PHYSICS (PEARSON)

IGCSE COURSE OUTLINE

What is IGCSE?

The International GCSE, available from the UK, is the latest internationally recognised qualification at the GCSE level. IGCSE courses are widely regarded as offering the ideal foundation for moving on 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 imparts to students a systematic understanding of fundamental Physics knowledge and the capacity to apply it in modern domestic, industrial, and environmental contexts. It also provides an insight into the practical nature of Physics, allowing students to develop experimental and investigative skills using correct and safe laboratory techniques.

The Physics IGCSE serves as an excellent foundation for A-level Physics study, essential for engineering courses, and increasingly relevant to contemporary 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 (PEARSON) 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 usually taken 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