Cambridge IAL Physics

By written examination, plus a timetabled practical examination for the practical skills component. The syllabus states that practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practical examination. There is no teacher-assessed coursework route described on the syllabus page, so plan your revision around both written papers and hands-on laboratory work.

The syllabus year refers to the year in which the examination will be taken. Two versions are listed: 2025–2027 and 2028–2030. Check which one covers your examination series before you buy textbooks or build a revision plan, because learning outcomes and command words may differ between versions.

Cambridge states the components stay the same and changes are fairly minor. Learning outcomes were updated to clarify the depth to which each topic should be taught, and the list of command words and their meanings was updated. The teaching content remains largely the same, so older resources are still useful if you check them against the current syllabus.

The syllabus includes the main theoretical concepts fundamental to physics, some current applications of physics, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills. It builds on skills acquired at Cambridge IGCSE or equivalent level. The emphasis is on understanding concepts and applying physics ideas in novel contexts, not just recalling facts.

It assumes IGCSE-level skills as a starting point and adds greater depth, more demanding problem-solving and a practical examination. The stated emphasis on applying ideas in novel contexts and on creative thinking and problem-solving means questions reward transfer, not memorised answers. If your IGCSE algebra and graph work is shaky, strengthen it early.

Yes. The qualification is offered as Cambridge International AS Level and as the full Cambridge International A Level, with the A Level extending beyond the AS content. Many candidates take the AS in one series and continue to the full A Level afterwards. Confirm the staged route and entry deadlines with your Cambridge school or approved exam centre.

Treating physics as recall rather than application is the big one: the emphasis throughout is on understanding concepts and applying physics ideas in novel contexts. A second is neglecting practical work, since practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practical examination and cannot be crammed from a textbook. A third is ignoring the command words, whose meanings the syllabus defines.

Start from the learning outcomes of your syllabus version, which clarify the depth to which each topic should be taught. Work topic by topic, checking each outcome against your notes. Run practical work alongside theory rather than leaving it until the end. Finish with timed practice applying ideas to unfamiliar contexts, and review the command words before the exam.

Teachers at registered Cambridge schools can access the School Support Hub, which hosts schemes of work, past papers, example candidate responses and specimen paper answers. The syllabus page also links endorsed resources from publishers, plus factsheets on managing science practicals and practical science. Private candidates should ask their exam centre what support they can access.

The syllabus page notes that examinations are available in March 2022 (India only), alongside the main series. Availability can differ by country and by series, so check the current Cambridge timetable or ask your school or approved exam centre rather than assuming a March sitting is open to you.