The O-Level Physics Practical Paper is designed to assess students’ mastery in experimental physics—ranging from hands-on procedures to data analysis and interpretation.
In this article, we have gathered the key marking assessments from the O Level Syllabus as well as the topics that are tested.
*Refer to this list for the most recent update of syllabus 6091 which is examinable from 2026.
Practical Exam Assessment
Practical Assessment (Paper 3)
Based on the Syllabus 6091 (Physics), Paper 3 will assess appropriate aspects of assessment objectives C1 to C6 in the following skill areas:
• Planning (P)
• Manipulation, measurement and Observation (MMO)
• Presentation of data and observations (PDO)
• Analysis, conclusions and evaluation (ACE)
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%.
🇸🇬 Singapore-Cambridge GCE O-Level Physics (Syllabus Code: 6091, 2026)
Practical Paper Format: Paper 3
Paper 3 (1 h 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 min practical experiment question.
Common Topics That Appear in Practical Exams
|
Area |
Example Experiments |
|
Mechanics |
Determining spring constant, pendulum motion, density calculations |
|
Electricity |
Series/parallel circuits, Ohm’s Law, resistance vs length |
|
Thermal Physics |
Measuring specific heat capacity, melting point |
|
Waves & Optics |
Measuring focal length, light refraction, sound wave speed |
|
Magnetism & Electromagnetism |
Magnetic field lines, solenoids, simple motors |
Alternative Syllabuses (For International O-Level Students)
- Cambridge International O-Level Physics (5054)
- Paper 3: Practical Test
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Weightage: 20%
Format: Similar to 6091 but slightly more open-ended and tailored for international settings. - Alternative to Practical (Paper 4)
For schools without lab access.
Students answer written questions about experiments, data analysis, and evaluation. - IGCSE Physics (0625/0972)
- May include Paper 5 (Practical) or Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical)
- Format and assessment objectives align closely with Cambridge O-Level
Can Students Take an Alternative to Practical Instead?
In Singapore, students sitting for 6091 Physics must take Paper 3 (hands-on practical). The alternative-to-practical format is not offered.
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