IGCSE Physics
Master forces, energy, electricity, and atomic structure with required practicals and exam technique for Foundation and Higher tier.
What is IGCSE Physics?
IGCSE Physics is assessed through structured papers and practical components. We build specification mastery and exam technique for international pathways.
IGCSE Physics Course Content
International specification coverage with clear structure and exam technique for A*–A.
Forces and Motion
- Scalar and vector quantities, distance, displacement, speed, velocity, and acceleration
- Distance-time and velocity-time graphs: interpretation and calculations
- Newton's three laws of motion, inertial mass, and weight
- Resultant forces, free-body diagrams, and vector resolution
- Terminal velocity and air resistance
- Momentum: conservation, change in momentum, and collisions
- Stopping distances: thinking distance, braking distance, and factors affecting both
- Moments, gears, and levers (Triple)
- Hooke's law, spring constant, and limit of proportionality
- Pressure in fluids and upthrust (Triple)
Energy, Electricity and Waves
- Energy stores and transfers, kinetic energy, and gravitational potential energy
- Conservation of energy, dissipation, and efficiency calculations
- Renewable and non-renewable energy sources and global demand
- Work done, power, and energy transfer calculations
- Transverse and longitudinal waves, wave equation, and properties
- Sound, ultrasound, infrasound, and seismic waves (Triple)
- Electromagnetic spectrum: types, uses, dangers, and ionising radiation
- Lenses, ray diagrams, and total internal reflection (Triple)
- Series and parallel circuits, Ohm's law, V=IR, and I-V characteristics
- Mains electricity, fuses, circuit breakers, and electrical safety
- Static electricity, electric fields, and earthing (Triple)
Magnetism and Atomic Structure
- Permanent and induced magnets, magnetic fields, and field lines
- Electromagnets: wire, flat coil, and solenoid
- Motor effect, Fleming's left-hand rule, and the electric motor
- Electromagnetic induction, transformers, and the National Grid
- Alternators, dynamos, loudspeakers, and microphones (Triple)
- Radioactivity: alpha, beta, and gamma radiation and their properties
- Atomic models: Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford, and Bohr
- Half-life, activity, and detecting radiation
- Uses of radioactivity and nuclear medicine (Triple)
- Nuclear fission, fusion, and nuclear power (Triple)
- Astronomy: solar system, stellar evolution, red shift, and CMBR (Triple)
- Particle model: density, specific heat capacity, specific latent heat, and gas pressure
Assessment Structure
Two written papers cover the full specification; required practicals are assessed within the papers. We build exam technique and extended response skills.
- 1 hour 45 minutes (Triple) / 1 hour 15 minutes (Combined)
- Energy, electricity, particle model of matter, and atomic structure
- Heavy on calculation questions: efficiency, V=IR, energy equations, and half-life
- Mix of multiple choice, short answer, and extended response
- Required practicals on specific heat capacity, resistance, and density
- 1 hour 45 minutes (Triple) / 1 hour 15 minutes (Combined)
- Forces, waves, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, and space physics (Triple)
- Graph interpretation and data analysis questions are common
- Extended responses on energy resources and wave applications
- Required practicals on acceleration, waves, and radiation
Exam Boards We Cover
Not sure which board your child is on? We'll check at your free assessment.
Our IGCSE Physics Teaching Approach
Small Groups
Small groups (a maximum of six students) for personalised attention.
Exam Technique
We teach what examiners reward: method marks, structure, timing, and common pitfalls to avoid.
Past Papers
Regular practice with authentic questions under timed conditions—reviewed with clear feedback.
Progress Tracking
Clear targets and regular check-ins so students know exactly what to improve next.
Why Improve ME for IGCSE Physics?
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Physics at Improve ME
Explore Related Courses
Continue your Physics journey or explore nearby pathways.
A-Level Physics
Explore the A-Level pathway for Physics and see what we cover.
Explore →GCSE Physics
Explore the GCSE pathway for Physics and see what we cover.
Explore →All Physics Courses
View all Physics qualifications and pathways from Primary to advanced levels.
View all courses →Ready to Excel in IGCSE Physics?
Book your free assessment and discover how we can help you succeed in IGCSE Physics.
- Free assessment
- Expert tutors, proven results