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.
The 3 O-Level Physics Papers
O-Level Physics under Syllabus 6091 is assessed across three papers. Paper 3, the Practical paper, accounts for 20% of the overall grade.
| Paper | Type | Duration | Marks | Weighting |
| Paper 1 | Multiple Choice | 1 h | 40 | 30% |
| Paper 2 | Structured and Free Response | 1 h 45 min | 80 | 50% |
| Paper 3 | Practical | 1 h 50 min | 40 | 20% |
Practical Exam Assessment
Based on 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 (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. These are typically smaller experiments involving experimental design and planning.
Section B will carry 20 marks and will consist of one compulsory 55 min practical experiment question. This is usually a larger experiment involving data tabulation, graph drawing, graph analysis, and sources of error.
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 |
How Pivot Physics Can Help You Excel
At Pivot Physics, we offer O-Level Physics Practical tuition sessions that simulate actual exam settings using real apparatus. Our lab-based teaching helps students:
- Gain confidence in experiment execution
- Improve accuracy and time management
- Learn examiner expectations and error-proof techniques
👉 Contact us today to find out how Pivot Physics can support you or your child in O-Level Physics Practical preparation.
