So, you've got a solid A+ for your SPM Physics and you simply can't wait to take this subject for your Form Six studies.
Instead of going straight to the new Physics topics that you'll learn, why not take some time to discover the examination format for this subject in STPM?
Spoiler alert: It is very different from your SPM Physics paper.
First things first. Starting from 2012, a modular [semester-based examination system] has replaced the previous terminal examination system.
So instead of sitting for one single assessment at the end of your Form Six studies, you will sit for various tests and accumulate your grade and even improve your grade throughout the three semesters.
This also signifies a revision and change of syllabus since 2001 for the subjects, including Physics.
Gain some insights on how to ace your STPM Physics Paper here.
What Are The Sections For The STPM Physics Written Test?
Let's take a look at how you will be assessed for the central assessment of your STPM Physics every semester.
The format of the central assessment is the same for each semester. The only difference is the theme that you will be tested on.
For Semester 1 [960/1], the theme is Mechanics and Thermodynamics.
For Semester 2 [960/2], the theme is Electricity and Magnetism.
For Semester 3 [960/3], the theme is Oscillations and Waves, Optics and Modern Physics.
Source: Photo by Markus Spiske from Pexels
That being said, you only have to master and answer the questions based on the pre-set themes for each semester respectively unless you opt to resit to improve your overall grade (we'll go into that further).
Let's dive into the three main sections that you will encounter for your STPM Physics written test.
Section A [ Multiple Choice Questions]
- You are required to answer 15 objective questions (A, B, C and D options)
- The mark allocated: 15m.
- Questions will be asked on the chapters of the semester (true/false, calculation, matching characteristics)
Section B [ Structured Questions]
- You have to answer all 2 structured questions.
- The mark allocated: 15m.
- Questions revolved straight forward definition and calculation, simple diagrams may be present.
Section C [Essay Questions]
- You will be asked to answer 2 out of 3 essay questions.
- The mark allocated: 30m.
- Questions posed are focused on a specific topic with at least 4 sub-questions (i, ii.... iv) that may involve longer elaboration, calculation and even sketching.
Take note that the total duration for your STPM Physics Written Test is 1 hour and 30 minutes and the total mark is 60m every semester.
When Will You Sit For STPM Physics Practical Tests?
If you are currently a schooling Form Six student, you will sit for a school-based Assessment of Practical [960/4] throughout your first, second and third semesters.
You will be tested on 13 compulsory experiments and one coursework project.
a) 13 compulsory experiments
- The title, topic, objective, theory, apparatus and procedure of each of the experiments will be uploaded on the Malaysian Examination Council (MEC) official portal during the 1st semester.
- Individual work and experiments are conducted throughout the three semesters.
- Grading is done by your subject teacher.
Source: Photo by Nicolas Thomas on Unsplash
b) Coursework project
- The title, topic, objective, theory, apparatus and procedure of each of the experiments will be uploaded on the MEC official portal during the 1st semester.
- Group work ( 2 to 3 candidates) and the task are carried out during the 3rd semester.
- Grading is done by your subject teacher.
If you are a private candidate who is currently not a Form Six student or is taking Physics other than the original stream package that is offered in their schools, you will not be sitting for the above school assessment.
Instead, you have to sit for a separate written practical test for STPM Physics that is central assessment based.
The simple format for STPM Physics Paper 5 [960/5] is as follows:
- Answer 3 structured questions within 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Total marks: 45m.
You can refer to this article to have a comprehensive understanding of the STPM Physics paper.
How Will Your Total Grade Be Counted For STPM Physics?
Now, let's show you how to break down the marks and weightage for each semester for your STPM Physics Paper.
| Semester and Test | Total Marks | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 60m | 26.67% |
| Semester 2 | 60m | 26.67% |
| Semester 3 | 60m | 26.67% |
| School Based Asessment | 225m scaled to 45m | 26.67% |
The total weightage will be 100%.
Note that the grading system of Form Six is the same as the rest of the Pre-University studies like Foundation, A-Levels, Diploma, matriculation etc. This means your final grade follows the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) system which is the average of your total accumulated pointer each semester.
For example, if you score
- 3.67 (A- grade) for your 1st semester
- 3.00 (B+ grade) for your 2nd semester
- 4.00 (A grade) for your 3rd semester
Your tentative CGPA will be 3.56 for this subject
Remember that we talked about resitting your exams in the earlier paragraph?
The new STPM system allows you to resit for the semester of your preference (1 to 3) to improve your grade every semester. This means you can resit for your 1st semester again while also taking your second semester. Eventually, the higher grade among the two will be taken into account for the final calculation of your CGPA.
Using the example above, let's say you have decided to resit for your 2nd semester. Your resit grade has improved to A- which is now a 3.67 pointer.
If you have decided not to resit for other semesters, this would be your final CGPA.
3.78 [3.67 +3.67+ 4.00 divided by 3].
That's a great jump, right? This is certainly an opportunity that you can cease to improve your overall grade.
After knowing the weightage and mark allocation for your STPM Physics paper, it is also important to know how to gain the maximum marks for each section of this subject. Hence, it will be great to have someone who has the right experience to guide you personally in this journey.
Not sure how and where to start?
Hire a private Physics tutor with Superprof.
Take our word for it, it's a valuable investment!
Why Should You Invest In A Physics Tutor For Your STPM?
Do you know that there are 121877 Physics tutors (at this present time of writing) available on Superprof?
This means you can easily secure quality home/ online Physics tutoring from different cities in Malaysia.
At Superprof, you will come across a diverse group of Physics tutors and hire them according to your personal preferences.
All you need to do is just head to the student-friendly Superprof website and do a quick search.
As a STPM student who is looking for a Physics tutor, the filtering system at Superprof can assist you to find a Physics tutor who has:
- Taken STPM Physics previously
- Relevant teaching/industrial experience
- Good reviews from previous students
- Interesting teaching methodology
- An affordable rate (within your maximum budget)
That said, a Physics tutor will come in super handy during your Form Six studies because of these 3 main reasons.
a) Able to provide systematic guidance throughout your 3 semesters
You should be able to tell by now that consistency and stability are two important elements in determining a good grade for your STPM Physics paper.
Just as there are different themes and topics throughout the semesters, you might find certain topics that you may not be too confident with.
This is when your Physics tutor comes in.
He or she will be able to objectively evaluate your strength and weaknesses and come out with a detailed lesson plan to help you improve and gain confidence when you are answering the questions.
For instance, your Physics tutor will give you more questions and examples of calculation workings if you are facing some challenges in that area. This will enable you to have a stable momentum throughout the 3 semesters.
Source: Photo by Yan Krukov from Pexels
b) Provide you assess to sufficient and diverse teaching and revision resources
Revision undeniably plays an important role during the learning process. There are so many Physics reference books and learning resources to choose from, isn't it? But then, you won't really have the luxury to study all of them. After all, you are also preparing for other subjects.
Your Physics tutor will then list down the most suitable and effective learning resources for you based on their experience and expertise. They will also take your studying style, time availability and your area of study into account.
You don't have to worry about finding and compiling all the STPM Physics past year papers on your own. Your Physics tutor will certainly include these during your regular lessons.
Doing past year papers will give you a clearer picture of what to expect on your real examination and allow you to be familiarized with the sections, questioning style and the marking scheme.
c) Ensure a convenient and flexible learning experience
The major difference between private tutoring and regular tuition is this: Personalisation and flexibility in learning.
You no longer need to raise your hand or voice to gain your teacher's attention. You get to enjoy one-to-one direct guidance and have a lesson that is tailored made for you.
Apart from that, you also get to choose your own time of learning and also your learning mode.
Prefer STPM Physics online lessons on Saturday nights?
Prefer a Physics student tutor that can come to your home on Friday afternoons?
Rest assured, we got you covered.
Connect with a Physics tutor at Superprof today to be well equipped for your STPM Physics!
“The study of physics is also an adventure. You will find it challenging, sometimes frustrating, occasionally painful, and often richly rewarding.”- Hugh D. Young
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