Q: What does Buying Stationery for Secondary School and Junior College: 2025/26 IP-Friendly Guide cover? A: A one-stop checklist of stationery that survives Weighted Assessments, practical labs and A-Level sprint revision.
TL;DR One organised pencil case = fewer careless slips. This guide sorts every tool you need - from exam-approved calculators → 0.5 mm mechanical pencils - into core, lab, exam-only and nice-to-have buckets. Links point to official SEAB lists, sustainability start-ups and tried-and-tested favourites among IP maths & physics classes.
1 | Why Stationery Still Matters in IP Maths & Physics
Vector-sign discipline begins with a clear ruler & 0.5 mm lead - thin lines cut mis-readings on free-body diagrams.
Paper 4 practical is ( 20 % ) of the A-Level grade; a grid notebook keeps data tables neat while spreadsheet skills grow.
Approved calculator codes change yearly; bringing the wrong model voids your paper. SEAB's 2025 list flags the Casio fx-97SG X & Sharp EL-W531S as safe choices Approved Scientific Calculators List 2025.
2 | Core Pencil-Case (Daily Lessons)
Item
Why students choose it
Quick tip
0.5 mm mechanical pencil (e.g. Uni-Kuru Toga)
Fine lead = crisp algebra, lighter pressure = less smudge Wirecutter review
Carry 2 tubes of HB leads; swap after every WA to curb breakage.
Pilot G-2 0.38 pen
Smooth gel flow; ink doesn't bleed through foolscap
Keep blue and black - some teachers mark in colour.
15 cm transparent ruler
Traces axes inside A5 lab book; fits pencil case.
Pick a bevel-edge model to avoid ink bleed.
Soft-grip eraser (Staedtler Mars plastic)
Leaves no graphite ghosting.
Slice one eraser into thirds; lighter to carry.
0.1 mm gel fineliner (black)
Diagram labels stay sharp at ( 50 % ) photo reduction for RE reports.
Archive notes digitally - high DPI scanners love dark, thin lines.
3 | Lab & Practical Kit (Sec 3 -> JC 2)
Must-have
Why / WA link
Source
A4 5 mm grid notebook
Paper 4 ACE rubrics demand labelled axes, units SEAB Guidance
Staple a spare sheet to each spread for spill-proofing.
Mini protractor (180°)
RI & HCI Y3 WAs include vector triangles; small protractors slide under ring-binders.
Clamp with binder clip to stop slipping.
Coloured tabs
Flag “calibration”, “results”, “evaluation” sections for speedy lab-book marking.
