Skip to main content
Beta Live

How to Revise iGCSE Physics

Tackle iGCSE Physics with practice on mechanics, thermal physics, waves, electricity, and nuclear physics.

Revision Strategy

Revising Physics requires a blend of memorisation and understanding. You need to recall key facts, definitions, and processes, but you also need to understand the underlying principles well enough to apply them to unfamiliar scenarios. Start each topic by learning the core concepts, then test yourself with application questions that require you to use your knowledge in new contexts.

Diagrams are one of the most powerful revision tools for Physics. Whether it is the structure of a cell, an energy level diagram, or a circuit, being able to draw and label diagrams from memory cements your understanding far more effectively than re-reading text. Practise reproducing key diagrams until you can do so accurately without any reference material.

Do not neglect the practical and mathematical elements. Physics exams include questions on required practicals and expect you to perform calculations confidently. Practise interpreting data tables, plotting graphs, calculating rates and percentages, and evaluating experimental methods. These skills are tested every year and are straightforward marks if you have prepared.

Study Tips for iGCSE Physics

  • Learn the key equations and practice rearranging them. Unlike some UK GCSE specifications, iGCSE Physics requires you to recall and manipulate more formulae from memory.
  • Draw clear, labelled diagrams for circuits, ray diagrams, force diagrams and experimental setups. Marks are specifically allocated for diagram quality in iGCSE papers.
  • Work through numerical problems daily, focusing on unit conversions (e.g. km/h to m/s, kJ to J) as careless unit errors are the most common cause of lost marks.
  • Create summary tables linking each topic to its key equations, units and typical exam question types.

Exam Tips for iGCSE Physics

  • Always include units in your final answer. iGCSE Physics mark schemes frequently allocate a separate mark for the correct unit.
  • When asked to explain a physical phenomenon, structure your answer as a logical chain of cause and effect. Avoid vague statements and use precise scientific terminology.
  • In graph-based questions, read the axes carefully, calculate gradients accurately and state what the gradient or area under the curve represents.

Topics to Cover

8 topics in iGCSE Physics

General Physics
Thermal Physics
Properties of Waves
Electricity & Magnetism
Nuclear Physics
Space Physics
Forces & Motion
Energy

Available Exam Boards

iGCSE Physics specification guides for each exam board

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between iGCSE Physics and GCSE Physics? +
iGCSE Physics is designed for international students, assessed entirely through written papers with no mandatory practical exam contributing to the final grade. It uses Core/Extended tiers, and examination sessions are available in June and November (Cambridge) or January, June and October (Edexcel International).
How much maths is in iGCSE Physics? +
A significant amount. You need to be confident with algebra (rearranging formulae), graph interpretation, unit conversions and basic trigonometry. Strong maths skills are essential for performing well in iGCSE Physics.
Do I need to memorise all the formulae for iGCSE Physics? +
Cambridge iGCSE Physics provides a data sheet with some formulae, but you are expected to memorise and apply many equations that are not on the sheet. Check your specific syllabus for the list of equations you must know.
What grade do I need for A-Level Physics? +
Most schools require a grade B or above in iGCSE Physics (Extended) to progress to International A-Level Physics. A strong grade in iGCSE Mathematics is also typically required.

Start Revising Physics Free

Join the waitlist and be among the first to access UpGrades when we launch

Join the Waitlist