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📘 Free Syllabus & Study Guide

IB Physics HL Syllabus & Study Guide

For DP students at SJI International, UWCSEA, Tanglin, ACS Independent and more

Specialist IB Physics HL tuition for DP1 and DP2 students at international schools in Singapore. We coach the full HL syllabus including the Option topic and the Internal Assessment investigation.

Last updated: · Level: IB DP · Subject: Physics HL

TL;DR — Key Facts

  • Level: IB DP.
  • Subject: Physics HL.
  • IB Physics HL syllabus full coverage.
  • Tutors aligned to MOE / SEAB syllabus codes; lessons in your home or online.
  • Free trial lesson, free re-match if the fit is wrong.

Physics HL home tuition rates

Real ranges by level and tutor tier. Free trial lesson; we re-match free if the fit is wrong.

LevelUndergradFull-timeEx-MOE / NIE
Lower Primary (P1–P4)S$30–40/hrS$40–55/hrS$50–65/hr
Upper Primary / PSLE (P5–P6)S$35–50/hrS$45–60/hrS$55–75/hr
Lower Secondary (Sec 1–2)S$35–50/hrS$50–65/hrS$60–80/hr
Upper Secondary / O-Level (Sec 3–4)S$45–60/hrS$55–75/hrS$70–95/hr
Junior College / A-Level (JC1–JC2)S$55–75/hrS$70–95/hrS$85–130/hr
IB Diploma (DP1–DP2) / IGCSEThis pageS$60–80/hrS$75–110/hrS$95–150/hr

Rates are 2026 Singapore market norms. Final rate is set on tutor match and depends on tutor tier, travel, and lesson frequency. See full pricing page.

Zacharee
Dion
Denzel
Isaac
Toh Boon
Edison
Theon
Koen
Lerk Herng
Lloyd
Hong Ting
Xian Le
Zacharee
Dion
Denzel
Isaac
Toh Boon
Edison
Theon
Koen
Lerk Herng
Lloyd
Hong Ting
Xian Le
Isaac
Toh Boon
Edison
Theon
Koen
Lerk Herng
Lloyd
Hong Ting
Xian Le
Zacharee
Dion
Denzel
Isaac
Toh Boon
Edison
Theon
Koen
Lerk Herng
Lloyd
Hong Ting
Xian Le
Zacharee
Dion
Denzel

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IB Physics HL is the prerequisite for Engineering, Computer Science (computational track), Physics and Astronomy at most international universities, and is recognised by NUS and NTU as the IB equivalent of H2 Physics. The syllabus covers measurement and uncertainties, mechanics, thermal physics, waves, electricity and magnetism, circular motion and gravitation, atomic and nuclear physics, energy production. HL students cover additional depth across these topics plus an Option (Relativity, Engineering Physics, Imaging, or Astrophysics). Assessment is three external papers (Paper 1 multiple-choice, Paper 2 short-answer and extended-response, Paper 3 data and option questions) plus the Internal Assessment.

Our IB Physics HL tutors run a structured DP1 to DP2 programme. The DP1 syllabus covers mechanics, thermal physics, waves and oscillations, and the introduction to electricity. The DP2 syllabus then layers electricity and magnetism, circular motion and gravitation, atomic and nuclear physics, energy production and the Option topic. Tutors are NUS or NTU graduates with strong Physics or Engineering majors, ex-IB DP students themselves, or PhD holders with IB teaching experience.

The IB Physics IA assesses an investigation in five rubric criteria: personal engagement, exploration, analysis, evaluation, and communication. The most common student mistake is picking an investigation with too few independent variable values to establish a meaningful relationship. The rubric expects at least 5 to 6 values with at least 3 trials each, and the analysis must include uncertainty propagation and a comparison against a theoretical model.

Our tutors coach an IA topic-selection session in DP1 to lock in an investigation that meets these methodological constraints, then run 4 to 6 IA-feedback lessons through DP2 to refine the analysis and evaluation sections. For the Option topic in Paper 3 (Relativity, Engineering Physics, Imaging or Astrophysics), our specialists cover whichever option the school is teaching, with attention to the higher-level extensions that are often undertaught in the home-school classroom.

Common IB Physics HL Struggles We Fix

IB Physics HL marks at the 6 and 7 grade levels are decided on Paper 2 extended-response and the Internal Assessment. The patterns we see most often:

Cannot identify which physical principle applies to an unfamiliar problem because principles were memorised without conceptual grounding.

Multi-step Paper 2 extended-response questions are skipped because the student cannot break the problem into stages.

Electromagnetic induction questions confuse Lenz law direction and Faraday equation application.

Modern physics conceptual questions (photoelectric effect, wave-particle duality, special relativity) lose marks for vague vocabulary.

Internal Assessment investigation lacks a clear research question or sufficient data analysis.

Option topic depth is undertaught at the home school.

These are the gaps our IB Physics HL tutors fix with structured DP1 to DP2 sequencing and dedicated IA coaching.

IB Physics HL Programme Structure

A full-syllabus programme spanning DP1 and DP2:

1. Mechanics and Thermal Physics (DP1 foundation)

The largest topic block.

  • Measurement and uncertainties
  • Mechanics (kinematics, dynamics, energy)
  • Momentum and impulse
  • Thermal physics (kinetic theory, ideal gas, thermodynamics)
  • Heat transfer and specific heat capacity

2. Waves and Oscillations

Bridging topics with calculus application.

  • Simple harmonic motion (HL calculus depth)
  • Waves (transverse, longitudinal, properties)
  • Wave behaviour (reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference)
  • Standing waves and resonance
  • Doppler effect (HL extension)

3. Electricity, Magnetism, Circular Motion (DP2)

High-mark Paper 2 area.

  • Electric fields and potential
  • Current of electricity and DC circuits
  • Magnetic fields and forces on charged particles
  • Electromagnetic induction (Faraday, Lenz)
  • AC circuits and transformers
  • Circular motion and gravitation
  • Orbital mechanics

4. Modern Physics, Option Topic, IA

The DP2 capstone components.

  • Atomic structure and quantum physics
  • Nuclear physics and radioactivity
  • Energy production (nuclear, renewable)
  • Option topic (Relativity, Engineering Physics, Imaging, or Astrophysics)
  • IA research question and methodology
  • IA data analysis and uncertainty propagation

Why Choose Us for Physics HL?

IB DP-Specialist Tutors

Our IB Physics HL tutors are ex-IB DP students themselves and know the IB curriculum, marking criteria and IA expectations from personal experience.

Concept-First Teaching

Most IB students memorise principles without understanding when they apply. We teach from first principles which makes Paper 2 extended-response questions tractable.

IA Investigation Coaching

The IA is 20 percent of the final grade. We coach research question design, methodology, data analysis and uncertainty propagation across DP1 and DP2.

Meet One of Our Physics HL Specialists

Denzel Tan

Denzel Tan - Lead Science Specialist Catalyst | Biology Undergraduate | 2 years tutoring | Math & Science Expert P4-Sec4

Credentials: Undergraduate in Biology | Mentored by Dion | Sciences Specialist

Specialises In: Student-Centric Approach, Concept Mastery, Question Encouragement, Supportive Environment, Confidence Building

Track Record: 2 years

A Note from Denzel: "**Lead Science Specialist Who Creates 2-3 Grade Improvements** As Lead Science Specialist at Catalyst Maths and Science with 2 years of proven results, I've helped countless students achieve remarkable 2-3 grade jumps across all Sciences and Mathematics. My student-centric approach, developed through intensive mentorship under expert educator Dion, consistently transforms struggling students into confident high achievers. **Academic Excellence & Expert Training** Currently pursuing my Biology degree while serving as Lead Science Specialist, I bring both academic rigor and practical teaching expertise to every lesson. My two years of direct mentorship under Dion, one of Singapore's most successful Science tutors, has equipped me with proven methodologies that deliver consistent results. This unique combination of ongoing academic study and expert-guided teaching experience ensures I understand both current curriculum demands and effective learning strategies. **My Student-Centric Teaching Philosophy** I believe every student can excel when given the right support and encouragement. My approach focuses on building strong rapport first, then creating a supportive environment where students feel safe to ask questions and explore concepts deeply. I go the extra mile to ensure true concept mastery rather than just memorization, using personalized teaching methods that adapt to each student's unique learning style. This foundation of trust and understanding is what enables my students to achieve those remarkable 2-3 grade improvements. **What Sets My Teaching Apart** My methodology emphasizes genuine understanding over rote learning, helping students build confidence alongside academic skills. I encourage active questioning and critical thinking, ensuring students don't just know the answers but understand the underlying principles. Each lesson is tailored to address individual weaknesses while reinforcing strengths, creating a comprehensive learning experience that prepares students for long-term success. **Proven Track Record & Student Results** • 2-3 grade improvement average across all students within 6 months • Consistent A1/A2 achievements for O-Level Pure Sciences students • Primary students show 15-20 mark improvements in Science and Math • 90% of students achieve their target grades by examination time • Multiple students transformed from failing grades to distinction level **Why Parents Choose Me** ✓ Lead Science Specialist position demonstrates proven expertise and results ✓ Mentored by Dion, ensuring access to Singapore's most effective teaching methods ✓ Student-centric approach that builds confidence alongside academic improvement ✓ Specializes in concept mastery for lasting understanding, not just exam success ✓ Supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions **Subjects & Levels I Specialize In** I teach Mathematics and Science for Primary 4-6, plus Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology for Secondary 1-4 levels. Ready to see your child achieve that 2-3 grade jump? Let's start their transformation today!"

What Our Parents Say

"Electromagnetism was confusing throughout DP1. The tutor walked through Faraday and Lenz law with detailed worked examples. Final IB Physics HL grade 7."

- Sebastian

DP2 student at Tanglin Trust

"My IA was poorly designed. The tutor helped me restructure the investigation around a measurable variable and proper uncertainty analysis. Final IA was 22 out of 24."

- Charlotte

DP2 student at UWCSEA

Physics HL: Frequently Asked Questions

What does IB Physics HL cover?

Mechanics, thermal physics, waves, electricity and magnetism, circular motion and gravitation, atomic and nuclear physics, and energy production, with HL extension topics.

How is IB Physics HL assessed?

Written examination papers plus the internally-assessed investigation (IA), a student-designed experiment that forms a meaningful part of the grade.

Is strong mathematics needed for IB Physics HL?

Yes — IB Physics HL uses algebra, trigonometry and graphical analysis throughout, so comfort with mathematics is important.

Sources & official syllabus

Coaching on this page follows the syllabus published by the relevant Singapore exam authority. Original sources:

IB Physics HL is Required for Engineering and Physics University Courses

A 6 or 7 grade in IB Physics HL opens Engineering, Computer Science, Physics and Astronomy at top universities globally.

IB Physics HL specialist tutors are a smaller pool than mainstream JC. Book by July of DP1 for DP2 continuity.

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