What does an Outstanding Physics answer look like?

1. Applies fundamental physics principles deliberately to unfamiliar or tricky contexts, rather than reaching for familiar formulae 2. Explicitly states assumptions and which variables remain constant when making changes 3. Identifies and explains the core physics mechanism in unfamiliar setups 4. Derives equations step-by-step in clear, logical order, showing algebraic reasoning—not just plugging numbers in 5. Answers the exact question asked: if asked to consider forces, discusses both forces *and* energy; if asked for a trend explanation, justifies *why* 6. Tackles all parts of a question even if earlier sections seem unclear, recognising that individual subsections test different concepts

What's the difference between Scholarship and Outstanding in Physics?

Scholarship (~3% of candidates): Displays subject grasp beyond the problem requirements, makes clear links between multiple concepts, sets out working logically, and justifies behaviour using physics principles—but may miss nuances in unfamiliar contexts. Outstanding (~0.3%): Flexibly applies fundamental principles (forces, energy, quantisation, pressure) to novel or tricky setups, explicitly controls variables, explains mechanisms precisely, and answers the complete question as asked with full justification.

How do I prepare for NZQA Scholarship Physics?

1. Study the entire NCEA curriculum content listed in the spec—especially AC electricity, phasor diagrams, LCR resonance, open-ended pipes as longitudinal waves, and the Bohr model/photoelectric effect. 2. When a question says 'considering the forces acting' or asks you to 'justify' or 'explain', include the underlying physics: state which forces or energy changes are involved. 3. For unfamiliar contexts, resist jumping to familiar formulae. Identify the real physics at play: What forces act? What is conserved? Unfamiliar wrapping does not mean unfamiliar physics. 4. Practice deriving equations from scratch (not memorising them) and explaining the maths as you go.

← all Scholarship subjects

NZQA Scholarship

Physics

27 indexed files spanning 2022 · 2023 · 2024 · 2025 · 2026. Includes 12 outstanding-grade exemplars — real student answers that won an Outstanding Scholarship award.

Download from NZQA →Ask the chat NCEA L1–3 Physics →

In plain EnglishDistilled from the latest assessment report + outstanding exemplars

NZQA Scholarship Physics tests your ability to apply physics principles flexibly across unfamiliar situations using the full secondary curriculum (up to Level 8). The 3-hour exam has 4 questions covering DC and AC electricity, waves (sound and standing waves), modern physics (atoms, photons, nuclear reactions), and mechanics like simple harmonic motion. You need to show all working, justify every step with physics reasoning, and keep explanations concise—not verbose.

What examiners reward in Outstanding work

·Applies fundamental physics principles deliberately to unfamiliar or tricky contexts, rather than reaching for familiar formulae
·Explicitly states assumptions and which variables remain constant when making changes
·Identifies and explains the core physics mechanism in unfamiliar setups
·Derives equations step-by-step in clear, logical order, showing algebraic reasoning—not just plugging numbers in
·Answers the exact question asked: if asked to consider forces, discusses both forces *and* energy; if asked for a trend explanation, justifies *why*
·Tackles all parts of a question even if earlier sections seem unclear, recognising that individual subsections test different concepts

SScholarship (~3%)

Displays subject grasp beyond the problem requirements, makes clear links between multiple concepts, sets out working logically, and justifies behaviour using physics principles—but may miss nuances in unfamiliar contexts.

Exemplar (outstanding student answer)(12)

AS 9310393103-exp-2025-topscholar.pdf
2025 · 21 pp
931030 ! !"#$%&'(#)*+,-,. /#0()"( Time allowed: Three hours Total score: 32 Check that the National Student Number (NSN) on your admission slip is the same as the number at the top of this page. You should answer ALL the questions in this booklet. For all ‘describe’ or ‘explain’ …
AS 9310393103-exp-2025-scholarship.pdf
2025 · 21 pp
931030 ! !"#$%&'(#)*+,-,. /#0()"( Time allowed: Three hours Total score: 32 Check that the National Student Number (NSN) on your admission slip is the same as the number at the top of this page. You should answer ALL the questions in this booklet. For all ‘describe’ or ‘explain’ …
AS 9310393103-exp-2025-outstanding.pdf
2025 · 23 pp
931030 ! !"#$%&'(#)*+,-,. /#0()"( Time allowed: Three hours Total score: 32 Check that the National Student Number (NSN) on your admission slip is the same as the number at the top of this page. You should answer ALL the questions in this booklet. For all ‘describe’ or ‘explain’ …
AS 9310393103-exp-2024-scholarship.pdf

Files are indexed for searchability — download the original PDFs from NZQA.

Physics

Exemplar (outstanding student answer)(12)

Exam paper(5)

Marking schedule(4)

Assessment report(4)

Assessment specification(2)