CSEC PHYSICS

TOPIC SECTIONS/EXAMS FORMAT & PROFILES (valid for exams from May/June 2015

The syllabus is arranged in five sections, namely:

SECTION A - Mechanics
SECTION B - Thermal Physics and Kinetic Theory
SECTION C - Waves and Optics
SECTION D - Electricity and Magnetism
SECTION E - The Physics of the Atom

In addition to the overall grade, there will be a profile report on the candidate's performance under the following
headings:
1. Knowledge and Comprehension.
2. Use of Knowledge.
3. Experimental Skills.

Knowledge and Comprehension (KC)

Knowledge - The ability to: identify, remember and grasp the meaning of basic facts, concepts and principles;

Comprehension - The ability to: Select appropriate ideas, match, compare and cite examples of facts, concepts and
principles in familiar situations.

Use of Knowledge (UK)

Application - The ability to: use facts, concepts, principles and procedures in unfamiliar situations; transform data
accurately and appropriately; use formulae accurately for computations;

Analysis and Interpretation- The ability to: identify and recognise the component parts of a whole and interpret
the relationship between those parts; identify causal factors and show how they interact with each other; infer,
predict and draw conclusions; make necessary and accurate calculations and recognise the limitations and
assumptions inherent in the collection and interpretation of data;

Synthesis - The ability to: combine component parts to form a new meaningful whole; make predictions and solve
problems;

Evaluation - The ability to: make reasoned judgments and recommendations based on the value of ideas and
information and their implications.

Experimental Skills (XS)

Observation/Recording/Reporting - The ability to: select observations relevant to the particular activity; record the
result of a measurement accurately; select, draw and use appropriate models of presenting data, for example,
tables, graphs and diagrams; organise and present a complete report in a clear and logical form; report accurately
and concisely; report and recheck unexpected results;

Manipulation/Measurement - The ability to: Follow instructions; set up and use carefully and competently simple
laboratory apparatus and measuring instruments;

Planning and Designing - The ability to: Develop hypotheses and devise means of carrying out investigations to test
them; plan and execute experimental procedures and operations in an appropriate sequence; use controls where
appropriate; modify original plan or sequence of operations as a result of difficulties encountered in carrying out

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 CSEC PHYSICS
TOPIC SECTIONS/EXAMS FORMAT & PROFILES (valid for exams from May/June 2015

experiments or obtaining unexpected results; take into account possible sources of error, precautions and
limitations in the design of an experiment.

FORMAT OF THE EXAMINATION

Paper 01
(1 hour 15 minutes)
An objective test consisting of 60 multiple choice items
Paper 02
(2 hours 30 minutes)
One compulsory data analysis question, two structured questions and three extended response questions
Paper 03/1
School-Based Assessment (SBA)
School-Based Assessment will evaluate the achievement of the candidate in the Experimental Skills and Analysis
and Interpretation involved in the laboratory and fieldwork. Candidates will be required to keep a separate
practical workbook which must be made available for moderation.

Paper 03/2
Assessment for Private candidates only
(2 hours and 10 minutes)
Alternate to the School-Based Assessment for private candidates. This paper will examine the same skills as those
tested in Paper 03/1. The focus, therefore, will be on Experimental Skills, Analysis and Interpretation and Use of
Knowledge.

NOTES ON THE EXAMINATION

1. The use of silent non programmable calculators will be allowed. The use of a calculator to previously store and
then recall information during an examination is prohibited.
2. SI units will be used on all examination papers.

WEIGHTING OF PAPERS AND PROFILES

The percentage weighting of the examination components and profiles is as follows: Table 1 – Percentage
Weighting of Papers and Profiles
PAPER 1 PAPER 2 PAPER TOTAL
PROFILES TOTAL
Multiple Structured and Data 3 RAW
%
Choice Analysis SBA SBA
Knowledge and
Comprehension 50 35 - 85 43

Use of Knowledge
10 55 10 75 37
Experimental Skills
- 10 30 40 20
TOTAL %
60 100 40 200 100

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