Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) Physics 0972

Syllabus overview

Cambridge IGCSE Physics (9-1) helps learners to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. The syllabus includes the basic principles and concepts that are fundamental to the subject, some current applications of physics, and a strong emphasis on practical skills.

Learners also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for progression to Cambridge International AS & A Level, higher education or a career in science.

This syllabus is graded from 9 to 1 but is otherwise the same as Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625). You will find additional past papers and other resources for Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625); these may be useful for teaching Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) Physics (0972).

Syllabuses

The syllabus year refers to the year in which the examination will be taken.

2023-2025 Syllabus (PDF, 956KB)
- 2023-2025 Syllabus update (PDF, 150KB)

Syllabus updates

Summary of the changes
- We revise our qualifications regularly to make sure that they continue to meet the needs of learners, schools and higher education institutions around the world and reflect current thinking. We have updated this syllabus and all assessment materials so they are clearer and more consistent across the three sciences. This is helpful for teachers who are teaching more than one science syllabus, and students who will enjoy a more coherent experience across each science. Please see the 2023–2025 syllabus document for full details on the changes.
  
  What are the main changes to the syllabus?
  
  To support teachers and learners, we have:
  - updated the learning objectives to demonstrate the depth you should teach each topic. The wording looks different in many places, but the teaching content remains largely the same
  - updated the topic structure to make sure topics and sub-topics are clearly linked
  - removed and added topics; including the new addition of space physics, making sure that the teaching time is still within the guided learning hours
  - reviewed the balance and progression between core and supplement.
  What are the main changes to the assessment?
  
  There are no assessment changes.
  
  When do these changes take place?
  
  The updated syllabus is for examination from June 2023 onwards. Please see the 2023-2025 syllabus for full details.
Teaching and learning resources
- Support
  
  Visit the School Support Hub for a wide range of teaching and learning resources to support this syllabus.
  
  Training
  
  To book a place on any of our face to face of online training courses , visit our Events and training calendar.
  
  Endorsed resources
  View the latest resources from our Endorsement Partners for this updated syllabus.
  
  Cambridge IGCSE Physics (Third edition) (Collins)
  
  This course provides complete coverage of the updated Cambridge IGCSE Physics syllabus and is packed full of questions, in-depth content, practical investigative skills features and more.
  
  Read more on the Collins website
  
  Physics for Cambridge IGCSE (Third edition) (Cambridge University Press)
  
  New editions fully support the syllabus. Through extensive research they are designed to meet specific challenges through targeted support and dedicated components that focus on essential, practical, maths and English language skills in science.
  
  Read more on the Cambridge University Press website
  
  Cambridge IGCSE Physics (Fourth edition) (Hodder Education)
  
  Written by renowned expert authors, our updated resources enable the learner to effectively navigate through the content of the updated Cambridge IGCSE Physics syllabus.
  
  Read more on the Hodder Education website
  
  Marshall Cavendish Education Cambridge IGCSE Physics (Marshall Cavendish Education)
  
  This series is supported by an inquiry-based approach that empowers learners with the content knowledge and skills they need. Extensive support and scaffolding are provided to relate concepts across topics and foster a deeper understanding of concepts.
  
  Read more on the Marshall Cavendish Education website

Important notices

Syllabus availability
- In June, this syllabus is available in Administrative zone 3 and for centres in Oman and UAE. In November, this syllabus is available in Administrative zone 3 only. Check the administrative zones for your school.
Grading scale
- Please note that if you make an entry for the 9-1 grading scale, it is not then possible to switch to the A*-G grading scale once the entries deadline has passed. If you find that you have accidentally made an entry for the 9-1 syllabus, you must withdraw and re-enter before the entries deadline.
Cambridge Upper Secondary Science competition
- Find out more about our competition for Cambridge IGCSE students aged 14-16.
Grade descriptions
- For some subjects, the syllabus states that grade descriptions will be made available after first assessment in 2020, 2021 or 2022.
  
  Publication of grade descriptions was paused in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the temporary changes to the grading standard that have been in place for 2020, 2021 and 2022. We are currently working on producing these grade descriptions. This work will make sure that grade descriptions reflect examination outcomes appropriately and are based on the more stable grading standard that we expect to have in place for June 2023 onwards.

School Support Hub

We provide a wide range of support so that teachers can give their learners the best possible preparation for Cambridge programmes and qualifications. For teachers at registered Cambridge schools, support materials for specific syllabuses are available from the School Support Hub (username and password required).

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Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) Physics 0972

Syllabus overview

Syllabuses

Syllabus updates

What are the main changes to the syllabus?

What are the main changes to the assessment?

When do these changes take place?

Support

Training

Endorsed resources

Important notices

School Support Hub

Stay up to date