PHYSICS (PEARSON)

IGCSE COURSE OUTLINE

What is IGCSE?

It is the most up-to-date internationally recognised qualification at this (GCSE) level, available from the UK. IGCSE courses are widely accepted as providing the best foundation for progression to A-level study in science subjects. They are being adopted by an increasing number of independent schools and colleges both in the UK as well as overseas.

IGCSE Physics

The course enables students to acquire a systematic body of basic physics knowledge and the ability to apply it in modern domestic, industrial and environmental contexts.
Additionally it provides students with an understanding of the practical nature of physics and an opportunity to acquire experimental and investigative skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques.
It is an excellent preparation for the study of A-level physics, which is essential for any type of engineering course and is increasingly relevant to modern methods of medical investigation and diagnosis.

Topics

The specific topic headings are:

• Forces and motion
• Electricity
• Waves
• Energy Resources and Energy Transfer
• Solids, Liquids and Gases
• Magnetism and Electromagnetism
• Radioactivity and Particles
• Astrophysics

PHYSICS (EDX) IGCSE Specification
Unit	Time	Description	Weighting
1	2 hours	Both papers are mainly short-answer structured questions, including calculations, with a few of the multiple-choice variety and a few requiring slightly longer prose answers. Both papers are mainly short-answer structured questions, including calculations, with a few of the multiple-choice variety and a few requiring slightly longer prose answers. As there is no practical coursework, knowledge of experimental work and scientific method is tested in these written papers. Both papers cover all topics, but some additional material is tested in Paper 2. Examinations are available in January and June.	66.7%
2	1 hour		33.3%
Both units are available in May/June

Challenges of the Course
You will need to acquire factual details, theoretical concepts and practical skills and to be able to integrate them as necessary. Some mathematical ability is required, as is attention to detail for example for inter-converting units and ensuring that their use is consistent.

Structure of the Course
The course will be taught for 3x 1hour lessons per week. At least 1 hour every fortnight will be for practical work, and practical skills will be developed in these lessons. Homework is set after each class and is an essential part of the course. Mock exams take place each month.

Course Textbook Physics for Edexcel International GCSE Nick England ISBN 9781510405189 Further Reading Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Physics Student Book Brian Arnold Steve Wooley Penny Johnson ISBN 9780435185275