IGCSE Physics · Cambridge 0625 and Edexcel 4PH1
Your child is taking IGCSE Physics
How Cambridge IGCSE Physics and Edexcel International GCSE Physics are structured, what is taught and how the exams work.
examinerprep.com1What IGCSE Physics is
A two-year course, usually taken at ages 14–16, that builds the physics needed for A Level or the IB Diploma. Two exam boards are common in international schools; your child’s school chooses one.
Cambridge IGCSE Physics · 0625
Core or Extended
Graded A* to G. Students are entered for Core or Extended papers; Extended is needed for the top grades.
Edexcel International GCSE Physics · 4PH1
One tier for everyone
Graded 9 to 1. All students sit the same two papers; the second paper includes extra Physics-only content.
2Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625)
| Paper | Core | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple choice | Paper 1 · 45 min · 40 questions · 30% | Paper 2 · 45 min · 40 questions · 30% |
| Theory | Paper 3 · 1 h 15 min · 50% | Paper 4 · 1 h 15 min · 50% |
| Practical skills | Paper 5 (practical test, 1 h 15 min) or Paper 6 (written alternative, 1 h) · 20% · the school chooses | |
| Grades available | C to G | A* to G |
Exam series: June and November (March in India). The school decides the Core or Extended entry, usually after mock exams.
3Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1)
| Paper | Length | Share of the grade |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 2 hours · 110 marks | About 61% · all eight topics |
| Paper 2 | 1 hour 15 min · 70 marks | About 39% · all topics, including the Physics-only content |
| Practical work | No separate practical exam | Practical skills are tested inside both papers |
| Grades available | 9 (highest) to 1, single tier | |
Each paper prints a short list of equations (for example v² = u² + 2as and f = 1/T); the others, such as F = ma, V = IR and kinetic energy, must be learned. For the exams from November 2025 to 2027 the board prints its full equation list with every paper, but learning the core equations is still the safest plan. Exam series: January and June.
4How you can help
- Find out which board and, for Cambridge, which tier your child is entered for; it changes which questions to practise.
- For Edexcel, learn the equations that are not printed on the paper (F = ma, V = IR, kinetic energy and the like); our equations sheet shows which are given and which are not.
- Ask about the required practicals: questions about experiments appear on every route.
- Regular short practice with past-paper-style questions builds the habit of showing working and units.
Sources: published syllabus and specification outlines for Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 and Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics 4PH1.
ExaminerPrep is an independent tutoring service. It has been developed independently from and is not endorsed by the International Baccalaureate Organization, Cambridge University Press & Assessment or Pearson Edexcel. Course and qualification names are used for descriptive purposes only. Schools differ in how they schedule the courses: always check dates and requirements with your child’s school.