Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) has Core and Extended tiers. Paper 1 and 3 are multiple choice (Core and Extended). Paper 2 and 4 are theory papers. Paper 5 is the Practical Examination. Paper 6 is the Alternative to Practical. Edexcel IGCSE Physics has a similar structure with Papers 1, 2 and a Practical Assessment. Choose Extended level to access A* and A grades.
Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical) is worth 20% of your IGCSE Physics grade and is consistently underestimated. It tests your ability to design experiments, draw tables, plot graphs, and analyse experimental data. Most students only practise theory papers and neglect Paper 6. Dedicated Paper 6 practice in the final month can improve your overall grade by a full grade boundary.
Forces and Motion — vectors, velocity-time graphs, Newton's laws. Thermal Physics — specific heat capacity, evaporation, thermometry. Waves — wave properties, electromagnetic spectrum, sound. Light and Optics — reflection, refraction, total internal reflection. Electricity and Magnetism — circuits, electromagnetic induction. Nuclear Physics — radioactive decay, half-life. Mark schemes are public — download and study the exact language Cambridge expects.
IGCSE Physics examiners award marks for correctly drawn axes with labels and units, accurately plotted points, best-fit straight line or smooth curve, correct calculation of gradient with triangle shown, and reading off graph values accurately. Practice drawing graphs by hand — many students can identify the correct answer but lose marks by not showing the method clearly.
Read every question twice before answering. For 2-mark questions — give 2 distinct points. For 3-mark questions — state, explain, and give an example or application. Never leave a blank — make an attempt at every question. Watch for recall questions (1 mark) vs understanding questions (2-3 marks) — they require very different depth of answer.
Week 1-2: Chapter-by-chapter theory revision using revision notes. Week 3-4: Topic-wise past paper questions (use Cambridge Past Papers from 2015-2024). Week 5-6: Full paper practice under timed conditions. Week 7: Alternative to Practical intensive practice. Week 8: Light revision, formula sheet review, good sleep and nutrition.
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