Choose an IGCSE Physical Science tutor who teaches both chemistry and physics at Cambridge 0652 level, builds calculation skills step by step and practises the practical-style questions on the papers. Physical Science combines the two physical sciences in a single award. Students are often stronger in one half than the other, so the tutor’s first job is to find the weaker half. This guide explains the course and how to choose a tutor.

Written by Tutopiya, an online tutoring company that teaches Cambridge IGCSE sciences one-to-one.

Key takeaways

• 0652 covers chemistry and physics in one award.
• Calculations are the most common source of lost marks.
• Find the weaker half first, then plan lessons around it.
• Check sixth-form requirements if A Level sciences are planned.

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What is IGCSE Physical Science?

Cambridge IGCSE Physical Science (0652) is a single-award science qualification that covers chemistry and physics, without biology. It includes practical skills and data handling, and offers Core and Extended routes. See Cambridge’s 0652 page.

Option	Sciences covered	Grades
Physical Science (0652)	Chemistry and physics	One
Combined Science (0653)	All three	One
Co-ordinated Sciences (0654)	All three	Two
Separate sciences	One each	One per science

Where do students lose marks?

Most lost marks come from calculations, especially moles and physics equations with units, followed by vague explanations of processes. Typical trouble spots:

• Chemistry: moles, balancing equations, electrolysis, rates.
• Physics: forces and motion, energy, electricity, waves.
• Both: reading graphs and describing experiments.

Our Cambridge IGCSE chemistry tutors and Cambridge IGCSE physics tutors cover the same content that Physical Science draws on.

Signs your child needs a tutor

• one half of the course much weaker;
• calculation marks low in tests;
• unfamiliar with practical-style questions;
• missing Extended-level depth.

How to choose a Physical Science tutor: step by step

1. Confirm the syllabus is 0652 and the tier.
2. Check test results for chemistry and physics separately.
3. Book a trial lesson on the weaker half.
4. Watch how the tutor teaches calculations: step by step with units.
5. Ask about practical-skills practice.
6. Agree a plan that balances both halves.

What should a good tutor offer?

What to check	Why it matters
Chemistry and physics	Both are assessed
Calculation method	Structured working earns marks
Tier awareness	Core and Extended differ
Practical skills	Tested in the papers
Past-paper practice	Builds timing

A simple method for calculations

1. Write the equation before substituting.
2. Convert units first.
3. Substitute values clearly.
4. Calculate and round sensibly.
5. Add units to the answer.

What does a good lesson look like?

1. A quick recap of the previous topic.
2. One weak topic taught with examples.
3. A calculation and an explanation question.
4. Marking with the mark scheme.
5. A short practice set.

Is Physical Science right for A Level sciences?

It can be, but students heading to A Level Chemistry or Physics may need extra depth, especially in calculations, so check the sixth form’s entry requirements early. A tutor can bridge the gap in the summer before Year 12; see our guide to IGCSE to A Level bridging tutoring.

How parents can help

• ask which half feels harder and why;
• check homework includes calculations;
• keep the exam timetable visible.

Questions to ask a tutor

1. Do you teach both chemistry and physics at IGCSE?
2. Have you taught 0652 specifically?
3. How do you teach calculations?

How much tutoring is enough?

One hour a week suits most students, focusing on the weaker half, with more before mocks.

Chemistry vs physics: typical weak spots

Chemistry	Physics
Mole calculations	Rearranging equations
Balancing equations	Unit conversions
Electrolysis products	Circuit calculations
Rates of reaction graphs	Speed-time graphs
Organic chemistry names	Wave properties

Practical-skills questions

Practical questions ask students to plan a method, identify variables, record results in a table, draw graphs and suggest improvements. These skills are similar in chemistry and physics, so practising them in one half helps the other. A tutor can work through classic experiments, such as measuring the rate of a reaction or the resistance of a wire, until the pattern is familiar.

A sample term plan

Weeks	Focus
1–2	Diagnostic across both halves
3–6	Weaker half: core calculations
7–9	Stronger half: Extended-level depth
10–12	Mixed past-paper practice

How Tutopiya tutoring works

Tutopiya offers one-to-one online Cambridge IGCSE science tutoring.

• A tutor who teaches both physical sciences.
• A free first trial lesson, with no card needed.
• From 4 hours a month per subject. Each tutor sets their own rate, shown before booking.
• AI lesson analysis gives a summary, flashcards and quiz questions after each lesson.

See our IGCSE Physics tuition page and IGCSE Chemistry tuition page.

Common mistakes

• Ignoring the weaker half → find it and target it.
• Skipping units → convert and label every answer.
• Vague explanations → use precise terms.
• No practical practice → practise experiment questions.

Talk to us

For related advice, see our guides to an IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences tutor and choosing an IGCSE physics tutor. Or contact our team.

Summary: choose a Physical Science tutor who teaches both chemistry and physics for 0652, builds calculation skills and practises practical-style questions.

Frequently asked questions

What is IGCSE Physical Science? +

Cambridge IGCSE Physical Science (0652) is a single-award qualification covering chemistry and physics, without biology. It suits students who want both physical sciences in one IGCSE.

Is Physical Science enough for A Level Chemistry or Physics? +

Some sixth forms accept it, but requirements vary. Students may need extra depth before A Level, so check with the school your child plans to attend.

Where do students struggle most? +

Usually in calculations: moles in chemistry and equations with units in physics. Precise explanations and practical-style questions also cost marks.

Can one tutor teach both parts? +

Yes. Many tutors teach both chemistry and physics at IGCSE level, which suits Physical Science well.

Does Tutopiya offer Physical Science tutors? +

Yes. Tutopiya's curriculum includes Cambridge IGCSE Physical Science, taught one-to-one online. The first trial lesson is free with no card required.

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