How to get an A* in IGCSE Physics 0625

Only Extended candidates can get an A*. Core papers are capped at grade C. On the Extended route you normally sit Paper 2 (multiple choice), Paper 4 (theory) and Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical) or Paper 5 (Practical Test).

Paper 4 is worth half your grade, so long written and calculation answers matter most. Paper 2 rewards speed and accuracy, and Paper 6 rewards careful practical technique on paper.

Tip: Read the paper-structure guide so you know the marks and timings before your first mock.

You are not given an equation sheet. Every equation in the syllabus must be recalled and used. Make a list of them all, with symbols, words and units, and test yourself until you can write each one in under five seconds.

• Motion: v = s ÷ t, a = Δv ÷ Δt, F = ma, W = mg, p = mv, impulse FΔt = Δ(mv)
• Energy: Eₖ = ½mv², ΔEₚ = mgΔh, W = Fd, P = W ÷ t, efficiency = useful output ÷ total input
• Matter: ρ = m ÷ V, p = F ÷ A, Δp = ρgΔh, pV = constant, ΔE = mcΔθ
• Waves: v = fλ, n = sin i ÷ sin r, n = 1 ÷ sin c
• Electricity: Q = It, V = IR, P = IV, E = IVt, Vₚ ÷ Vₛ = Nₚ ÷ Nₛ

Free lessons: Rearranging equations · Motion

Most lost marks in physics calculations are unit slips, not physics mistakes. Convert to base units before you substitute: km to m, minutes to s, g to kg, kW to W, mA to A.

Free lesson: Units and prefixes

Write the equation, rearrange it for the quantity you want, then put the numbers in. Examiners can give method marks for a correct equation even if the final answer goes wrong.

Free lesson: Rearranging equations

• Give answers to 2 or 3 significant figures, matching the data in the question.
• Keep full calculator values in between steps and round only at the end.
• For "show that" questions, give one more significant figure than the printed value.
• Write standard form properly: 3.0 × 10⁸ m/s, not 3E8.

Free lesson: Significant figures and standard form

Graphs appear in theory and practical papers. On a distance–time graph the gradient is speed. On a speed–time graph the gradient is acceleration and the area under the line is distance travelled.

• Use a large triangle (more than half the line) for a gradient, and give it a unit.
• Label both axes with quantity and unit, for example time / s.
• Plot points to within half a small square and draw a single smooth best-fit line.

Free lessons: Graphs and gradients · Speed–time graphs and acceleration

The practical paper is 20% of the grade and follows familiar patterns. Learn the standard experiments: density, springs, specific heat capacity, refraction through a block, lenses, and resistance with an ammeter and voltmeter.

• Read scales to the nearest half of the smallest division and check for zero errors.
• Repeat readings and take an average; say how this makes results more reliable.
• Put units in table headings, not in the table body.
• Know how to reduce errors, such as viewing a scale at eye level to avoid parallax.

Free lessons: Reading scales and measuring instruments · Physical quantities and measurement techniques

1. Do one topic-based set of past questions under time pressure (about 1 minute per mark).
2. Mark it strictly with the mark scheme. No credit for "nearly".
3. Write every lost mark in an error log: what you did, what the scheme wanted.
4. Redo the wrong questions two days later without looking.
5. From about three months out, sit full papers in exam conditions every week.