For O-Level Physics, the MOE states:

AIMS

These are not listed in order of priority.

The aims are to:

1. provide, through well-designed studies of experimental and practical Physics, a worthwhile educational experience for all students, whether or not they go on to study science beyond this level and, in particular, to enable them to acquire sufficient understanding and knowledge to

1.1 become confident citizens in a technological world, able to take or develop an informed interest in matters of scientific importance

1.2 recognise the usefulness, and limitations, of scientific method and to appreciate its applicability in other disciplines and in everyday life

1.3 be suitably prepared for studies beyond Ordinary Level in Physics, in applied sciences or in science-related courses.

2. develop abilities and skills that

2.1 are relevant to the study and practice of science

2.2 are useful in everyday life

2.3 encourage efficient and safe practice

2.4 encourage effective communication.

3. develop attitudes relevant to science such as

3.1 concern for accuracy and precision

3.2 objectivity

3.3 integrity

3.4 inquiry

3.5 initiative

3.6 inventiveness.

4. stimulate interest in and care for the local and global environment.
5. promote an awareness that

5.1 the study and practice of science are co-operative and cumulative activities, and are subject to

social, economic, technological, ethical and cultural influences and limitations

5.2 the applications of science may be both beneficial and detrimental to the individual, the community and the environment

5.3 science transcends national boundaries and that the language of science, correctly and rigorously applied, is universal

5.4 the use of information technology is important for communications, as an aid to experiments and as a tool for the interpretation of experimental and theoretical results.

ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES

A Knowledge with Understanding

Students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in relation to:

1. scientific phenomena, facts, laws, definitions, concepts, theories
2. scientific vocabulary, terminology, conventions (including symbols, quantities and units contained in

‘Signs, Symbols and Systematics 16–19’, Association for Science Education, 2000)

3. scientific instruments and apparatus, including techniques of operation and aspects of safety
4. scientific quantities and their determination
5. scientific and technological applications with their social, economic and environmental implications.

The subject 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, describe, explain or outline. (See the Glossary of Terms.)

B Handling Information and Solving Problems

Students should be able – in words or by using symbolic, graphical and numerical forms of presentation – to:

1. locate, select, organise and present information from a variety of sources
2. translate information from one form to another
3. manipulate numerical and other data
4. use information to identify patterns, report trends and draw inferences
5. present reasoned explanations for phenomena, patterns and relationships
6. make predictions and propose hypotheses
7. solve problems.

These assessment objectives cannot be precisely specified in the subject 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, suggest, calculate or determine.

C Experimental Skills and Investigations

Students should be able to:

1. follow a sequence of instructions
2. use techniques, apparatus and materials
3. make and record observations, measurements and estimates
4. interpret and evaluate observations and experimental results
5. plan investigations, select techniques, apparatus and materials
6. evaluate methods and suggest possible improvements.

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.

School-Based Science Practical Assessment (SPA) (Paper 3)

C Experimental Skills and Investigations, 100% of the marks.

For A-Level Physics, the MOE states:

AIMS

The aims of a course based on this syllabus should be to:

1. provide students with an experience that develops their interest in Physics and builds the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for further studies in related fields
2. enable students to become scientifically literate citizens who are well-prepared for the challenges of the 21st century
3. develop in students the understanding, skills, ethics and attitudes relevant to the Practices of Science, including the following:

3.1 understanding the nature of scientific knowledge

3.2 demonstrating science inquiry skills

3.3 relating science and society

4. develop in students an understanding that a small number of basic principles and core ideas can be applied to explain, analyse and solve problems in a variety of systems in the physical world.