The article deals with the actual questions of the methodology of teaching physics under the conditions of the reform of school physical education in Ukraine. It is emphasized that the important problem of the theory and practice of teaching physics in the gymnasium and lyceum is the scientific substantiation of the implementation mechanisms of the competent approach, the creation and implementation of methodical systems of competence-oriented physics education. The competency potential of the content of the basic and profile courses of physics is analyzed and the ways of its realization in the educational process of the modern school are determined. The attention is paid to the methodical aspects of the organization of educational and cognitive activity of students that aimed at the solving practical problems, the conscious use of the acquired knowledge and skills.