Syllabus
Cambridge IGCSE Physics Syllabus code 0625For examination in June and November 2011
Note for Exams Officers: Before making Final Entries, please check availability of the codes for the components and options in the E3 booklet (titled Procedures for the Submission of Entries) relevant to the exam session. Please note that component and option codes are subject to change.
Contents
Cambridge IGCSE PhysicsSyllabus code 0625
1. Introduction ..................................................................................... 21.1 Why choose Cambridge?1.2 Why choose Cambridge IGCSE Physics?1.3 Cambridge International Certificate of Education (ICE)1.4 How can I find out more?
2. Assessment at a glance .................................................................. 5
3. Syllabus aims and assessment ....................................................... 63.1 Aims3.2 Assessment objectives3.3 Scheme of assessment3.4 Weightings3.5 Exam combinations3.6 Conventions
4. Curriculum content ........................................................................ 12
5. Practical assessment ..................................................................... 305.1 Paper 4: Coursework5.2 Paper 5: Practical test5.3 Paper 6: Alternative to Practical
6. Appendix ....................................................................................... 386.1 Grade descriptions6.2 Symbols, units and definitions of physical quantities6.3 Glossary of terms used in science papers6.4 Mathematical requirements6.5 Resource list6.6 ICT6.7 Procedures for external moderation Forms
Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625. Examination in June and November 2011. UCLES 2008
2Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625. Examination in June and November 2011.
1. Introduction
1.1 Why choose Cambridge?University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) is the worlds largest provider of international qualifications. Around 1.5 million students from 150 countries enter Cambridge examinations every year. What makes educators around the world choose Cambridge?
RecognitionCambridge IGCSE is internationally recognised by schools, universities and employers as equivalent to UK GCSE. They are excellent preparation for A/AS Level, the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), US Advanced Placement Programme and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. Learn more at www.cie.org.uk/recognition.
SupportCIE provides a world-class support service for teachers and exams officers. We offer a wide range of teacher materials to Centres, plus teacher training (online and face-to-face) and candidate support materials. Exams officers can trust in reliable, efficient administration of exams entry and excellent, personal support from CIE Customer Services. Learn more at www.cie.org.uk/teachers.
Excellence in educationCambridge qualifications develop successful candidates. They not only build understanding and knowledge required for progression, but also learning and thinking skills that help students become independent learners and equip them for life.
Not-for-profit, part of the University of CambridgeCIE is part of Cambridge Assessment, a not-for-profit organisation and part of the University of Cambridge. The needs of teachers and learners are at the core of what we do. CIE invests constantly in improving its qualifications and services. We draw upon education research in developing our qualifications.
3Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625. Examination in June and November 2011.
1. Introduction
1.2 Why choose Cambridge IGCSE Physics?Cambridge IGCSE Physics is accepted by universities and employers as proof of knowledge and understanding of physics. Successful candidates gain lifelong skills, including:
confidence in a technological world, with an informed interest in scientific matters
an understanding of how scientific theories and methods have developed, and continue to develop, as a result of groups and individuals working together
an understanding that the study and practice of science are affected and limited by social, economic, technological, ethical and cultural factors
an awareness that the application of science in everyday life may be both helpful and harmful to the individual, the community and the environment
knowledge that science overcomes national boundaries and that the language of science, used correctly and thoroughly, is universal
an understanding of the usefulness (and limitations) of scientific method, and its application in other subjects and in everyday life
a concern for accuracy and precision
an understanding of the importance of safe practice
improved awareness of the importance of objectivity, integrity, enquiry, initiative and inventiveness
an interest in, and care for, the environment
an excellent foundation for advanced study in pure sciences, in applied science or in science-dependent vocational courses
1.3 Cambridge International Certificate of Education (ICE)
Cambridge ICE is the group award of the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). It requires the study of subjects drawn from the five different IGCSE subject groups. It gives schools the opportunity to benefit from offering a broad and balanced curriculum by recognising the achievements of students who pass examinations in at least seven subjects, including two languages, and one subject from each of the other subject groups.
The Cambridge portfolio of IGCSE qualifications provides a solid foundation for higher level courses such as GCE A and AS Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma as well as excellent preparation for employment.
A wide range of IGCSE subjects is available and these are grouped into five curriculum areas. Physics falls into Group III, Science.
Learn more about ICE at www.cie.org.uk/qualifications/academic/middlesec/ice.
4Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625. Examination in June and November 2011.
1. Introduction
1.4 How can I find out more?If you are already a Cambridge CentreYou can make entries for this qualification through your usual channels, such as CIE Direct. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].
If you are not a Cambridge CentreYou can find out how your organisation can become a Cambridge Centre. Email us at [email protected]. Learn more about the benefits of becoming a Cambridge Centre at www.cie.org.uk.
5Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625. Examination in June and November 2011.
2. Assessment at a glance
Cambridge IGCSE PhysicsSyllabus code 0625Cambridge IGCSE Physics candidates are awarded grades ranging from A* to G.
Candidates expected to achieve grades D, E, F or G, study the Core Curriculum only and are eligible for grades C to G.
Candidates expected to achieve grade C or higher should study the Extended Curriculum, which comprises the Core and Supplement Curriculums; these candidates are eligible for all grades from A* to G.
All candidates must enter for three papers.
All candidates take:
Paper 1 45 minutes Multiple choice question paperWeighted at 30% of total available marks
and either: or:
Paper 2 1 hour 15 minutes Core theory paperWeighted at 50% of total available marks
Paper 3 1 hour 15 minutesExtended theory paperWeighted at 50% of total available marks
and either: or: or:
Paper 4Coursework
Weighted at 20% of total available marks
Paper 5 1 hour 15 minutesPractical test
Weighted at 20% of total available marks
Paper 6 1 hourAlternative to Practicalpaper Weighted at 20% of total available marks
Alterations in the syllabus aims, assessment, content and practical assessment sections for 2011 are indicated by black vertical lines on either side of the text.
6Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625. Examination in June and November 2011.
3. Syllabus aims and assessment
3.1 AimsThe aims of the syllabus listed below describe the educational purposes of this examination. The aims of the syllabus are the same for all students and are not listed in order of priority. The aims are:
1. to provide a worthwhile educational experience for all candidates, through well designed studies of experimental and practical science, whether or not they go on to study science beyond this level
2. to enable candidates to acquire sufficient understanding and knowledge to:
become confident citizens in a technological world, to take or develop an informed interest in scientific matters
recognise the usefulness, and limitations, of scientific method and to appreciate its applicability in other disciplines and in everyday life
be suitably prepared for studies beyond IGCSE in pure sciences, in applied sciences or in science-dependent vocational courses
3. to develop abilities and skills that
are relevant to the study and practice of physics
are useful in everyday life
encourage safe practice
encourage effective communication
4. to develop attitudes relevant to physics such as
concern for accuracy and precision
objectivity
integrity
enquiry
initiative
inventiveness
5. to stimulate interest in, and care for, the environment
6. to promote an awareness that
scientific theories and methods have developed, and continue to develop, as a result of co-operative activities of groups and individuals
the study and practice of science are subject to social, economic, technological, ethical and cultural influences and limitations
the applications of science may be both beneficial and detriment
