In 2000, the New South Wales Board of Studies introduced new syllabi for Junior Science (years 7-10) and Senior Science subjects (years 11 and 12), i.e. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth and Environmental Science (Geology). The structure of these courses is similar: it is based on a contextual perspective and is underpinned by a number of focus areas that must be taught each year. Public examinations are held at the end of year 10 and again at the end of year 12. The year 12 exam is considered as the end of high school and university entrance examination. This article traces the history of the development of the Physics syllabus, the changes in expectation of student performance and the effects that these changes have had on student numbers. The changes wrought were radical and unique.