Cambridge IGCSE Physical Science
The Cambridge IGCSE Physical Science syllabus helps learners to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. It is a single award qualification, earning one grade. They learn about the basic principles of Physical Science through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. As they progress, learners gain an understanding of how science is studied and practised, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment.
Aims of the Syllabus
The aims are to-
• Provide an enjoyable and worthwhile educational experience for all learners, whether or not they go on to study science beyond this level
• Enable learners to acquire sufficient knowledge and understanding to:
– Become confident citizens in a technological world and develop an informed interest in scientific matters
– Be suitably prepared for studies beyond Cambridge IGCSE
• Allow learners to recognise that science is evidence-based and understand the usefulness, and the limitations, of scientific method
• Develop skills that-
– Are relevant to the study and practice of science
– Are useful in everyday life
– Encourage a systematic approach to problem-solving
– Encourage efficient and safe practice
– Encourage effective communication through the language of science
• Develop attitudes relevant to science such as-
– Concern for accuracy and precision
– Objectivity
– Integrity
– Enquiry
– Initiative
– Inventiveness
• Enable learners to appreciate that-
– Science is subject to social, economic, technological, ethical and cultural influences and limitations
– The applications of science may be both beneficial and detrimental to the individual, the community and the environment.
Syllabus
Chemistry
- The particulate nature of matter
- Experimental techniques
- Atoms, elements and compounds
- Stoichiometry
- Electricity and chemistry
- Energy changes in chemical reactions
- Acids, bases and salts
- The Periodic Table
- Metals
- Air and water
- Carbonates
- Organic chemistry
Physics
- General physics
- Thermal physics
- Properties of waves, including light and sound
- Electricity and magnetism
- Atomic physics
Objectives of Assessment
1. Knowledge with understanding
Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
• Scientific phenomena, facts, laws, definitions, concepts and theories
• Scientific vocabulary, terminology and conventions (including symbols, quantities and units)
• Scientific instruments and apparatus, including techniques of operation and aspects of safety
• Scientific and technological applications with their social, economic and environmental implications.
2. Handling information and problem solving
Candidates should be able, in words or using other written forms of presentation (i.e. symbolic, graphical and numerical), to-
• Locate, select, organise and present information from a variety of sources
• Translate information from one form to another
• Manipulate numerical and other data
• Use information to identify patterns, report trends and draw inferences
• Present reasoned explanations for phenomena, patterns and relationships
• Make predictions and hypotheses
• Solve problems, including some of a quantitative nature.
3. Experimental skills and investigations
Candidates should be able to:
• Demonstrate knowledge of how to safely use techniques, apparatus and materials (including following a sequence of instructions where appropriate)
• Plan experiments and investigations
• Make and record observations, measurements and estimates
• Interpret and evaluate experimental observations and data
• Evaluate methods and suggest possible improvements.
Assessment
Paper 1
45 minutes
A multiple-choice paper consisting of 40 items of the four-choice type. Questions will be based on the Core syllabus content.
40 marks
Weighted at 30% of the final total mark.
Externally assessed.
Paper 2
45 minutes
A multiple-choice paper consisting of 40 items of the four-choice type. Questions will be based on the Extended syllabus content (Core and Supplement).
40 marks
Weighted at 30% of the final total mark.
Externally assessed.
Paper 3
1 hour 15 minutes
A written paper consisting of short-answer and structured questions. Questions will be based on the Core syllabus content.
80 marks
Weighted at 50% of the final total mark.
Externally assessed.
Paper 4
1 hour 15 minutes
A written paper consisting of short-answer and structured questions. Questions will be based on the Extended syllabus content (Core and Supplement).
80 marks
Weighted at 50% of the final total mark.
Externally assessed.
Paper 5
1 hour 15 minutes
Practical Test
Questions will be based on the experimental skills in Section 6.
40 marks
Weighted at 20% of the final total mark.
Externally assessed.
(OR)
Paper 6
1 hour
Alternative to Practical
Questions will be based on the experimental skills in Section 6.
40 marks
Weighted at 20% of the final total mark.
Externally assessed.
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