Cambridge IGCSE™ Physics 0625 Overview

The Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus is designed for examinations in 2026, 2027, and 2028. It provides a solid foundation for further study, including Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics.

Course Aims

The course is designed to enable students to:

• Acquire scientific knowledge and understanding of scientific theories and practice.
• Develop a range of experimental skills, including handling variables and working safely.
• Use scientific data and evidence to solve problems and discuss the limitations of scientific methods.
• Communicate effectively and clearly, using scientific terminology, notation and conventions.
• Understand that the application of scientific knowledge can benefit people and the environment.
• Enjoy science and develop an informed interest in scientific matters which support further study.

Subject Content Overview

Candidates study the following major topics:

1. Motion, forces and energy: Includes physical quantities, motion, mass, weight, density, effects of forces, momentum, energy, work, power, and pressure.
2. Thermal physics: Covers the kinetic particle model of matter, thermal properties, temperature, and the transfer of thermal energy.
3. Waves: Focuses on general wave properties, light, the electromagnetic spectrum, and sound.
4. Electricity and magnetism: Explores simple phenomena of magnetism, electrical quantities, electric circuits, electrical safety, and electromagnetic effects.
5. Nuclear physics: Includes the nuclear model of the atom and radioactivity.
6. Space physics: Studies the Earth, the Solar System, stars, and the Universe.

Assessment Overview

All candidates must take three papers. They can be entered for either the Core or Extended assessment:

Core Assessment (Grades C to G)

• Paper 1: Multiple Choice (Core) - 45 minutes, 40 marks, 30% weighting.
• Paper 3: Theory (Core) - 1 hour 15 minutes, 80 marks, 50% weighting.

Extended Assessment (Grades A* to G)

• Paper 2: Multiple Choice (Extended) - 45 minutes, 40 marks, 30% weighting.
• Paper 4: Theory (Extended) - 1 hour 15 minutes, 80 marks, 50% weighting.

Practical Assessment

All candidates must also complete one of the following practical papers, which contributes 20% to their final grade and focuses on experimental skills and investigations (Assessment Objective AO3):

• Paper 5: Practical Test - 1 hour 15 minutes, 40 marks, requires conducting experiments in a laboratory.
• Paper 6: Alternative to Practical - 1 hour, 40 marks, requires no direct experimental execution but tests practical understanding.