IGCSE Physics

Additional information for England, Wales and Northern IrelandOverlapping qualificationsEvery qualification is assigned to a national classification code indicating the subject area to which it belongs.Candidates who enter for more than one qualification with the same classification code will only have onegrade (the highest) counted for the purpose of the school and college performance tables. Centres maywish to advise candidates that, if they take two qualifications with the same classification code, colleges arevery likely to take the view that they have achieved only one of the two qualifications. Candidates who haveany doubts about their subject combinations should seek advice, either from their centre or the institution towhich they wish to progress.Spiritual, moral, ethical, social, economic and cultural issuesSpiritualCandidates are encouraged to develop a sense of wonder at the simplicity and universality of physicallaws and how these order and give meaning to our view of the ways that nature works. They have theopportunity to study physical systems from atomic systems to the solar system, helping them to develop anappreciation of the variety and immensity of the natural world.Moral and ethicalIn the course of their practical work, candidates will gain an understanding of the scientific method andthe importance of integrity in reporting results. They also have the opportunity to discuss how scientificdevelopments in the modern world (for example, nuclear power, hydroelectric dams), often pose ethical aswell as technological problems.Social and culturalThrough their practical work, candidates have the chance to develop their ability to work as a team, whereappropriate, and to value others’ ideas.Sustainable development, health and safety considerations, and internationaldevelopmentsEnvironmental issuesCandidates have many opportunities to explore the role of applications of physics, for good or ill, in thecommunity and environment. In particular, they study concerns about the containment and disposal ofradioactive materials, and issues regarding energy conversion, conservation and resources.Health and safety issuesCandidates must follow good health and safety practice in the laboratory. They also learn about the hazardsassociated with electricity and gain an understanding of safety measures. Candidates must also understandthe safety issues raised by working with radioactive materials and radiation.The international dimensionThroughout the course, candidates learn that the laws and language of physics are universal and transcendnational and cultural boundaries. Teachers have the opportunity to discuss with their candidates howinternational collaboration in science is often needed to tackle global problems, such as issues surroundingglobal warming and radioactive waste disposal.Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625. Syllabus for examination in 2015.55