The syllabus document is a critical resource for IGCSE Physics revision. Every exam question is based directly on a syllabus learning objective. If you can do everything the syllabus says, you can answer every question on the paper.
Where to find the syllabus
Search for “Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 2026 syllabus” on the Cambridge Assessment International Education website. The document is a free PDF.
How the syllabus is structured
The syllabus has these key sections:
- Overview (exam structure, paper weightings)
- Content (the six topics, with Core and Supplement learning objectives)
- Mathematical requirements (the maths skills you need)
- Practical skills (what Paper 5/6 tests)
Using the syllabus as a revision checklist
Step 1: Print the content section
Print or save the pages that list all learning objectives for Topics 1 to 6.
Step 2: Traffic-light each objective
Go through every learning objective and mark it:
- Green: I can do this confidently (define it, calculate it, explain it without notes).
- Amber: I partly understand this but need more practice.
- Red: I do not understand this or have not studied it yet.
Step 3: Revise red and amber objectives
Your revision plan is now written for you. Focus on red objectives first (these are marks you are currently losing), then amber.
Step 4: Re-check after revision
After revising a red or amber objective, test yourself. Can you now do what the objective asks? If yes, change it to green. If not, revise again or get help.
What the syllabus language tells you
The syllabus uses specific verbs that match exam command words:
| Syllabus verb | What you need to do |
|---|---|
| State | Recall the fact from memory |
| Define | Give the precise definition |
| Describe | Say what happens (observations, process, pattern) |
| Explain | Say what happens AND why (mechanism, physics principle) |
| Calculate | Use a formula and given values to find an answer |
| Determine | Find an answer from data, a graph or an experiment |
| Sketch | Draw a diagram or graph showing the correct shape/pattern |
| Compare | State similarities and differences |
If the syllabus says “explain”, you need to be able to explain, not just state.
Core vs Extended (Supplement)
In the content section, learning objectives are marked as Core (C) or Supplement (S).
- Core objectives are tested in Papers 1 and 3.
- Supplement objectives (marked with a grey tint or S) are ADDITIONAL content tested only in Papers 2 and 4.
- Extended candidates must learn BOTH Core and Supplement.
If you are an Extended candidate, make sure your revision covers the Supplement objectives. These tend to involve harder calculations and more detailed explanations.
The mathematical requirements section
Do not skip this section. It lists every mathematical skill the exam expects:
- Rearranging equations
- Plotting and interpreting graphs
- Using standard form
- Converting units with prefixes
- Calculating gradients and areas under graphs
If any of these skills are weak, address them before focusing on physics content, because they affect performance across all topics.
Apply this study skill next
Need a Plan Based on Actual Work?
A private taught trial can help distinguish whether the repeated difficulty is mainly Physics knowledge, Mathematics, practical reasoning or exam technique before regular lessons are discussed.