For the 2024 ‘O’/‘N’ level Chemistry, there are changes to the examination syllabus too. The changes are not as drastic as physics (i.e. there is no introduction of a new topic, but there are some new sub-topics).

The following sections will point out the details of the changes that are introduced.

There are some changes in the ‘O’ Level examination format. The comparison can be found below.

The comparison between the schemes of assessment 6092 (2024) and 6092 (2023)

In each of the comparison, you may see certain boxes, arrows, strike throughs and etc. Below is what I mean when I use those symbols, or annotations.

In topic 1, 6092 (2024) content has been focus on “Experimental Design” and “ Methods of Purification and Analysis”. 1.3 (6092 (2023)) has been taken out and into an topic on its own.

Topic 2 in 6092 (2023) is now broken down into two parts with 2.3, 2.4, 2.5 and 2.6 forming another topic in the revised 6092 (2024) syllabus. Only 2.1 and 2.2 remains in topic 2 (2024). Other than that, the content coverage for each subtopic remains the same.

Topic 2: The Particulate Nature of Matter

2.3, 2.4, 2.5 and 2.6 (2023) forms topic 3. 2.4 (d) (2023) is removed from the syllabus in 6092 (2024). Part of topic 9, metals (i.e. 9.1(a) (2023)) is now part of 3.3 (b) (2024).

Topic 3: Chemical Bonding and Structure (Part 1)

3.4 (2024) combines 2.3 2023) with 9.1 (2023).

Topic 3: Chemical Bonding and Structure (Part 2)

Topic 4 (2024) remains the same to 3 (2023). The new addition 4.2 (c) (2024) is no new stranger to many since it has been taught for a long time even though emphasis was not placed on it.

LO 5.1(b) (2024) seems to be a modification of 7.1(b) (2023). Instead of describing tests for acidity, 5.1 (b) (2024) explicitly states the criteria in terms of 3 parts.

The “remember and vomit” subtopic 7.1 (e) (2023) has been removed.

Compared to 7.3 (c) (2023), 5.3 (c) (2024) focuses on application and interpretations of data. These are higher order skills. 7.3 (d) (2023) is removed for 2024.

No big change in topic 6. It is formally 1.3 (2023). Lead (II) has been removed from the syllabus, but some teachers/ tutors may still talk about them depending on what references they have.

Topic 7 (2024) is now made up of Redox and Electrochemistry. There are no changes to 6.2 (2023).

7.2 (k) (2024) is a subtopic from 5(e) (2023). No change in difficulty.

One significant change in 2024 is the change of the periodic table (In fact, the lower science students have been using this periodic table since 2021. The groups in this periodic table have been renumbered 1 to 17 instead of I to VIII. As such, certain explanations have changed according to this. 8.4 (2024) is previously part of topic 9 (2023) and it has been relocated in 2024 since there have been removal of subtopics and reorganisation of the topic content.

Topic 8: Patterns in the Periodic Table (Part 1)

Topic 8: Patterns in the Periodic Table (Part 2)

As shown below, the “remember and vomit” sections 9.4 (2023) and 9.5 (a), (b) and (c) (2023) has been removed. 9.2 and 9.3 (2023) is included in topic 8 (2024) as 8.4 (2024).

Topic 8: Patterns in the Periodic Table (Part 3)

There is no big change in topic 9 (2024). 5(e) (2023) is relocated under 7.2(k) (2024).

There is no change in topic 10 (2024).

Topic 11 (2024) has probably undergone one of the biggest changes so that it can become more relevant. There is an introduction of biofuel (11 (c) and (d) (2024) ). Extension to environment issues has also been made in comparison with respect to fossil fuels 11.1 (d) (2024).

Alkanes and alkenes now come under a bigger name called the “hydrocarbons”. There are no other changes in these two subtopics.

In 11.3 (2024), students are now also required to draw branched alcohols and also deduce the name and formula of esters (11.3 (j) (2024).

The “remember and vomit” sections, 11.4 (e) and 11.5 (f) (2023) have been removed.

For 11.4 (2024) a large section on recycling plastics has been added. These sections 11.4 (h), Ii) and (j) (2024) are NEW.

In 12(h) (2024), the learning objective extends 10(h) (2023) to further emphasize on environmental issues due to pollution.

Conclusion:

The syllabus list shows the content that will be tested in the ‘O’ Levels. Teachers may teach more to help students understand the required content better ( but not less). So, the change of teaching content may not be as big as it seems.
Being aware of what content is tested allows for a better revision since students are less likely to miss out on learning objectives. (And of course, better way to organise revision notes!)
For parents and students affected by this change, i.e. the sec 3s in 2024, please be careful when you buy assessment books and guidebooks. Try to buy the books for the 2024 syllabus and not the 2023 syllabus. If you got the wrong ones already, at least know which parts are no longer required!

What is the difference between Chemistry 6092 (2024) and Chemistry 6092 (2023)?

©2022 chickentimer.com

Kovan Rise,