QCAA Physics
Physics General senior syllabus (QCAA) - external assessment
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ExploreAbout this exam
Physics General is a Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA) senior syllabus for students in Years 11–12 working towards the Queensland Certificate of Education, with results contributing to tertiary entrance rankings. The current syllabus is Physics General senior syllabus 2025 v1.3, for implementation with students who will complete their study of the course in 2026 or beyond. Assessment combines school-based internal assessment with external assessment. Published past papers show the external assessment has two papers: Paper 1, which includes a multiple choice question book plus a question and response book, and Paper 2, a question and response book. A marking guide is published for each year. Internal assessment samples on the QCAA page cover a Unit 3 data test (IA1), a Unit 3 student experiment (IA2) and a Unit 4 research investigation (IA3). Supporting materials include a formula and data book, approved scientific and graphics calculator lists, sample assessment instruments and marking schemes, annual subject reports, and a document on key senior subject changes for external assessment in 2026. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the QCAA. Preparation should centre on the syllabus, the formula and data book, past papers under timed conditions, and subject reports, which highlight common student errors.
What you'll study
About QCAA Physics preparation
What does the external assessment look like?
QCAA publishes past papers showing two papers. Paper 1 has a multiple choice question book and a separate question and response book. Paper 2 is a question and response book. A marking guide is published for each year, so you can check how marks are awarded.
How is Physics General assessed overall?
It uses both internal and external assessment. Published sample instruments show internal assessments as a Unit 3 data test (IA1), a Unit 3 student experiment (IA2) and a Unit 4 research investigation (IA3). The QCAA page does not list overall percentage weightings, so check the syllabus PDF for the authoritative breakdown.
Which syllabus version applies to me?
The Physics General senior syllabus 2025 v1.3 applies to students who will complete their study of the course in 2026 or beyond. If you are completing earlier, confirm your version with your teacher, because sample instruments on the QCAA page are tagged to different versions such as 2025 v1.2.
Are there changes to the external assessment?
Yes. The QCAA lists an associated document titled Key senior subject changes: For external assessment in 2026. Read it alongside the syllabus so you are not preparing against superseded expectations. Your teacher can confirm exactly which changes affect your cohort.
What can I bring into the external assessment?
The QCAA publishes a formula and data book for 2025 and separate approved calculator lists for scientific and graphics calculators. Check the current versions of both lists before exam day, and confirm any other permitted equipment with your school.
Where should I start when preparing?
Work through the syllabus first so you know the unit content and the cognitive verbs used in questions. Then use the formula and data book until it feels familiar, and attempt past papers under timed conditions before checking the marking guide.
How should I use the past papers?
Attempt Paper 1 multiple choice and the question and response books without notes, then mark against the published marking guide. Papers from 2020 to 2025 are available. Note that older papers may reflect earlier syllabus versions, so prioritise recent years.
What mistakes do students commonly make?
The QCAA publishes annual subject reports that identify common errors and weak responses. Reading the report for recent years is one of the highest-value study activities, because it shows where students lost marks in explanations, calculations and experimental design.
Is there a retake policy or fee?
The QCAA page does not state a retake policy, fee or validity period for this syllabus. Those matters sit with your school and the QCAA, so ask your teacher or contact the subject Principal Education Officer listed on the QCAA page.
Is this page official?
No. This is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the QCAA. Always verify details against the official syllabus, formula and data book, calculator lists and past papers published on the QCAA website.