IGCSE Physics Complete Guide｜Syllabus Overview, Exam Structure & Study Tips

What Is IGCSE Physics?

IGCSE Physics (International General Certificate of Secondary Education – Physics) is one of the core science subjects offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), designed for students aged 14 to 16. The course aims to build a solid foundation in understanding natural phenomena, covering essential topics such as mechanics, waves, electricity, and atomic physics. It prepares students for A-Level, IB Physics, and future STEM-related university majors.

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Course Content (Based on Cambridge IGCSE)

The IGCSE Physics syllabus is divided into major topic areas:

1. Forces and Motion

• Speed, velocity, and acceleration
• Newton’s laws of motion
• Gravity and friction

2. Energy and Work

• Energy conversions and conservation
• Power and efficiency
• Heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation)

3. Electricity and Magnetism

• Current, voltage, and resistance
• Series and parallel circuits
• Magnetism and electromagnetic induction

4. Waves and Sound

• Wave properties (wavelength, frequency)
• Sound waves and ultrasound applications
• Reflection, refraction, and lenses

5. Thermal Physics and Particle Theory

• Kinetic theory of matter
• Pressure and temperature relationships
• Heat capacity and specific heat

6. Atomic Physics

• Radioactive decay
• Nuclear energy and radiation
• Particles and energy transformations

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Exam Format & Paper Structure

Students can choose to take either the Core or Extended level:

Core Level:

• Paper 1: Multiple-choice (45 mins)
• Paper 3: Structured questions (1 hr 15 mins)
• Paper 5 / 6: Practical Test or Alternative to Practical

Extended Level:

• Paper 2: Multiple-choice (45 mins)
• Paper 4: Structured questions (1 hr 15 mins)
• Paper 5 / 6: Practical Test or Alternative to Practical

Assessment Objectives:

Knowledge and understanding
Application and interpretation
Experimental skills and scientific inquiry

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Why Study IGCSE Physics?

• Recognized by top universities and institutions in 150+ countries including the UK, US, Canada, and Hong Kong
• Essential foundation for pursuing A-Level Physics, IB Physics, or science-related disciplines
• Develops strong reasoning, critical thinking, and lab skills

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Study Tips & Preparation Strategies

• Practice past papers weekly by topic to understand question patterns
• Memorize and understand key formulas, especially for calculations
• Keep an error logbook to track common mistakes and misconceptions
• Master experimental design and data interpretation for Paper 5 or 6
• Use a combination of visual aids, flashcards, and video tutorials

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Who Should Take IGCSE Physics?

• Students interested in pursuing careers in engineering, medicine, architecture, aviation, or data science
• Those planning to take A-Level or IB Physics
• Learners who enjoy practical science and solving real-world problems

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Recommended Resources

• Cambridge IGCSE Physics (official textbook)
• Physics & Maths Tutor – Free past papers
• CGP IGCSE Physics Revision Guide
• YouTube Channels like Physics Online or Science with Hazel

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Expert Advice: How to Score an A or A* in IGCSE Physics?

• Focus on mastering calculation-based topics like forces, electricity, and waves
• Strengthen experimental design and understand how to handle apparatus and interpret data
• Practice under timed conditions to improve accuracy and speed
• Avoid rote learning—aim for conceptual clarity, especially for explanation-based questions

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