Course Structure

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1) English Language (1184)

 

Course Introduction

The Singapore-Cambridge GCE O-Level English Language (1184) syllabus is designed to develop students' ability to use Standard English effectively for various purposes and audiences. It focuses on:

• Accurate and fluent communication in both written and spoken forms

• Critical reading and interpretation of a range of informational and literary texts

• Mastery of grammar and vocabulary

• The ability to construct cohesive, purposeful writing

• Confident speaking and attentive listening in academic and real-world contexts

 

This syllabus equips students not only for academic success but also for effective communication in a globalised world.

 

Core Skills Developed

• Reading: Understand and respond to various genres and perspectives

• Writing: Construct purposeful, structured, and grammatically accurate texts

• Listening: Interpret and analyse spoken texts accurately

• Speaking: Express ideas fluently and confidently in structured conversations

 

Key Writing Tasks

• Situational Writing: Functional formats such as letters, emails, reports, notices

• Continuous Writing: Personal narratives, discursive, descriptive, or argumentative essays

 

Examination Overview

Paper 1 -  Writing - Situational Writing + Continuous Writing - 35%

Paper 2 -  Comprehension -  Summary, information retrieval, inference - 35%

Paper 4 - Oral Communication - Reading Aloud & Spoken Interaction - 20%

Paper 3 - Listening Comprehension - Audio-based multiple-choice - 10%

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2) Additional Mathematics (4049)

 

Course Introduction

This syllabus is designed for students intending to study Additional Mathematics (4049) . It strengthens algebraic manipulation skills and mathematical reasoning, and enhances learners’ ability to solve problems and communicate mathematically. The syllabus is structured around three major strands:

• Algebra

• Geometry and Trigonometry

• Calculus

 

The O-Level Additional Mathematics syllabus aims to enable students who have an aptitude and interest in mathematics to:

• acquire mathematical concepts and skills for higher studies in mathematics and to support learning in the other subjects, with emphasis in the sciences, but not limited to the sciences

• develop thinking, reasoning, communication, application and metacognitive skills through a mathematical approach to problem-solving

• connect ideas within mathematics and between mathematics and the sciences through applications of mathematics; and

• appreciate the abstract nature and power of mathematics.

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3) Mathematics (4052)

 

The Singapore-Cambridge GCE O-Level Mathematics (Syllabus 4052) is designed to provide students with:

• A strong foundation in mathematical concepts and techniques

• Logical thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving skills

• The ability to apply mathematics in real-life contexts and higher-level studies

 

This syllabus prepares students for progression to A-Level Mathematics and supports analytical thinking essential in fields such as engineering, economics, data science, and technology.

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Core Content Areas

The curriculum is organised under 3 major strands:

1. Number and Algebra

   • Integers, fractions, decimals, percentages

   • Algebraic expressions, equations, inequalities

   • Indices, surds, standard form, sequences

   • Graphs of functions and linear/quadratic equations

2. Geometry and Measurement

   • Angles, polygons, circles, congruency and similarity

   • Pythagoras’ Theorem, trigonometry

   • Mensuration: perimeter, area, surface area, volume

3. Statistics and Probability

   • Data collection and representation (charts, graphs)

   • Averages, range, cumulative frequency

   • Basic probability and expected value

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​4) Physics (6091)

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Course Overview

The O-Level Physics syllabus offers students a coherent understanding of energy, matter, and their interrelationships. It emphasizes the investigation of natural phenomena and the application of patterns, models (including mathematical ones), principles, theories, and laws to explain the physical behavior of the universe. The syllabus primarily covers classical physics, laying the foundation for understanding modern physics concepts.

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The syllabus aims to:

1. Provide a worthwhile educational experience for all students, regardless of whether they pursue science beyond this level.

2. Develop in students the understanding and skills relevant to the practices of science, enabling them to:

   • Appreciate practical applications of physics in the real world.

   • Deepen their interest in physics for future learning and work.

   • Become scientifically literate citizens who can innovate and seize opportunities in the 21st century.

   • Use the disciplinary ideas in physics to approach, analyze, and solve problems in the physical world.

 

Cultivate values, ethics, and attitudes relevant to science, such as curiosity, creativity, integrity, objectivity, open-mindedness, resilience, responsibility, and healthy skepticism

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Assessment Structure

The assessment comprises three written papers:

• Paper 1: 1 hour, Multiple Choice Questions, 30 marks, 30% of total score.

• Paper 2: 1 hour 45 minutes, Structured and Free-response Questions, 80 marks, 50% of total score.

• Paper 3: 1 hour 50 minutes, Practical Assessment, 40 marks, 20% of total score.

 

The practical assessment evaluates planning, manipulation, measurement, observation, presentation of data, analysis, and evaluation skills.

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​5) Chemistry (6092)

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Course Overview

The O-Level Chemistry syllabus emphasizes understanding and applying scientific concepts over rote memorization. It aims to develop students' investigative and problem-solving skills, preparing them for real-world applications and further scientific studies.

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The syllabus aims to:

1. Provide a meaningful educational experience for all students, regardless of their future scientific pursuits.

2. Develop students' understanding and skills relevant to scientific practices, enabling them to:

   • Appreciate practical applications of chemistry in everyday life.

   • Deepen their interest in chemistry for future learning and work.

   • Become scientifically literate citizens capable of innovation in the 21st century.

   • Approach and solve problems by explaining macroscopic characteristics and changes in chemical systems using sub-microscopic and symbolic representations.Higher Nucleus Learning Studio

3. Foster values, ethics, and attitudes relevant to science, such as:

   • Curiosity

   • Creativity

   • Integrity

   • Objectivity

   • Open-mindedness

   • Resilience

   • Responsibility

   • Healthy skepticism

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Assessment Structure

The assessment comprises three written papers:

• Paper 1: 1 hour, Multiple Choice Questions, 30 marks, 30% of total score.

• Paper 2: 1 hour 45 minutes, Structured and Free-response Questions, 80 marks, 50% of total score.

• Paper 3: 1 hour 50 minutes, Practical Assessment, 40 marks, 20% of total score.

 

The practical assessment evaluates planning, manipulation, measurement, observation, data presentation, analysis, and evaluation skills.

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6) Biology (6093)

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Course Introduction

This Biology syllabus focuses on the understanding and application of biological concepts and principles, rather than rote memorisation. It is designed to nurture scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and real-world relevance in students' learning experiences.

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The syllabus aims to:

• Provide all students with worthwhile biological education, regardless of future career paths

• Develop inquiry-based learning and scientific thinking

• Foster understanding of the applications of biology in real-life situations

• Promote scientific literacy for responsible citizenship in the 21st century

• Cultivate ethical attitudes and values in the context of biology

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Assessment Structure

The assessment comprises three written papers:

• Paper 1: 1 hour, 40 Multiple Choice Questions, 30% of total score.

• Paper 2: 1 hour 45 minutes, Structured and Free-response Questions, 50% of total score.

• Paper 3: 1 hour 50 minutes, Practical Assessment, 20% of total score.

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