The O-Level physics syllabus provides students with a coherent understanding of energy, matter, and their interrelationships. It focuses on investigating natural phenomena and then applying patterns, models (including mathematical ones), principles, theories and laws to explain the physical behaviour of the universe. The theories and concepts presented in this syllabus belong to a branch of physics commonly referred to as classical physics. Modern physics, developed to explain the quantum properties at the atomic and sub-atomic levels, is built on knowledge of these classical theories and concepts.
Students should think of physics in terms of scales. Whereas the classical theories such as Newton’s laws of motion apply to common physical systems larger than the size of atoms, a more comprehensive theory, quantum theory, is needed to describe systems at the atomic and sub-atomic scales. At these scales, physicists are making new discoveries and inventing new applications.
It is envisaged that teaching and learning programmes based on this syllabus would feature various learning experiences designed to promote the acquisition of scientific expertise and understanding and to develop values and attitudes relevant to science. Teachers are encouraged to use a combination of appropriate strategies to engage and challenge their students effectively. It is expected that students will apply investigative and problem-solving skills, effectively communicate the theoretical concepts covered in this course and appreciate the contribution physics makes to our understanding of the physical world.
The O-Level Physics syllabus aims to:
The disciplinary ideas of Physics represent the overarching ideas essential for the understanding of Physics. An understanding of these ideas helps students see the interconnectedness of ideas within and across the subdisciplines of Physics. Equipping students with a coherent view and conceptual framework facilitates the application and transfer of learning. These disciplinary ideas can be revisited and deepened at higher levels of
learning and beyond the schooling years.
Disciplinary ideas are introduced at the upper secondary levels when students begin to specialise in the subdisciplines of science.
The Assessment Objectives listed below reflect those parts of the Aims and Practices of Science that will be assessed.
A Knowledge with understanding
Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding about:
The syllabus content defines the factual knowledge that candidates may be required to recall and explain.
Questions testing these objectives will often begin with one of the following words: define, state, name, describe, explain or outline.
B Handling Information and Solving Problems
Candidates should be able (in words or by using symbolic, graphical and numerical forms of presentation) to:
These Assessment Objectives cannot be precisely specified in the content because questions testing such skills may be based on information which is unfamiliar to the candidate. In answering such questions, candidates are required to use principles and concepts that are within the syllabus and apply them in a logical, reasoned or deductive manner to a novel situation. Questions testing these objectives will often begin with one of the following words: predict, deduce, suggest, calculate or determine.
C Experimental Skills and Investigations
Candidates should be able to:
Weighting of Assessment Objectives
Theory Papers (Papers 1 and 2)
A Knowledge with Understanding, approximately 45% of the marks with approximately 15% allocated to recall.
B Handling Information and Solving Problems, approximately 55% of the marks.
Practical Assessment (Paper 3)
Paper 3 will assess appropriate aspects of assessment objectives C1 to C6 in the following skill areas:
The assessment of Planning (P) will have a weighting of 15%. The assessment of skill areas MMO, PDO and
ACE will have a weighting of 85%.
Candidates are required to enter for Papers 1, 2 and 3.
| Paper | Type of Paper | Duration | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Multiple Choice |
1 h |
40 |
30% |
|
2 |
Structured and Free Response |
1 h 45 min |
80 |
50% |
|
3 |
Practical |
1 h 50 min |
40 |
20% |
Theory Papers
Paper 1 (1 h, 40 marks)
This paper consists of 40 compulsory multiple-choice items.
Paper 2 (1 h 45 min, 80 marks)
This paper consists of two sections.
Section A will carry 70 marks and consist of a variable number of compulsory structured questions. The last two questions will carry 20 marks, one of which is a data-based question requiring candidates to interpret, evaluate or solve problems using a stem of information. The data-based question will carry 8–12 marks.
Section B will carry 10 marks and will consist of two questions. Candidates must answer only one out of these two questions.
Practical Assessment
Paper 3 (1h 50 min, 40 marks)
This paper will consist of 2 sections.
Section A will carry 20 marks and will consist of 1–2 compulsory practical experiment questions with a total duration of 55 min.
Section B will carry 20 marks and will consist of one compulsory 55-minute practical experiment question.
One, or more, of the questions may incorporate assessment of Planning (P) and require candidates to apply and integrate knowledge and understanding from different sections of the syllabus. The assessment of PDO and ACE may include questions on data-analysis which do not require practical equipment and apparatus.
Candidates would be allocated a specified time for access to apparatus and materials of specific questions.
Candidates are not allowed to refer to notebooks, textbooks or any other information during the assessment.
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
|
I. Measurement |
1. Physical Quantities, Units and Measurement |
|
II. Newtonian Mechanics |
2. Kinematics |
|
III. Thermal Physics |
7. Kinetic Particle Model of Matter |
|
IV. Waves |
10. General Properties of Waves |
|
V. Electricity and Magnetism |
13. Static Electricity |
|
VI. Radioactivity |
20. Radioactivity |
Full O-Level Physics syllabus details can be read in the SEAB O-Level Physics Syllabus 6091.
