Physics

Physics in the Lower Grades (Unterstufe)

The main goal of the physics program in the lower grades is to introduce students to the basic concepts of Physics. Great emphasis is placed on physical phenomena as they occur in everyday life, as well as on teacher demonstrations and student classroom experiments, in order to stimulate student interest and establish basic understanding of physical processes in nature and technology. Classroom activities include projects and experiments in small groups, which allow students to develop their capacity for teamwork, personal responsibility, accuracy and problem solving. Students attending the technical secondary school program, have a further opportunity to deepen their experimental skills in the Physics laboratory course, which is offered in the 4th Grade.

Physics in the Upper Grades (Oberstufe)

All aspects of the basic concepts of physics, introduced to students in the lower grades, are further developed in the upper grades. Students are provided with a sound, in-depth knowledge of physics, which enables them to pursue post-secondary studies in physics or other areas of the natural sciences and technology. In addition, emphasis is placed on the students’ ability to use the acquired knowledge to recognize and explain natural physical processes in everyday life, as well as develop safety awareness and safety-conscious behaviour. Classroom group projects and experiments are used to develop the students’ ability to solve and critically evaluate simple problems in physics. Students attending the technical secondary school program, also have the opportunity to consolidate their experimental skills and knowledge in the Physics laboratory course, which is offered in the 6th Grade.

Compulsory elective subject Physics (Wahlpflichtfach)

In this elective course, students have the opportunity to explore different themes, such as semiconductor physics, astrophysics and physics in medicine and technology, in greater depth. The themes are selected according to the students’ own interests and are in part worked out and presented by the students themselves.

Physics Olympics

This non-compulsory extra-curricular activity is offered to students in Grades 3 or higher. Interested students meet for two periods weekly to carry out independent supervised experiments, which broaden their interests and knowledge in physics. The best have the opportunity to take part in Physics Olympics, which are take place at school, provincial, state and international levels