In preparation for the course

In order to prepare my students who are coming into the DP Physics course, I ask them to work through Topic 1 on their own. This gives us a common ground to start from. I don't cover this topic as a separate topic in class because it is integrated into the other units (but largely covered in Topic 2). If a student is new to the school, they can get what they need during Topic 2. 

Order of Topics

I have never had the luxury of teaching separate SL and HL classes. I have come up with the following order that works for me.

Year 1:
Topic 2 (and 1)
Topic 4
Topic 9
Topic 6
Topic 5.1
Topic 10
Topic 5.2-5.4
Topic 3

​Year 2:
Topic 11
Topic 7
Topic 12
IA
Topic 8
Astrophysics

This is a big push in our first year to get it all done. This is roughly 60% of the course which is what we need to cover since the 2nd year is shorter with exams. I used to do Topic 3 in the 2nd year, but was always pressured for time just before Mock Exams and World Exams.

If I were teaching SL only, I would teach the topics in order. I see no reason not to.

If I were teaching HL only, I would teach them in the following order:
Topic 2 (and 1)
Topic 3
Topic 4
Topic 9
Topic 5
Topic 6
Topic 10
Topic 11
IA
Topic 7
Topic 12
Topic 8
Astrophysics

The one that would be a floater for me would be Topic 3. I would put it wherever it fits the the particular timing needs of my school the best.

Time

If you are new to teaching this course, you should know that time is not on your side. It's a lot of content and a significant depth of understanding expected to achieve at the highest levels. Every class will need to count. Make sure that you work with your DP Coordinator to ensure that you are able to complete the course on time.