Q: What does H3 Physics in A-Level cover? A: Should IP students add H3 Physics to an already heavy JC load?
TL;DR • H3 Physics is optional and is considered by universities and scholarship bodies, but does not contribute to the UAS. • Choose MOE 9814 if you want modern-physics breadth; NUS PC2130 or NTU PHYS0001 if you prefer a deep, university-style module. • Expect 6h/week workload and a single high-stakes exam; secure ≥70% in H2 before you sign up. • Micro-class tuition that blends H2 recap ↔ H3 preview and timed-essay drills cuts prep time by ≈ 30%.
1 | What exactly is H3?
Tier
Depth
Who teaches
Exam window
H1
Breadth, non-core
JC lecturer
Nov JC2
H2
Core A-Level
JC lecturer
Nov JC2
H3
University-level taste
MOE / NUS / NTU staff
Feb JC2 (MOE) · May (Uni)
H3 does not replace H2. You sit H3 in addition to the full H2 Physics papers.
2 | Three tracks, one decision
Track
Module code
Content focus
Assessment
MOE
9814
Special relativity, quantum phenomena, astrophysics
That is ≈8% of a 70-hour school-week. Subtract from CCA? Sleep? H2 revision? Choose wisely.
5 | Who should (and should not) take H3?
Take it if …
You hit >80% in H2 topical tests.
You plan to read Physics, Engineering, Data Sci.
You thrive on proofs (e.g., deriving ΔxΔp≥2ℏ).
Skip / defer if …
Your H2 grade graph dips below B.
You already carry H3 Math and a leadership CCA.
Sleep averages <6.5 h.
6 | Study & tuition hacks
Two-cycle study - preview each lecture via summary slides; re-teach a friend within 24 h.
Equation log - maintain a single-page sheet; include constants h,c,kB.
Timed essays - practise “state and explain” 12-mark questions in 14min.
Bridge tuition - pick IP-only micro-classes that pair H2 recap with H3 preview to avoid silo learning.
Mock paper in Feb break - replicate the odd exam slot timing (8 am).
7 | FAQ
“Does H3 boost university admission?” Yes-NUS, NTU and overseas universities may consider H3 results qualitatively; H3 is not on the UCAS Tariff and does not contribute to the UAS. PSC and DSTA scholarships view Distinction favourably.
“Can I drop H3 mid-course?” Yes within the first two lectures. After that, it appears as Withdrawn on the transcript.
