerns with your teacher (Mr Moulin) /HOLA Science (Ms Mora)
Have an enjoyable year.