In the new 2024 ‘O’ / ‘N’ Level syllabus, there are some more significant changes. Two major changes are the removal of the topic “Temperature” and the introduction of the topic, “Radioactivity”. There are other subtle changes such as reshuffling of contents and also increasing or reduction in the difficulty level of certain learning objectives. The details can be found in the comparison of learning objectives between 6091 (2024) and 6091 (2023).

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

The comparison between the schemes of assessment 6091 (2024) and 6091 (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.

For topic 1, a notable change in the syllabus is the reading of measuring instruments such as vernier calipers and micrometre screw gauge has been removed. ( Analogue instruments are seldom used these days, so we need to change according to the era!)

Topic 1: Physical Quantities, Units and Measurement

In topic 2, the free fall and terminal velocity has been reshuffled, and placed under dynamics. Certain learning objectives have been more specific which benefits the student who is studying for the examination (vagueness introduce uncertainty in examination revision!)

The new topic 3 includes the “mass and weight” and “free fall and terminal velocity” portions from the older syllabus, 6091 (2023).

6091 (2024) also expects more from the student in the subtopic, “inertia”.

The types of forces, i.e. contact forces and non - contact forces are now explicitly stated as a learning objective in 6091 (2024). I used to teach this in lower secondary science, as well as upper secondary physics and science as a scaffold to help student recall and understand the subsequent parts of the topic.

I believe most teachers and tutors do this too.

There are no changes in the syllabus document for topic 4.

“Density” from the topic, “Mass, weight and density” 6091 (2023) is now included under the topic, “Pressure” 6091 (2024).

There are bigger changes in topic 6. The concepts of “energy stores and transfers” have been introduced, leading to a different explanation for certain types of questions (i.e. definitions may now differ, or a different perspective from the student).

“Energy resources” which was part of topic 19, 6091 (2023) is now part of this topic.

Gas Laws are no longer part of topic 7, 6091 (2024). (They are not on the official documents… but teachers may still cover them).

Topic 7: Kinetic Particle Model of Matter

The concept of “thermal equilibrium” is explicitly stated in 6091 (2024), but I have been teaching this since donkey years ago so that students make logical sense of the energy flow.

All students will rejoice. One topic is removed from the syllabus! “Temperature” is no longer in syllabus for 6091 (2024)…. but…

The removal of the topic, “Temperature” from 6091 (2024)

With the introduction of “energy stores and transfers” any content related to this has changed and we see it quite significantly in topic 9, 6091 (2024).

The wave theme used to comprise of

general wave properties
sound
light

Now, “sound” is included in “general wave properties” and there is some difficulty upgrade for certain learning objectives.

Topic 10: General Properties of Waves (Part 1)

Topic 10: General Properties of Waves (Part 2)

In topic 11, the applications of different components in the electromagnetic spectrum have increased/ updated (probably to make content for relevant).

In topic 12, diverging lens have been totally removed. More focus on application for “total internal reflection” as well.

For topic 13, there is no major change, only the change in application for the last LO.

In topic 14, 6091 (2024), there seem to be lesser LO required. Certain learning objectives have been combined, and one relocated to the next topic. While “Ohms Law” is no longer required, i think it only means that the student is no longer tested on the definition of Ohm’s Law (once upon a time, the definition of ohms law is required and its a giveaway 1 mark question). Anything related to the concept of ohms law should be still required since the term “ohmic conductor” appears in the last learning objective.

In topic 15, the type of thermistors and LDR is specified. Just for information, there are many types of thermistors and LDR and their behaviour towards temperature can be quite different. Stating the type (NTC) will remove some confusion.

Not much change in topic 16.

Part of the more regurgitation content (methods of magnetisation and demagnetisation) have been removed.

Not many big changes here, in fact there is not many changes in “Magnetism” theme.

Some content are removed.

Say good bye to the cathode ray oscilloscope. Good riddance. (Oops…)

Topic 20 is a new topic. Something that was not in the syllabus for a long long time is back again.

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 Physics 6091 (2024) and Physics 6091 (2023)?

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Kovan Rise,