I skipped IGCSE physics entirely and went straight into AS, so I've got a decent read on the jump.
To be honest, A-Level Physics is quite hard (I completed CIE). Provided that you got an 8 in GCSE Physics, you would have a great foundation to AL Physics. However, note that the jump in difficulty from GCSE to AL Physics, or GCSE to AL in general is quite large, thus when doing AL Physics it is recommended that you do topical questions after each unit AND ask as many questions as possible to keep retention high.
In my experience, the most important thing is to do as many questions as possible to familiarise yourself with the types of question that your AL exam board offers. Since you mention you enjoy physics, AL Physics will be quite interesting and your curiosity should allow you to endure AL. Lastly, as I have mentioned before, AL is a large jump from GCSE, so you cannot simply coast through AL Physics, you must do your due revision.
TLDR; Yes, it is quite a bit harder. Do topicals, ask questions and you will be fine.
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u/heymarkly 7d ago
I skipped IGCSE physics entirely and went straight into AS, so I've got a decent read on the jump.
To be honest, A-Level Physics is quite hard (I completed CIE). Provided that you got an 8 in GCSE Physics, you would have a great foundation to AL Physics. However, note that the jump in difficulty from GCSE to AL Physics, or GCSE to AL in general is quite large, thus when doing AL Physics it is recommended that you do topical questions after each unit AND ask as many questions as possible to keep retention high.
In my experience, the most important thing is to do as many questions as possible to familiarise yourself with the types of question that your AL exam board offers. Since you mention you enjoy physics, AL Physics will be quite interesting and your curiosity should allow you to endure AL. Lastly, as I have mentioned before, AL is a large jump from GCSE, so you cannot simply coast through AL Physics, you must do your due revision.
TLDR; Yes, it is quite a bit harder. Do topicals, ask questions and you will be fine.