IGCSE Physics syllabus helps students to explore the fundamental principles of physics, including motion, forces, energy, waves, and electricity. It focuses on developing students’ understanding of the laws of physics and how they apply them to real-world situations. The syllabus provides a balanced mix of theory and practical experiments to ensure students can apply their knowledge to solve problems.
Students can choose between Core or Extended levels, depending on their academic goals. The assessments include multiple-choice questions, structured answers, and practical tests that evaluate their theoretical knowledge and experimental skills. Here, students will also find information on the Weighting of Assessment Objectives, both as a percentage of the qualification and across each component, to guide students on how different skills are evaluated and how each paper impacts their final grade.
Paper | Duration | Marks | Question Type | Weightage |
Core Assessment | ||||
Paper 1: Multiple Choice (Core) | 45 minutes | 40 | 40 four-option multiple-choice questions | 30% |
Paper 3: Theory (Core) | 1 hour 15 minutes | 80 | Short-answer and structured questions | 50% |
Extended Assessment | ||||
Paper 2: Multiple Choice (Extended) | 45 minutes | 40 | 40 four-option multiple-choice questions | 30% |
Paper 4: Theory (Extended) | 1 hour 15 minutes | 80 | Short-answer and structured questions | 50% |
Paper | Duration | Marks | Question Focus | Weightage |
Paper 5: Practical Test | 1 hour 15 minutes | 40 | Based on experimental skills in Section 4 | 20% |
Paper 6: Alternative to Practical | 1 hour | 40 | Based on experimental skills in Section 4 | 20% |
Assessment Objective | Weighting in IGCSE % |
AO1 Knowledge with understanding | 50% |
AO2 Handling information and problem-solving | 30% |
AO3 Experimental skills and investigations | 20% |
Total | 100% |
Assessment Objective | Weighting in components % |
Papers 1 and 2 | |
AO1 Knowledge with understanding | 63% |
AO2 Handling information and problem-solving | 37% |
AO3 Experimental skills and investigations | - |
Total | 100% |
Assessment Type | Paper | Duration | Marks | Weightage | Description |
Core Assessment | Paper 1: Multiple Choice (Core) | 45 minutes | 40 marks | 30% | 40 compulsory multiple-choice questions based on Core content. Externally assessed. |
Paper 3: Theory (Core) | 1 hour 15 minutes | 80 marks | 50% | Compulsory short-answer and structured questions based on Core content. Externally assessed. | |
Extended Assessment | Paper 2: Multiple Choice (Extended) | 45 minutes | 40 marks | 30% | 40 compulsory multiple-choice questions based on Core and Supplement content. Externally assessed. |
Paper 4: Theory (Extended) | 1 hour 15 minutes | 80 marks | 50% | Compulsory short-answer and structured questions based on Core and Supplement content. Externally assessed. |
How to Choose Cambridge IGCSE Subjects
Assessment Type | Paper | Duration | Marks | Weightage | Description |
Practical Assessment | Paper 5: Practical Test | 1 hour 15 minutes | 40 marks | 20% | Candidates perform experiments in a laboratory setting. Externally assessed. |
Paper 6: Alternative to Practical | 1 hour | 40 marks | 20% | Candidates answer questions about experimental skills. Externally assessed. |
International Boards Other Related Topics | |
IGCSE Chemistry Syllabus | IGCSE Biology Syllabus |