O Level Science Practical Test Dates & Study Tips

The O Level exams for this year have begun, with most students having taken their Oral exams. The next wave of exams for most students would be the Science practical exams, which will begin in October.

Many students may not put emphasis on studying for practical exams, or they might not know how to study for it effectively. But with the practical exam taking up to 20% of your science subject score, this exam should not be something to overlook so easily!

With still about 2 months to go before the science practical exams, here’s what you need to know to prepare for it.

When are the O Level Science Practical exams?

The O Level Science Practical exams for this year (2023) will take place in October. One thing to note is that the practical exam takes place in shifts, so not everyone taking the same subject will have their exam at the same time. Make sure you check your own timetable to get your timeslot right.

O Level Science Practical dates:

4 October 2023: Pure Chemistry

9 October 2023: Pure Physics

12 October 2023: Combined Science

17 October 2023: Pure Biology

What is the weightage of the O Level Science Practical?

The weightage of the science practical paper is 15% or 20% depending on whether you are a Pure Science student or Combined Science student.

Pure Science (Chemistry, Biology or Physics): 20%, 40 marks, 1h 50min paper

Combined Science: 15%, 30 marks, 1h 30min paper

How to study for science practical exam?

1. Review past practicals 

Since most people wouldn’t have science equipment to practise at home, the next best thing you can do is review your past assignments. Take note of the common experiments and topics tested, as well as common mistakes and important answering skills that your teachers has highlighted before.

2. Watch out for precision and accuracy

Make sure you know how to read the measuring equipment and how many significant figures or decimal points to write your answers in.

3. Know the ‘why’ 

Many questions in the practical exam will ask ‘why’ certain things are done. So, besides being familiar with how to do the experiment, you should be revising the rationale and theory behind the steps, including procedures involving safety and precision.

4. Memorise the structure 

There is a certain structure to planning out and presenting your experiment. In your revision, take time to memorise the structure, getting yourself familiar with which steps are important to mention, how to write a hypothesis, and how to present the results.

Conclusion

The science practical exams may still be almost 2 months away, but it doesn’t mean you should procrastinate to study for it. With the main written papers following closely behind in November, it’s a good idea to start planning your revision and pace yourself in the lead up to the exams.

Ensure you are always on track for your studies when you join us for Secondary Science Tuition at Future Academy. For your friends in the integrated programme, we also have expert tutors for IP Science Tuition and more. Get your learning organised and receive regular progress feedback and tips to excel in your learning this year!