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Described is physics education in Australia at the secondary level. Its origins based on British traditions and the influence of American thought and practice on its development are discussed. Implications for the future are examined. (YP)

The article presents a study addressing the enrollment trend in upper secondary science schools in Australia. Australian elementary and secondary education is offered through a dual system of government and independent schools which are financed from both State and Commonwealth funding. The dramatic increase in female retentivity is the most important factor in determining enrollment trends. The decline in the proportion of Year 12 students studying the traditional discipline-oriented science subjects has been influenced in large measure by the increased proportion of female students and the wider range of academic ability now represented by Year 12. The challenge for science educators is to cater for the needs and aspirations of young people who are now part of the upper secondary school population.

The article discusses the influence of American and British thought and practice on physics education in Australia. Education in the country is the responsibility of the six states and two territories that constitute the Commonwealth of Australia. Australian physics education has been dominated by the influence of British traditions of science education over most of the history of the country. In many respects, however, physics education has lost the redeeming features of the original British-derived methodology without attaining the best features of the American programs.