IGCSE Physics Syllabus & Study Guide
Cambridge 0625 and Edexcel, with Year 10 and Year 11 specialists for international school students
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IGCSE Physics in brief
IGCSE Physics is taken by international school students in Singapore at the end of Year 11 and is commonly expected before IB Physics HL or A-Level Physics. The two dominant exam boards are Cambridge IGCSE Physics (syllabus 0625, Extended tier) and Edexcel International GCSE Physics (Specification 4PH1, which is not tiered). Cambridge 0625 Extended candidates sit three papers: Paper 2 (40 multiple-choice questions, 45 minutes), Paper 4 (Extended theory) and either Paper 5 (Practical Test) or Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical).
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The Edexcel 4PH1 format is two papers (Paper 1P and Paper 2P). The syllabi cover motion, forces, energy, work and power, thermal physics, waves, light, sound, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetism, atomic and nuclear physics. The A* grade threshold for Cambridge 0625 is set each exam series and 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. Each tutor's own qualifications and teaching experience are shown on the shortlist.
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 marks. Our tutors drill graph-question variations across Year 10 and Year 11, with written feedback. For Alternative to Practical (Paper 6 in Cambridge 0625), our tutors practise naming and sketching the standard physics apparatus (vernier calipers, micrometer screw gauge, ripple tank, spring balance, parallel-plate capacitor) rather than describing them in generic terms.
Official syllabus: Cambridge, IGCSE
IGCSE Physics tuition rates
Real ranges by level and tutor tier. We re-match free if the fit is wrong.
| Level | Part-time / undergrad | Full-time | Ex-MOE or NIE-trained |
|---|---|---|---|
| IB Diploma (DP1-DP2) / IGCSE | S$60-80/hr | S$75-110/hr | S$95-150/hr |
Final rate is set on tutor match and depends on tutor tier, level and lesson frequency. See full pricing page.
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.
2 more
Alternative to Practical paper loses 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:
Mechanics (foundation)
The largest topic block.
Topics covered
- 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
Thermal Physics, Waves, Light, Sound
Bridging topics between mechanics and electricity.
Topics covered
- 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)
Electricity and Magnetism (Year 11 dominant)
The high-mark topic block.
Topics covered
- 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
Atomic Physics and Practical
Smaller topic blocks but high-frequency questions.
Topics covered
- 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 parents pick us
IGCSE-Specialist Tutors
Our IGCSE Physics tutors teach Cambridge 0625 Extended or Edexcel IGCSE Physics directly.
Concept-First Teaching
Many students memorise formulas without knowing when they apply. We teach from first principles so students can work out which formula an application question needs.
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.
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IGCSE 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.
IGCSE Physics is the Foundation for IB Physics HL and Engineering
IGCSE Physics lays the groundwork for IB Physics HL and A-Level Physics, which are often required for Engineering.