IGCSE Physics Syllabus & Study Guide (Cambridge 0625 and Edexcel)
Year 10 and Year 11 specialists for international school students
Specialist IGCSE Physics tuition for Year 10 and Year 11 students at international schools in Singapore. We coach the Cambridge 0625 Extended and Edexcel IGCSE Physics syllabi.
Last updated: · Level: IGCSE · Subject: Physics
TL;DR — Key Facts
- •Level: IGCSE.
- •Subject: Physics.
- •Cambridge 0625 Extended and Edexcel 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 home tuition rates
Real ranges by level and tutor tier. Free trial lesson; we re-match free if the fit is wrong.
| Level | Undergrad | Full-time | Ex-MOE / NIE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Primary (P1–P4) | S$30–40/hr | S$40–55/hr | S$50–65/hr |
| Upper Primary / PSLE (P5–P6) | S$35–50/hr | S$45–60/hr | S$55–75/hr |
| Lower Secondary (Sec 1–2) | S$35–50/hr | S$50–65/hr | S$60–80/hr |
| Upper Secondary / O-Level (Sec 3–4) | S$45–60/hr | S$55–75/hr | S$70–95/hr |
| Junior College / A-Level (JC1–JC2) | S$55–75/hr | S$70–95/hr | S$85–130/hr |
| IB Diploma (DP1–DP2) / IGCSE | S$60–80/hr | S$75–110/hr | S$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.
















































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IGCSE Physics is taken by international school students in Singapore at the end of Year 11 and is the prerequisite for IB Physics HL and A-Level Physics. The two dominant exam boards are Cambridge IGCSE Physics (syllabus 0625, Extended tier) and Edexcel International GCSE Physics (Specification 4PH1, Higher tier). The Cambridge 0625 Extended format is two papers (Paper 4 Theory and Paper 6 Alternative to Practical or Paper 5 Practical Test). The Edexcel IGCSE Physics Higher tier format is two papers (Paper 1H and Paper 2H).
The syllabi cover motion, forces, energy, work and power, thermal physics, waves, light, sound, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetism, atomic and nuclear physics. The A* grade boundary at Cambridge 0625 sits around 88 percent, which rewards consistent precision across both papers.
Our IGCSE Physics tutors run a structured Year 10 to Year 11 programme. The Year 10 syllabus covers mechanics (motion, forces, energy), thermal physics and waves. The Year 11 syllabus then layers electricity, magnetism, electromagnetism, atomic and nuclear physics, plus the practical (or Alternative to Practical) component. Tutors are NUS or NTU graduates with strong Physics or Engineering majors, ex-IGCSE students themselves, or PhD holders with international school tutoring experience.
On graphical analysis, IGCSE Physics rewards students who can read a velocity-time graph for both gradient (acceleration) and area-under-curve (distance), then sketch the corresponding distance-time and acceleration-time graphs. The mark scheme is precise: a graph drawn with axes correctly labelled, units shown, gradient computed with two clear data points, and the answer linked back to the physics interpretation. Students who skip any of those four elements lose 1 to 3 marks per graph question.
Our tutors drill 12 to 15 graph-question variations across Year 10 and Year 11, with weekly written feedback. For Alternative to Practical (Paper 6 in Cambridge 0625), the Apparatus section is the most teachable subsection: students who can name and sketch the standard physics apparatus (vernier calipers, micrometer screw gauge, ripple tank, spring balance, parallel-plate capacitor) consistently outperform peers who try to describe them in generic terms.
Common IGCSE Physics Struggles We Fix
IGCSE Physics marks at the A and A* grade levels are decided on theory paper extended-response and the Alternative to Practical paper. The patterns we see most often:
Cannot identify which formula applies to an unfamiliar problem because formulas were memorised without conceptual grounding.
Distance-time and velocity-time graph interpretation is confused under exam pressure.
DC circuit calculations break down when parallel and series combinations are mixed.
Electromagnetic induction questions confuse Lenz law direction.
Alternative to Practical paper loses 6 to 10 marks because the student has not been drilled on apparatus selection and observation accuracy.
Extended-response answers are conceptually correct but use wrong vocabulary.
These are the gaps our IGCSE Physics tutors fix with structured Year 10 to Year 11 sequencing and weekly past-paper drilling.
IGCSE Physics Programme Structure
A Cambridge 0625 Extended or Edexcel IGCSE Physics syllabus-aligned programme:
1. Mechanics (foundation)
The largest topic block.
- Motion (distance, displacement, speed, velocity, acceleration)
- Distance-time and velocity-time graphical analysis
- Newton laws of motion and forces
- Mass, weight, density
- Pressure (solids, liquids, atmospheric)
- Energy, work, power, conservation
2. Thermal Physics, Waves, Light, Sound
Bridging topics between mechanics and electricity.
- Kinetic theory of matter
- Thermal expansion and heat transfer
- Specific heat capacity
- Waves (transverse, longitudinal)
- Light (reflection, refraction, lenses, total internal reflection)
- Sound (frequency, amplitude, echoes)
3. Electricity and Magnetism (Year 11 dominant)
The high-mark topic block.
- Static electricity (charges, fields)
- Current, voltage, resistance, Ohm law
- Series and parallel DC circuits
- Electrical energy and power
- Magnetism and magnetic fields
- Electromagnetic effects (motor, generator)
- Electromagnetic induction and Lenz law
4. Atomic Physics and Practical
Smaller topic blocks but high-frequency questions.
- Atomic structure and isotopes
- Radioactivity (alpha, beta, gamma)
- Half-life and decay calculations
- Alternative to Practical (apparatus, observation, interpretation)
- Practical paper (where applicable)
- Graph plotting and interpretation
Why Choose Us for Physics?
IGCSE-Specialist Tutors
Our IGCSE Physics tutors teach Cambridge 0625 Extended or Edexcel IGCSE Physics directly.
Concept-First Teaching
Most students memorise formulas without understanding when they apply. We teach from first principles which makes application questions tractable.
Pathway-Aware Coaching
For students heading to IB Physics HL or A-Level Physics, we shape Year 11 lessons to bridge directly into the post-IGCSE syllabus.
Meet One of Our Physics Specialists

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
"Electricity was confusing in Year 11. The tutor walked through DC circuits with worked examples until series-parallel combinations made sense. Final IGCSE Physics was A*."
- Mrs. Singh
Parent at Tanglin Trust
"Alternative to Practical was my weakest paper. The tutor drilled apparatus and observation questions with 15 past papers. A* in the end."
- Ethan
Year 11 student at UWCSEA
Physics: Frequently Asked Questions
What does IGCSE Physics cover?▼
Motion, forces and energy, thermal physics, waves, electricity and magnetism, and atomic physics, examined at Core or Extended tier.
How is IGCSE Physics assessed?▼
Written papers plus a practical-skills component, either an alternative-to-practical paper or a practical examination.
Is IGCSE Physics good preparation for A-Level?▼
Yes — the Extended tier in particular builds the mechanics and electricity foundations that A-Level and IB Physics extend.
Sources & official syllabus
Coaching on this page follows the syllabus published by the relevant Singapore exam authority. Original sources:
IGCSE Physics is the Foundation for IB Physics HL and Engineering
A strong IGCSE Physics grade is the practical requirement for IB Physics HL and for A-Level Physics, which are the gateways to Engineering and Computer Science globally.
IGCSE Physics specialist tutors are a smaller pool than mainstream JC. Book by Term 4 of Year 10 for Year 11 continuity.