Making physics a chosen subject again
Why Learners Are Moving Away From Physics — And Why The Way We Teach It Needs To Change
Physics is one of the most powerful subjects a learner can choose. It explains how the world works — from electricity and technology to space exploration, engineering, medicine, and innovation.
Yet many learners are choosing not to take Physics.
The question we need to ask is: Are learners avoiding Physics because it is too difficult, or because the way it is being taught is no longer working for the modern learner?
For many students, the problem is not the subject itself.
The problem is the experience of learning it.
Physics Has Become a Subject of Fear Instead of Discovery
Many learners enter Physics expecting difficulty. They hear stories about complicated formulas, challenging calculations, and low marks. Instead of seeing Physics as a subject that explains the world around them, they see it as a subject where they must memorise information and survive exams.
But Physics was never meant to be about memorising.
Physics is about understanding.
When learners understand the reason behind a formula, how concepts connect, and how to approach problems, the subject becomes logical.
The challenge is that traditional classroom teaching often has to move at the pace of the curriculum, not always the pace of the learner.
The Reality in South African Classrooms
South Africa continues to highlight concerns around learner participation and performance in key gateway subjects such as Mathematics and Physical Sciences. The Department of Basic Education has noted concerns about declining participation in subjects such as Physical Sciences and the need to build stronger confidence and foundations in Science.
In the 2024 National Senior Certificate examinations, Physical Sciences remained an important subject, with 75.6% of learners passing, but the Department highlighted the need to improve confidence and participation in these critical subjects.
The issue is not that learners cannot do Physics.
The issue is that many learners are not receiving learning support in the way modern students need it.
One Classroom, Many Different Learning Problems
In a typical classroom, a teacher may have dozens of learners.
Some learners understand a topic immediately.
Some need extra examples.
Some are missing foundations from previous grades.
Some only struggle with one specific section.
But the teacher still has to continue with the syllabus.
This creates a gap.
A learner struggling with electricity may sit through weeks of lessons covering other topics. A learner who understands motion may still spend hours revising the same work.
The result?
Learners become frustrated, lose confidence, and start believing that Physics is not for them.
The New Way: Targeted Physics Learning
The future of learning is not about spending more hours studying.
It is about studying the right things.
Modern learners need a targeted approach:
Identify the weakness.
Watch the explanation.
Practise the skill.
Receive feedback.
Improve.
Instead of searching for help only when marks drop or exams are close, learners should have instant access to support whenever they need it.
A learner should be able to say:
"I don't understand momentum."
Then immediately access a focused lesson explaining momentum.
Not the entire syllabus.
Not hours of unnecessary revision.
Just the exact problem they need to solve.
Why Marking Is The Missing Piece
One of the biggest problems in learning today is that learners often practise without knowing whether they are improving.
Watching videos is helpful.
Doing questions is important.
But having your work marked is where real improvement happens.
Learners need to know:
Where did I lose marks?
Did I use the correct method?
Am I explaining my answers properly?
Am I making the same mistake repeatedly?
Teachers work incredibly hard, but with full classrooms, lesson preparation, administration, and curriculum demands, there is limited time for detailed individual marking and personalised revision for every learner.
This is where a modern learning platform can support the education system.
By combining focused Physics videos with marked work and feedback, learners get the support they need outside the limitations of classroom time.
The Exam Season Problem: Searching For Tutors Too Late
Closer to exams, many learners suddenly realise they have gaps.
Then comes the stressful search:
"Who can tutor me?"
"Who is available?"
"Can they help with my exact problem?"
But exam preparation should not start with panic.
It should start with preparation.
The modern learner should already have a learning system available — a place where they can click, revise, strengthen weak areas, and build confidence.
Physics Needs A New Identity
Physics should not be known as the subject learners avoid.
It should be known as the subject that teaches learners how to think.
The solution is not simply more tuition.
The solution is smarter learning.
A modern Physics learner needs:
✓ Short, focused explanations
✓ Lessons based on their weaknesses
✓ Practice questions
✓ Marked work
✓ Exam-focused revision
✓ Support exactly when they need it
The future of Physics education is personalised.
Because learners do not need more information.
They need the right explanation, at the right time, for the exact challenge they are facing.