Singaporean students all inevitably face O levels at some point in their academic lives. As parents, we want nothing but the best for our children and their future.
O levels are no joke, and strong performance is essential for students to gain admission into good junior colleges or polytechnics.
O level Physics is one of the more difficult subjects, as it involves a lot of theoretical and conceptual knowledge. Add to that the stress of examinations, and you have a perfect storm for potential disaster.
However, your child’s O level Physics does not have to be a nightmare. From investing in O Level Physics Tuition to supporting them all the way, here’s how you as a parent can help your child succeed.
What are O levels?
Around a student’s third year of secondary school, they will have to start preparing for O levels. O levels, or the Ordinary Level Examination, is a national examination taken by students in Singapore who are in their fourth year of secondary school.
The O level Examinations are jointly conducted by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES) and the Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE).
Students will be tested on their academic abilities in a variety of subjects, which they have to pass to move on to the next level of education. O levels usually happen at the end of a student’s fourth year or early fifth year of secondary school.
What Subjects are There?
There are a total of 11 papers that students can take for O levels. These are:
- English Language
- Mother Tongue Language
- Mathematics
- Additional Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Combined Science (Physics, Chemistry)
- Design & Technology
- Music
- Art
Physics is one of the core subjects that students have to take, and is a compulsory subject for students taking the Science stream. Read on The Importance of Learning Physics for more.
What is O level Physics?
O level Physics is the study of the physical world around us. It covers a wide range of topics, from the very small (quantum mechanics) to the very large (cosmology). O level Physics typically covers:
- Mechanics
- Waves
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Heat and Thermodynamics
- Modern Physics
Each of these topics contains a wide range of subtopics, which can make O level Physics a daunting prospect for students. Starting with Sec 3 Physics, students will begin to learn the basic concepts and theories that form the foundation of O level Physics.
As they progress to Sec 4 Physics, they will start to apply these concepts to more complex problems. O level Physics is ultimately about understanding and applying the principles of Physics to real-world situations.
Physics can be difficult for some students, as O level Physics is often seen as one of the more difficult subjects. However, with the right approach and attitude, O level Physics can be conquered by even the most unlikely of students.
Why is O level Physics Important?
There are plenty of reasons why O level Physics is an important subject. Here are some of the reasons why acing O level Physics is crucial.
1. O level Physics is a Core Subject
O level Physics is a core subject for students taking the Science stream. If your child plans on taking the Science stream for their O levels, then they have to take Physics. There is no way around it.
2. O level Physics is a Prerequisite for Many Courses
O level Physics is a prerequisite for many Junior College and Polytechnic courses, such as:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
If your child plans on pursuing any of these courses at the Junior College or Polytechnic level, then they have to make sure they do well in O level Physics. Otherwise, they will not be able to get into the course of their choice.
3. O level Physics is Important for University Admission
For many university courses, O level Physics is either a prerequisite or an advantage. This is especially true for engineering and science courses.
But even for non-science courses, having O level Physics can give your child an edge over other students who do not have O level Physics.
This is because O level Physics is seen as a “hard” subject, and doing well in O level Physics shows that your child is capable of handling difficult coursework. It might be unfair, but it’s the way university admission works.
4. A good grade in O level Physics looks great on a resume
In today’s competitive job market, your child’s O level results will play a big role in whether or not they get their dream job. That’s right, even if the job has nothing to do with Physics, a good O level Physics grade will still look great on your child’s resume.
Why is this the case even in employment sectors that are not directly related to O level Physics? Well, there is a bias in the job market that O level Physics students are smart, hardworking, and capable.
Students who do well in O level Physics are seen as being more intelligent and employable. Read on the Importance of O level Physics to know more.
How to Help Your Child Succeed in O level Physics
As a parent, you play an important role in helping your child succeed in O level Physics. Here are some tips on how you can help:
1. Prepare them early.
Even before Sec 3, start to introduce your child to the world of Physics. Buy them popular science books, or let them watch popular shows like The Naked Scientists.
This will help to pique their interest in the subject and make O level Physics seem less daunting when they eventually have to start learning it in school.
Because Physics lessons change drastically the moment they hit O levels, it is important to have them master Physics concepts even before Sec 3. Know more about helping your child in Sec 3 with How To Survive Sec 3 Physics!
2. Encourage Them to Attend Tuition.
One of the best ways to help your child improve their grades in O level Physics is to encourage them to attend Physics Tuition. With a good Physics tutor, your child will be able to better understand the concepts and principles taught in class.
A tutor can also help identify your child’s weak points, and work on them to ensure that they are well-prepared for the O level Examinations.
You can even choose between small group or one-on-one tuition, depending on what you think will work better for your child. Here’s How to choose the best Physics tutor for your child.
Small group physics tuition is an investment that will pay off in the long run, so do consider it if you want your child to do well in O level Physics.
3. Let Them Make Mistakes.
One of the worst things you can do as a parent is to try and prevent your child from making mistakes. It is through making mistakes that we learn and grow, and this applies to O level Physics as well. That said, you should still try to guide them so that they don’t make too many mistakes.
A good way to do this is to encourage them to discuss their Physics problems with you or even their Physics tutor. This way, you or the tutor can help them spot their mistakes and correct them before they become habits. Check out Private Physics Tuition Pros and Cons to know more.
4. Encourage Them to Keep Trying.
O level Physics is not easy, even for students who are naturally good at the subject. So don’t be discouraged if your child does not do well at first. Instead, encourage them to keep trying and remind them that you are there to support them.
Remind them that O level Physics is just a stepping stone, and as long as they put in the effort, they will be able to achieve their goals.
Conclusion
O level Physics is a critical subject that can make or break your child’s future. As a parent, it is important to do what you can to help your child succeed.
Prepare them early, encourage them to attend tuition, let them make mistakes, and remind them to keep trying. With your support, they will be able to overcome any obstacle and ace their O level Physics examinations.