How to Revise IGCSE Physics

Good Physics revision is not mainly about reading more notes. It is a cycle of recalling, attempting, marking and correcting. The right version of that cycle depends on how much of the syllabus you have already studied and how close the examination is.

Start with evidence, not a feeling

Choose one recent topic test, mock or timed paper. Sort each lost mark into four groups:

1. Knowledge: the concept or definition was missing.
2. Method: the right idea was known, but the equation, graph or explanation was not set out correctly.
3. Mathematics: algebra, units, standard form or significant figures caused the error.
4. Reading: the command word, data or required comparison was missed.

Your largest group should receive the most revision time. A student with a unit-conversion problem does not need to reread the whole electricity chapter.

Use a three-part study session

A useful session can fit into 45 to 75 minutes:

• Recall: write definitions, equations or a process from memory.
• Apply: attempt a small set of questions without notes.
• Correct: mark the work, explain each error and retry one question from a blank page.

The correction stage matters most. Merely checking an answer and moving on creates familiarity, not reliable recall.

Revise differently in Year 10 and Year 11

In Year 10, follow the order being taught at school. Build accurate notes, equations, units and topic practice before attempting many full papers. The aim is to prevent gaps from accumulating.

In Year 11, use mocks and timed work to decide priorities. Mix topic repair with paper-specific practice. Full papers become more useful once most content has been covered, because they reveal timing, question selection and stamina as well as knowledge.

Build an error log you will actually use

Keep the log short. Record the date, topic, question type, reason for the error and the rule that will prevent it next time. Review the log before the next timed paper, then mark whether the error repeated.

A useful rule is specific: “convert mA to A before using V = IR.” A vague rule such as “be more careful” will not change behaviour.

How much should you revise?

There is no single weekly total that suits every student. Begin with a schedule you can repeat. Increase it when the examination is close or when marked work shows a larger gap. Protect sleep and schoolwork, because exhausted revision becomes passive very quickly.

The Year 10 and Year 11 pathways provide stage-specific versions of this system. Use the topic question bank for short practice and official papers for timed rehearsal.