About VIJSO
The Vanda International Junior Science Olympiad (VIJSO) is an annual competition emphasizing critical and creative thinking to solve problems.
It caters to students from NZ Years 4-12 (Grade 3 to Grade 11), using Singapore Science as the basic syllabus but with more application-based questions at the Olympiad level, focusing on problem-solving rather than classroom experiments.
​
VIJSO also emphasizes teamwork, with gold-winning groups demonstrating exceptional collaboration. Many past winners have used their VIJSO experiences to gain admission to top schools.
The questions promote reasoning, problem-solving, flexibility, and an open mind, aligning with key 21st-century skills.
Pre-Requisite for the VIJSO 2025
VNJSO 2025
Bronze, Silver, Gold, Perfect Score: Eligible
HM: Eligible after training
VIJSO
2025
Click the picture below to read the fees
(Before you register)
Click the picture below to register
(For all competitions & Personal details)
PGA reserves the right to interpret all competition and course arrangements.
VIJSO format: Individual Round
VANDA International Junior Science Olympiad – (GRADES 3-10/11/12, NZ Years 4-13)
Duration: 90 minutes
Contestant starts with 10 bonus points. Total Score is 100 points.
Competition paper for each level contains 25 questions.
Starting Bonus: 10 points
Section A
Questions 1 to 10
Correct = 2, No Answer = 0,
Wrong = -1
Total score: 20 points
Section B
Questions 11 to 20
Correct = 4, No Answer = 0,
Wrong = 0
Total score: 40 points
Section C
Questions 21 to 25
Correct = 6, No Answer = 0,
Wrong = 0
Total score: 30 points
VIJSO format: Individual Round
Competition Structure
Section A – Conceptual Understanding and Foundational Knowledge
Number of Questions: 10
Question Type: Single correct answer (MCQ)
Marking Scheme: +2 for correct, 0 for no answer, -1 point for wrong answer
Purpose:
To assess students’ grasp of core science concepts (e.g., states of matter, forces, energy, cell structures, basic chemistry, ecosystems).
Focus on definitions, scientific facts, processes, and cause-effect relationships.
These are entry-level questions that test factual knowledge with minimal to moderate reasoning required.
Example Question Features:
Straightforward diagrams.
Familiar experimental scenarios.
Textbook-based concepts.
Section B – Reasoning and Analytical Thinking
Number of Questions: 10
Question Type: Single correct answer (MCQ)
Marking Scheme: +4 for correct, 0 for wrong or no answer
Purpose:
To assess analytical reasoning, multi-step logic, data interpretation, and linking of different science concepts.
Introduce scientific tables, graphs, comparative analysis, and unfamiliar real-life contexts.
Questions may involve units, conversions, interpreting experiments, or drawing conclusions.
​
Example Question Features:
Tables with nutrition data or speed of sound in different media.
Diagrams showing experimental setups or ecological interactions.
Students must process information before selecting the correct answer.
Section C – Application, Integration & Real-World Problem Solving
Number of Questions: 5
Question Type: Multiple correct answer (MCA)
Marking Scheme: +6 for fully correct answer, 0 for any incorrect option selected or no answer.
​
New Format:
Students must evaluate all 4 options and select the correct combination (e.g., I and III, or all options).
There is no grouped answer choice like “Options I and III”; instead, each option must be individually selected by the student.
All options may be correct.
Purpose:
To challenge higher-order thinking, real-life applications, interdisciplinary integration, and scientific inference.
Focus on reading scientific texts, interpreting graphs or chromatograms, and solving context-rich problems.
Evaluate scientific literacy, decision-making, and deep understanding.
​​
Example Question Features:
Case studies on breast milk vs formula, free diving, or food allergies with chromatograms.
Advanced experimental setups in electricity, genetics, energy transfer.
Application of theory to unfamiliar yet realistic situations.
VIJSO format: Individual Round
GRADE-SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS
Grade Level
Expected Focus & Complexity
G3-4
NZ Year 4-5
Test fundamental science awareness, observations, simple reasoning, and basic application. Include common school science topics (e.g., water cycle, magnetism, plants, animals, materials).
G5-6
NZ Year 6-7
Higher complexity in experiments, early data analysis, graphs, and relationships
(e.g., variables, circuits, food chains).
G7-8
NZ Year 8-9
Greater emphasis on physics formulas, calculations, life sciences, cell structure, chemical changes, environmental science.
G9-10/11/12
NZ Year 10 and above
Integrate multi-discipline concepts. Questions may include biological molecules, electrochemistry, pressure, genetics, thermodynamics, Newtonian mechanics, etc. Include deeper data analysis and decision-based scenarios.
This structure ensures that the VIJSO remains a prestigious international competition that fosters scientific inquiry, logical reasoning, and creative problem-solving in students from around the world. Each section serves a distinct purpose in evaluating different dimensions of a student’s scientific mind.
VIJSO Syllabus
SIMCC reserves the rights to change the syllabus without any prior notice.
GRADES 3-4 (NZ Year 4-5)
Themes
Diversity
Cycles
Topics
1. Diversity of living and non -living things (General characteristics and classication)
2. Diversity of materials
3. Cycles in plants and animals (Life cycles)
4. Cycles in matter and water (Matter)
Systems
5. Plant system (Plant parts and functions)
6. Human system
Interactions
7. Interaction of forces (Magnets)
Energy
8. Energy forms and uses (Light and heat)
GRADES 5-6 (NZ Year 6-7)
Themes
Cycles
Systems
Topics
1. Cycles in plants and animals (Reproduction)
2. Cycles in matter and water ( matter and water)
3. Plant system
4. Human system
5. Cell system
6. Electrical system
Interactions
7. Interaction of forces (Frictional force, gravitational force, force in springs)
8. Interaction within the environment
Energy
9. Energy forms and uses (Photosynthesis)
10. Energy conversion
GRADES 7-8 (NZ Year 8-9)
Themes
The Scientic Endeavour
Diversity
Models
Interactions
Systems
Topics
1. The Scientic Endeavour
2. Exploring Diversity of Matter by its Physical Properties
3. Exploring Diversity of Matter by its Chemical Composition
4. Exploring Diversity of Matter using Separation Techniques
5. Ray Model of Light
6. Model of Cells - the Basic Unit of Life
7. Model of Matter - The Particulate Nature of Matter
8. Model of Matter - Atoms and Molecules
9. Application of Forces and Transfer of Energy
10. Transfer of Heat Energy and its E ects
11. Chemical Changes
12. Interactions within Ecosystems
13. Electrical Systems
14. Human Digestive System
15. Transport Systems in Living Things
16. Human Sexual Reproductive System
GRADES 9 (NZ Year 10)
Themes
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Topics
I . MEASUREMENT
1. Physical Quantities, Units and Measurement
II. NEWTONIAN MECHANICS
2. Kinematics
3. Dynamics
4. Mass, Weight and Density
5. Turning E ect of Forces
6. Pressure
7. Energy, Work and Power
III. THERMAL PHYSICS
8. Kinetic Model of Matter
9. Transfer of Thermal Energy
10. Thermal Properties of Matter
I.EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY
1. Experimental Chemistry
II.ATOMIC STRUCTURE AND STOICHIOMETRY
2. The Particulate Nature of Matter
3. Formulae, Stoichiometry and the Mole Concept
III.CHEMISTRY OF REACTIONS
4. Energy Changes
5. Electrolysis
6. Chemical Reactions
I. PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY
1. Cell Structure and Organisation
2. Movement of Substances
3. Biological Molecules
II. MAINTENANCE AND REGULATION OF LIFE PROCESSES
4. Nutrition in Humans
5. Nutrition in Plants
6. Transport in Flowering Plants
7. Transport in Humans
8. Respiration in Humans
GRADES 10-11 (NZ Year 11-12)
Themes
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Topics
I. WAVES
1. General Wave Properties
2. Light
3. Electromagnetic Spectrum
4. Sound
II. ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM
5. Static Electricity
6. Current of Electricity
7. D.C. Circuits
8. Practical Electricity
9. Magnetism and Electromagnetism
I.CHEMISTRY OF REACTIONS
1. Acids, Bases and Salts
II.PERIODICITY
2. The Periodic Table
3. Metals
III.ATMOSPHERE
4. Air
IV.ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
5. Organic Chemistry
I. MAINTENANCE AND REGULATION OF LIFE PROCESSES
1. Excretion in Humans
2. Homeostasis
3. Co-ordination and Response in Humans
II. CONTINUITY OF LIFE
4. Reproduction
5. Molecular Genetics
6. Inheritance
III. MAN AND HIS ENVIRONMENT
7. Organisms and their Environment
VIJSO: Team Challenge
Overview
The Vanda International Junior Science Olympiad (VIJSO) Team Event is designed to develop and assess students’ practical science application, engineering design, team collaboration, problem-solving skills, and scientific reasoning through an interdisciplinary, real-world STEM challenge. Each level (Grades 3–4, 5–6, 7–8, and 9–10/11/12 includes tasks that are hands-on, design-based, and culminate in testing, evaluation, and improvement of student-built models or devices.
Objectives
• To foster collaborative STEM learning among students of similar academic levels.
• To promote creativity and innovation through real-life engineering challenges.
• To develop students’ understanding of scientific principles through Practical Application.
• To build 21st-century competencies including critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and adaptability.
VIJSO: Format of Team Challenge
The entire paper consists of four main sections, each with a distinct purpose and marking weight:
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Team size: typically 4 students per team
Total Score: 100 Points
Section A
Sketch and design rationale
• Tests design thinking, planning, and application of scientific principles.
• Assess planning, design thinking, and understanding of material usage.
Total score: 10 points
Section B
Free-response conceptual questions
• Assesses theoretical understanding and application of relevant science concepts.
• Evaluate scientific understanding and ability to explain and justify design
Total score: 20 points
Section C
Construction, testing, and modification
• Evaluates engineering skills, iterative and modification improvement, and data analysis.
• Test hands-on ability, collaboration, engineering accuracy, scientific analysis.
Total score: 65 points
Section D
Cleanup and sustainability practices
• Assesses environmental responsibility and discipline.
• Promote responsibility, waste management, and reuse of materials.
Total score: 5 points
VIJSO format: Team Challenge
Competition Structure
Section A – Design and Sketch (10 marks)
Purpose:
• To assess planning, design thinking, and students’ ability to visualize and rationalize before building.
• Students are required to draw a labeled diagram of their intended design (bridge, prosthetic, launcher, etc.) based on the theme.
• They must justify their design choices, focusing on structure, materials, and functionality.
• Diagrams must be clear, labeled, and scientifically sound.
​
Instructions:
1. Clearly list all required materials in the paper.
• All materials must be recyclable or reusable (e.g., cardboard, bottle caps, paper cups, rubber bands, plastic spoons, newspaper).
• Avoid single-use plastics or non-recyclable items.
• Provide quantities and size limits where applicable.
2. Include a problem statement or design brief, e.g.:
"Design a bridge that allows a toy car to cross a 20 cm gap without collapsing. The bridge must be made only using the materials provided."
3. Specify design constraints, such as:
• Size limits
• Load requirements
• Height restrictions
• Movement functionality
4. Students should be asked to:
• Draw a labelled sketch of their design.
• Explain why they chose specific materials or structures (e.g., “We used cardboard for the base because it distributes weight.”).
Section B – Conceptual Free-Response (20 marks)
Purpose:
To evaluate students’ ability to explain the scientific "why" behind their build decisions and understand theoretical principles.
• Students answer short-answer questions that assess their understanding of the scientific concepts related to their build.
• Questions should explore areas such as:
o Forces (tension/compression, gravity)
o Stability and center of mass
o Material science
o Energy transfer
o Biomechanics (for prosthetic leg tasks)
​
Example by Grade:
Grades 3–4 (e.g., Paper Cup Launcher)
• What is a force?
• Why does stretching a rubber band farther make the cup go farther?
Grades 5–6 (e.g., Windmill Water Lifter)
• How does wind energy turn into mechanical movement?
• What makes your lifting arm more effective?
Grades 7–8 (e.g., Vehicle Bridge)
• What forces act on a bridge when a car crosses it?
• How do triangles improve structural strength?
Grades 9–10/11/12 (e.g., Prosthetic Leg)
• How does center of mass affect balance in prosthetics?
• Why is joint flexibility important in human leg design?
Encourage questions that require:
• Definitions and explanations
• Cause-and-effect reasoning
• Application of force, motion, energy, or biological functions
Section C – Construction, Testing, Modification and Analysis (65 marks)
Purpose:
To test real-world application of science and engineering concepts, encourage design iteration, and promote logical data-driven decision making.
This is the core of the competition, testing students' hands-on ability.
​
Construction - Build Phase (20 marks)
• Assess accuracy in building based on their sketch, structural integrity, and completeness.
• Evaluate if the build follows the original sketch, uses materials wisely, and is structurally complete.
Initial Testing (15 marks)
• Evaluate whether the build meets functional criteria (e.g., bridge holds car, prosthetic supports steps).
• Test whether the device performs the task successfully (e.g., bridge holds, prosthetic walks, car travels distance).
Modification & Improvement (10 marks)
• Based on testing, students adjust their design to improve stability, function, and performance.
• After testing, students improve their device. Mark based on their problem-solving, creativity, and effectiveness of the improvement.
Data Collection, Analysis & Graphing (20 marks)
• Students measure time, distance, speed, or performance, record data, and create graphs to interpret results.
• Students collect measurements (e.g., time, speed, weight supported), tabulate data, and draw conclusions or graphs.
Include:
• Measurement criteria (e.g., how to measure distance, how weight is applied)
• Performance criteria (e.g., success = travel 1m, support 2kg)
• Graphing requirements (e.g., draw a bar graph of 3 test results)
• Modification prompts (e.g., “Based on your test, describe one change you would make and why.”)
Section D – Cleanup and Sustainable Practices (5 marks)
Purpose:
To instil a sense of environmental responsibility and discipline during hands-on tasks.
• Students are expected to clean up responsibly and manage waste, reflecting environmental consciousness.
​
Award marks for:
• Tidiness and organization
• Recycling or neatly storing unused materials
• Minimal waste left at the table
• Proper tool and workspace management
VIJSO Awards: Individual Awards
VIJSO Awards: Team Awards
Gold Award: Top 10%
Silver Award: Next 15%
Bronze Award: Next 25%
VIJSO Awards: Overall Championship Awards
Computation Rules
1. Eligibility Requirement
A student must win a Gold Medal in the Individual Round to be considered for the Overall Championship.
2. Team Round Award Points
Gold Award in Team Round = 15 points
Silver Award in Team Round = 10 points
Bronze Award in Team Round = 5 points
3. Overall Points Formula
Overall Points = Individual Round Score + Team Round Award Points
4. Determining the Winners
Overall Champion - Student with the highest overall points
Overall 1st Runner-up - Student with the second highest overall points
Overall 2nd Runner-up - Student with the third highest overall points
​
Please kindly note that Overall Championship will only be awarded for division or grade that has more than 50 participants.
Overall Champion
· Trophy
· Certificate
· IJHS induction
· YALA Gold Scholarship 2026
· SGD 250 Gift Voucher
Overall Runner-Up
· Trophy
· Certificate
· IJHS induction
· SGD 150 Gift Voucher
Overall 2nd Runner-Up
· Trophy
· Certificate
· SGD 100 Gift Voucher
STEAM AHEAD Gift Voucher Terms and Conditions:
1. This voucher expires 12 months from the month of issue.
2. This voucher can be used to participate in any of SIMCC competitions and training or purchase
books, games or tour packages and its value is equivalent to the Singapore currency as printed.
3. This voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other voucher.
4. This voucher is not refundable and cannot be replaced if lost, damage or expired.
5. This voucher is not exchangeable for cash and any unused balance will not be refundable.
6. This voucher is not legal tender and cannot be deposited into any bank account.
7. SIMCC reserves the right to vary amend the privileges or any terms & conditions without prior notice.