An Updated Overview of Cambridge iGCSE Physics for Teachers
Flavia Belham
Chief Scientist @ Seneca Learning
January 20, 2026

An Updated Overview of Cambridge iGCSE Physics for Teachers

A Must-Read for International British School Teachers, including syllabus overview, assessment, teaching focus & top iGCSE resources.

Cambridge iGCSE Physics (0625) is a highly respected international qualification that develops students’ understanding of the fundamental laws governing the physical world. Designed for learners aged 14–16, the course combines conceptual thinking, mathematical problem-solving, and experimental investigation — making it a key subject within international British school curricula.

For teachers, delivering iGCSE Physics successfully requires a strong grasp of the latest syllabus requirements, assessment structure, and access to reliable, curriculum-aligned iGCSE resources. This guide summarises the official Cambridge specification for exams starting in 2026, helping you plan, teach and assess with confidence.

Why Teach Cambridge iGCSE Physics

Cambridge iGCSE Physics is valued worldwide for its academic rigour and emphasis on transferable skills. The course helps students to:

  • Understand core physical principles and laws
  • Apply mathematics confidently in scientific contexts
  • Develop practical laboratory and investigative skills
  • Interpret data, graphs and equations accurately
  • Prepare for further study in Physics, Engineering and related fields

The course is designed to support a wide range of learners, with Core and Supplement pathways, making it ideal for diverse international classrooms.

Overview of the iGCSE Physics (0625) Specification

The full syllabus PDF from Cambridge International outlines the subject content, assessment structure, and practical skills required for examination success. As with all Cambridge science qualifications, the emphasis is on understanding, application, and experimentation, rather than rote memorisation.

Key Topics Covered

  • 1 Motion, forces and energy
  • 2 Thermal physics
  • 3 Waves
  • 4 Electricity and magnetism
  • 5 Nuclear physics
  • 6 Space physics

Assessment Structure Explained

Cambridge iGCSE Physics is assessed through:

  • Papers 1/2 consist of 40 multiple-choice questions
  • Papers 3/4 consist of short answers and structured questions
  • Papers 5/6 consist of questions based on experimental skills

Your students can study the Core subject content or the Supplement subject content.

The exam series is offered in June and November (and March in some regions such as India).

Cambridge and Seneca Learning provide schemes of work, specimen papers, and examiner reports to guide classroom assessment and lesson planning.

Essential iGCSE Teaching Resources

To support your delivery of the Cambridge Physics specification, here are key resource types you should integrate:

  • Syllabus & official documents
  • Free digital platforms
  • Specimen papers and mark schemes
  • Examiner reports highlighting common misconceptions
  • AI-generated quizzes based on your own resources
  • Descriptions of practical activities

Access high-quality Cambridge iGCSE Physics resources

Tips for International British School Educators

  • Teach formulae through application, not memorisation
  • Model exam-style explanations using correct command words
  • Embed practical skills throughout the course, not just before exams
  • Revisit maths skills regularly, especially rearranging equations
  • Use exam questions regularly. Familiarity builds confidence and accuracy
  • Support EAL learners with explicit teaching of physics terminology

Final Thoughts

Cambridge iGCSE Physics (0625) offers a challenging but highly rewarding curriculum that develops logical thinking, problem-solving skills and scientific confidence. For teachers in international British schools, success lies in clear syllabus alignment, consistent practical work, and the strategic use of trusted iGCSE resources, such as Seneca Learning.

With careful planning and high-quality materials, iGCSE Physics can become a subject that students find both intellectually demanding and deeply engaging.

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