The 2026 Nat5 Physics exam didn’t feel like a test. It felt like drowning quietly in a room full of people. Equations I knew vanished the moment I opened the paper. My hands shook. The clock got louder. Every page felt heavier than the last. When the invigilator said, "Five minutes left," it stopped feeling like Physics and started feeling like survival. And walking out the hall, nobody looked relieved — just exhausted. That’s why the grade boundaries should be lowered - not because we’re lazy, but because the exam itself became an obstacle rather than a fair measuring tool of our knowledge and abilities.

The current grade boundaries for a Nat5 Physics A are too high at 70%. We are requesting they be lowered to 65% to more accurately reflect the difficulties faced by students during this examination. The restructuring of the grade boundary acknowledges the unprecedented difficulty students experienced during the 2026 exam, ensuring that a fairer reflection of their abilities is achieved.

Furthermore, statistics across the board have shown that this year’s cohort had lower average scores compared to previous years, despite similar preparation and work effort. This has not just been a localized issue but a national concern, as echoed by teachers and students alike around the country.

Lowering these boundaries will not only relieve the undue stress looming over hard-working students but also ensure that their future pathways and educational prospects are secure. It is important that our academic system reflects an honest appraisal of student skills without them being unduly penalized for circumstances outside their control, such as an unusually challenging exam.

Please join us in our request to adjust the Nat5 Physics grade boundaries and ensure fairness and equity in student evaluations. Sign this petition today to support a more just academic environment for all the students who worked diligently to master their subjects.