TL;DR Paper 3 (6091/03) runs for 1 h 50 min, carries 40 marks, and accounts for 20 % of Physics. It is split into two 55 min sections, samples 18 classic experiment types, and grades Planning (15 %) alongside MMO, PDO, and ACE (85 %). Drill the official apparatus list, practise graphing and sig.-fig discipline, and prepare for data-analysis segments that may not involve live apparatus.
SEAB’s syllabus lists the kinds of practical work examiners draw from. They are not exhaustive, but if you can execute each of these, Paper 3 becomes a remix of familiar workflows (SEAB 2026 syllabus).
Measurement & mechanics
Use rules, vernier calipers, micrometers, stopwatches, measuring cylinders, balances, and spring balances.
Determine density of liquids/regular or irregular solids.
Measure the acceleration of free fall g.
Investigate balanced/unbalanced forces, the principle of moments, and find the centre of gravity of a lamina.
Thermal physics, optics, and waves
Study energy transfer processes; determine heat capacity and latent heat.
Investigate reflection, refraction through glass blocks, total internal reflection, focal length of lenses, and image characteristics.
Measure wave speed, wavelength, and frequency.
Electricity and magnetism
Determine resistance in circuit components.
Explore the magnetic effect of current and electromagnetic induction.
Use/interpret data-loggers where appropriate - familiarity is expected (SEAB 2026 syllabus).
Private candidates sit the same practical structure; SEAB’s private-candidate briefing reiterates the twin 55 min sections, optional Planning component, and possible apparatus-free data analysis tasks (SEAB 2025 private syllabus).
4 | Apparatus checklist
Centres are expected to supply the following per candidate unless otherwise noted. Schools also keep spare sets for breakages (SEAB 2026 syllabus).
Measurement: metre rules, vernier calipers (0.01 mm), micrometer (0.001 mm), stopwatches (0.1 s or better), top-pan balance (0.01 g), measuring cylinders, spring balances.
Thermal: beakers, boiling tubes, stoppers, heat mats, thermometers (−10 °C to +110 °C), stirrers, water baths.
Optics: glass block, plane mirror, pin board, tracing paper, protractor, converging lens f≈ 15 cm with holder, screen, ray box/torch.
Mechanics: stand/boss/clamp, slotted masses, pulleys, strings, pendulum bobs, springs, Newton meters.
Practice with the actual hardware your school owns - subtle differences (analogue vs digital meters, friction in pulleys) can affect timings and measurements.
5 | Marking expectations translated into habits
SEAB’s guidance tells markers to look for specific behaviours. Embed these so they happen automatically under exam pressure (SEAB 2026 syllabus).
Read to full precision. Interpolate between scale marks (better than half a division).
Always quote units in tables, calculations, and final answers.
Organise tables with clear column headings (quantity / unit via solidus notation) and repeat readings where appropriate.
Respect significant figures. Derived values should match the least precise raw data (typically 2–3 s.f. for ratios/gradients).
Graph discipline. Choose sensible scales that fill the grid, plot points accurately (avoid oversized blobs), label axes with quantity and unit, draw a genuine best-fit line, and quote gradients to 2–3 s.f.
Show working for calculations that feed into analysis or evaluation marks.
Sloppy sig.-fig handling and missing units are easy marks to lose even when the physical work is sound.
6 | Logistics and admin essentials
Shifted sessions. 6091/03 typically runs in four shifts (e.g., 08:00, 10:20, 12:40, 15:00 on the 2025 timetable). Report 30 min early for briefing and apparatus check (2025 timetable).
Private candidates. SEAB emails your centre and reporting time at least seven days in advance; print your entry proof and read the briefing carefully (SEAB updates).
Calculators. Only models on SEAB’s approved list may be used - verify yours against the latest publication (approved calculators list).
Admin kit. Bring student ID, entry proof, pens, HB pencil, eraser, ruler, and your approved calculator; leave smart devices outside per invigilator instructions.
7 | Ten smart preparation moves
Simulate the timing. Practise in two 55 min blocks (with a short changeover) to build stamina for Section A + B.
Measure like a physicist. Read scales to full precision, interpolate responsibly, and log uncertainties.
Graph relentlessly. Use full-grid scales, plot precisely, and rehearse best-fit gradients with consistent sig. figs.
Expect apparatus-free analysis. Work through past data tables/graphs so you can spot trends, comment on reliability, and evaluate methods.
Plan on demand. Be ready to outline apparatus, controls, data treatment, and error reduction for a fresh scenario.
Cover every experiment family. Tick off density, moments/CoG, thermal investigations, optics, waves, resistance, magnetism, and induction from the official list.
Handle the real hardware. Practise with your school’s calipers, micrometers, optics bench, rheostat, and Newton meters.
Embrace data-loggers. Know how you’d deploy light/temperature probes and interpret logged outputs.
Master evaluation language. Tie limitations to observed effects (e.g., parallax causes overestimation) and state viable improvements.
Check logistics early. Confirm shift timing, entry proof, calculator compliance, and transport well before the exam week.
8 | Looking ahead to the SEC
From 2027 onwards, O- and N-Level exams consolidate into the Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC). Physics practical expectations will be announced closer to that cohort’s assessment; keep an eye on MOE and SEAB updates if you are in the Full Subject-Based Banding pathway (MOE FSBB guide).
