The shared backbone across tiers and boards
CAIE and Edexcel International both build IGCSE Physics around forces and motion, energy, waves, electricity and magnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics — CAIE tiers the qualification into Core and Extended papers, while Edexcel International uses a more unified structure. Confirm which applies to you before planning revision depth.
Calculations — show full working for method marks
Multi-step numerical questions (motion, electrical circuits, energy transfers) carry method marks available even when arithmetic goes wrong, provided you show the equation used and your working clearly. Keep units consistent throughout a calculation rather than converting partway through, and check your final answer's order of magnitude makes physical sense.
The Alternative to Practical paper (CAIE)
Where your board sets an Alternative to Practical paper, it tests interpreting experimental descriptions, identifying variables and sources of error, and evaluating experimental design — a distinct skill from recall-based theory questions, deserving its own dedicated revision time rather than being treated as an afterthought.
Extended-tier-only content
Where tiered, Extended-only content is often marked inline within shared topic headings rather than as a separate topic list — check your specification document directly for content explicitly marked Extended-only.
Common content traps
- Sign errors in vector-based motion and force calculations.
- Confusing series and parallel circuit rules under exam pressure.
- Incomplete explain-style answers that state a correct conclusion without the physical reasoning chain the mark scheme rewards.
Revising IGCSE Physics with ExamPass.ai
ExamPass.ai generates IGCSE Physics mock papers and quizzes matched to your exact board and tier, with instant AI marking of handwritten working, so you get clear feedback on exactly which step a method mark was earned or lost.