Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing for Physics IGCSE Exams

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Ace your Cambridge IGCSE Physics exam with this detailed preparation guide. Learn study techniques, find the best free PDFs, watch recommended videos, and practice past papers.

Introduction: Why Physics Needs a Smart Study Plan

Physics IGCSE is one of those subjects that can feel overwhelming — it’s a mix of theory, problem-solving, and practical skills. Many students struggle because they either memorize formulas without understanding or focus only on theory without practicing calculations.

The good news? With the right step-by-step strategy and the right mix of past papers, revision notes, and video explanations, you can not only pass but score top grades.

At KIYAVAMA, we’ve compiled hundreds of Physics PDFs — including past papers, mark schemes, and revision notes — but you should also make use of other trusted resources like Physics & Maths Tutor, YouTube’s Science Shorts, and Scribd for complete preparation.

Step 1 – Understand the Syllabus

Before you solve even one past paper, you need to know what’s in the exam.

🔹 Where to get the syllabus:

Physics IGCSE is divided into these core topics:

  1. General Physics (Motion, Forces, Energy, Work, Power)

  2. Thermal Physics

  3. Waves (Light, Sound)

  4. Electricity & Magnetism

  5. Nuclear Physics

  6. Space Physics

✅ Pro Tip: Print the syllabus and tick off each topic as you master it.

Step 2 – Gather Your Study Resources

A well-prepared Physics student doesn’t just use one source. You’ll need:

1. PDFs & Past Papers — KIYAVAMA

  • Full exam papers

  • Mark schemes

  • Topical past papers (questions sorted by topic)

2. Topic Notes — Physics & Maths Tutor

  • Concise theory summaries

  • Topic worksheets

3. Video Lessons — YouTube

  • Science Shorts — Clear visual explanations of IGCSE concepts

  • Richard Thornley — Especially for complex calculations and experiments

  • Khan Academy Physics — For extra clarity in concepts

4. Extra Reading — Scribd

  • Cambridge-endorsed textbooks

  • Lab experiment guides

Step 3 – Master the Theory First

Physics is easiest when you understand the concepts rather than memorize.

How to Learn Theory Efficiently:

  • Use diagrams — Physics is visual; draw circuits, wave patterns, and energy flow diagrams.

  • Make formula flashcards — Write formula on one side, variables and units on the other.

  • Relate to real life — Think of forces when pushing a door, or refraction when a straw looks bent in water.

Example:
For Newton’s Second Law F=maF = ma, visualize pushing an empty shopping cart vs. a full one.

Step 4 – Practice with Past Papers (Early!)

Don’t wait until the last month to start past papers. Begin after covering the first 2–3 topics.

Why early practice matters:

  • It reveals question styles.

  • You identify your weaknesses sooner.

  • You learn time management.

🔗 Download IGCSE Physics Past Papers

Step 5 – Learn How to Answer for Marks

Examiners award marks for specific keywords. Missing them = losing marks.

Example:

  • Instead of writing “light bends,” write “light refracts because of a change in speed when moving between media.”

How to train yourself:

  • Always review the mark scheme after attempting a paper.

  • Highlight examiner keywords.

Step 6 – Don’t Ignore the Practical Skills

Physics practicals are worth a good percentage of your marks.

How to prepare:

  • Watch lab demonstration videos on YouTube.

  • Learn how to plot graphs accurately — including scale, axes labels, and best-fit lines.

  • Practice measurement questions using ruler, stopwatch, and protractor examples.

Resources:

  • Practical worksheets on KIYAVAMA

  • Lab Skills PDFs on Scribd

Step 7 – Revise Smart, Not Hard

Two months before the exam, shift from learning new content to active recall:

  • Do timed past papers

  • Use mind maps to connect topics

  • Teach a friend the topic you just revised

Extra Physics Study Tips from Top Scorers

  1. Don’t skip the easy marks — Even labeling a diagram correctly can earn points.

  2. Practice numerical problems daily — Physics is part math, and math skills need constant use.

  3. Read the question twice — Many students lose marks because they didn’t spot the units or command words like “state” vs. “explain.”

Sample 4-Week Revision Plan for Physics IGCSE

Week Task Resources
1 Revise General Physics + Thermal Physics KIYAVAMA notes + Physics & Maths Tutor
2 Revise Waves + Electricity KIYAVAMA + YouTube videos
3 Revise Magnetism + Nuclear Physics Scribd PDFs + KIYAVAMA
4 Past papers every other day KIYAVAMA past papers + mark schemes

FAQ — Physics IGCSE Preparation

Q1: How many past papers should I do before my exam?
At least 10 papers, including recent years and topical papers.

Q2: Is watching videos enough for Physics?
No — Physics requires practice, not just passive watching.

Q3: Should I study practicals even if I’m doing theory paper only?
Yes — practical-based questions appear even in theory papers.

Final Checklist Before Exam Day ✅

✔ Syllabus fully covered
✔ All formulas memorized and understood
✔ At least 10 past papers completed
✔ Mark scheme keywords reviewed
✔ Practical questions practiced
✔ Sleep well before exam day

📌 Start now: