How to Build an IGCSE Physics Revision Timetable

This guide shows you how to create a revision timetable that works for IGCSE Physics. A good timetable is personalised, realistic and flexible.

Step 1: Audit your current knowledge

Before building a timetable, you need to know where you stand. Rate each topic on a 1 to 3 scale:

Rating	Meaning	Revision needed
1	Weak (cannot answer most questions)	Heavy (multiple sessions)
2	Okay (can answer some but lose marks)	Moderate (1 to 2 sessions)
3	Strong (consistently scores well)	Light (quick review only)

Topic audit template

Topic	Rating	Priority
1.1 Physical quantities and measurement
1.2 Motion
1.3 Forces
1.4 Momentum
1.5 Energy, work and power
1.6 Pressure
2.1 Kinetic particle model
2.2 Thermal properties and temperature
2.3 Thermal energy transfers
3.1 General wave properties
3.2 Light
3.3 Electromagnetic spectrum
3.4 Sound
4.1 Magnetism
4.2 Electrical quantities
4.3 Electric circuits
4.4 Electrical safety
4.5 Electromagnetic effects
5.1 The nuclear model
5.2 Radioactivity
6.1 Earth and the Solar System
6.2 Stars and the Universe

Step 2: Prioritise topics

Allocate revision time based on two factors:

1. Your current rating (weak topics need more time).
2. Exam weighting (Topics 1 and 4 carry the most marks).

Priority matrix

	High exam weight	Low exam weight
Weak topic	HIGHEST priority	Medium priority
Strong topic	Low priority (quick review)	Lowest priority

Step 3: Build the timetable

Rules for an effective timetable

1. Be specific. “Physics revision” is too vague. “Topic 4.2: Ohm’s Law calculations” is actionable.
2. Include variety. Each session should include: content review (15 min), practice questions (25 min), self-check (5 min).
3. Space your revision. Do not study the same topic two days in a row. Space it out by 2 to 3 days for better retention.
4. Schedule past papers. Include one full past paper every 1 to 2 weeks under timed conditions.
5. Build in rest. No revision on at least one day per week. Tired revision is wasted revision.

Sample 4-week timetable (2 hours per day, 5 days per week)

Week 1: Focus on weak topics from Topic 1 (Motion, Forces, Energy) and Topic 4 (Electricity).

Day	Session 1 (45 min)	Session 2 (45 min)	Past paper
Mon	1.2 Motion equations	4.2 V = IR calculations
Tue	1.3 Forces and moments	4.3 Series/parallel circuits
Wed	1.5 Energy calculations	4.5 Electromagnetic induction
Thu	Mixed topic questions (1 + 4)	Review mistakes from week
Fri			Full Paper 4 (timed)

Week 2: Topic 2 (Thermal) and Topic 3 (Waves), plus review of Week 1 topics.

Week 3: Topic 5 (Nuclear) and Topic 6 (Space), plus review of all previous topics.

Week 4: Full past papers and targeted revision of remaining weak areas.

Step 4: Track your progress

After each session, update your topic audit. If a rating-1 topic has improved to rating-2, reduce the time allocated to it. If a topic is still rating-1 after two sessions, change your approach (different resources, ask a tutor, try different question types).

Common timetable mistakes

• Too ambitious. Scheduling 4 hours of revision per day and then burning out by day 3. Be realistic.
• Too vague. “Revise Topic 1” is not a plan. “Practise 10 velocity-time graph questions” is.
• Ignoring weak topics. It is natural to spend time on topics you enjoy (and are already good at). Discipline yourself to spend more time on weak areas.
• No past papers. Content review without exam practice does not translate to exam performance. Include past papers from week 2 onwards.