H3 Physics in A-Level

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13 Jul 2025, 00:00 Z

TL;DR
• H3 Physics is optional but counts towards university admissions and PSC scholarships.
• Choose MOE 9814 if you want modern-physics breadth; NUS PC2130 or NTU PHYS0001 if you prefer a deep, university-style module.
• Expect \(6\text{h/week}\) workload and a single high-stakes exam; secure \(\ge 70\%\) 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	\(3\text{-h}\) free-response + multi-choice (100%)
NUS	PC2130	Quantum Mechanics I: Schrödinger equation \[-\frac{\hbar^2}{2m} \nabla^2 \psi + V \psi = E \psi\]	40% CA + \(3\text{-h}\) exam
NTU	PHYS0001	Classical → modern sweep, Lagrangian \(\mathcal{L}=T-V\)	40% CA + \(3\text{-h}\) exam

Tip: MOE paper rewards essay-writing; university papers reward mathematical rigour.

3 | Eligibility & selection timeline

End-JC1
- Rank top \(\sim10\%\) cohort or score \(\ge A\) in Physics block test.
- Indicate interest on the H3 Options form.
Jan JC2
- Schools release confirmed list (spaces ≈ 80).
- Attend first lecture (opt-out grace week).
Study window
- MOE: Jan → early Feb (6 weeks).
- Uni: Jan → Apr (14 weeks).
Exam
- MOE: 1st week Feb.
- Uni: 1st two weeks May.
Results
- Released with A-Level certificate; graded Dist / Merit / Pass / Ungraded.

4 | Workload math

\[ \text{Weekly load} \approx 2\text{h lecture} + 1\text{h tutorial} + 3\text{h self-study} = 6\text{h} \]

That is \(\approx 8\%\) 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 \(\Delta x\Delta p \ge \frac{\hbar}{2}\)).

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 \(h, c, k_B\).
Timed essays - practise “state and explain” 12-mark questions in \(14 \text {min}\).
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 UCAS tariffs award admission points; 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.

“Is coursework involved?”
MOE 9814: nil. NUS/NTU: 40% continuous assessment (problem sets + mid-term).

“What if I take H3 Math too?”
Many top colleges permit 2 H3s max; ensure your sleep and H2s do not crater.