• Primary 4 - Light: A new LO has been added that specifically requires students to recognise that “light travels in straight lines” and thus shadows are formed when light is blocked.
• Primary 6 - Forces: The use of specific terms such as ‘air resistance’ and ‘water resistance’ are not required. 

• Analyse 
• Evaluate
• Formulate hypothesis 
• Solve problems
• Make decisions
• Use apparatus and equipment

Students are expected to demonstrate more higher-order skills and independence when answering questions. Based on our analysis of the new Primary 4 Science textbook, this shift has been observed as well with new content emphasising on skills, such as taking measurements (under the topic of Matter), designing and conducting experiments (under the topic of Matter) and reading graphs (under the topic of Heat).

These skills are essential for scientific inquiry and problem-solving. Hence, this change will equip students with the ability to apply scientific concepts in real-world situations.

Examples:

• O-Level Biology – Infectious Diseases in Humans
• O-Level Physics – Radioactivity

In addition, there are several changes to the LOs. For example, some LOs are now more in line with current global developments.

Examples:

• O-Level Biology – Organisms and their Environment: Discuss how human actions can reduce the effects of global warming.
• O-Level Chemistry – Polymers: Describe two methods of recycling plastics and discuss the social, economic and environmental issues of recycling plastics. 
• O-Level Physics – Electromagnetic Spectrum: Describe how radio waves are used in astronomy and RFID tags, and how infrared is used in thermal imaging.

These new topics and LOs are relevant to current global developments and will help students to better understand the world around them.

• O-Level Biology – The topics 'Reproduction' and 'Cell Division' have been merged into a single topic, 'Reproduction'.
• O-Level Chemistry – The sections 'Organic Chemistry' and 'Atmosphere' have been merged into a new section, 'Chemistry in a Sustainable World.'
• O-Level Physics – The 'Mass, Weight and Density' topic has been dismantled, and its concepts have been reorganised into the 'Dynamics' and 'Pressure' topics.

The reorganisation of topics aims to streamline the content coverage and create a more logical flow for learning, thereby facilitating deeper understanding and better application of concepts.

• O-Level Biology – Respiration in Humans: Describe the removal of carbon dioxide from the lungs, including the role of the carbonic anhydrase enzyme.
• O-Level Chemistry – Metals: Describe and explain the essential reactions in the extraction of iron using haematite, limestone and coke in the blast furnace.
• O-Level Physics – Physical Quantities, Units and Measurements: Some analogue instruments for length measurement, such as vernier calipers, have been removed from the syllabus. They have been replaced with digital instruments, such as digital calipers.

• Curriculum materials are updated based on the new syllabi for Primary and Secondary.
• Skills needed by students are emphasised and covered in our tutorials and skills-focused worksheets such as Experiment Analysis Handouts for Primary Science and Experimental Skills Handouts for Secondary Science.
• Application questions on real-life scenarios and interesting “Did You Know” segments are often shared with students to develop critical thinking skills and deepen their understanding of how concepts learned can be applied in real life.

Ready to give your child a head start in Science? 

Join The Learning Lab’s Science classes today, and let's embark on a journey of discovery and learning that prepares your child for success in school and beyond. Enrol now and transform the way your child sees the world around them.