GCSE Physics
Before going on with gcse physics, here's a brief on physics itself. Physics is the study of the physical universe. It studies energy, forces, mechanics, atoms and waves. Physics is one of the oldest sciences. Initially, physics was considered as part of natural philosophy but with the scientific revolution of the 17th century it emerged, along with other natural sciences, as a unique field of research on its own.
Physics interacts with other scientific disciplines such as biophysics and new ideas in physics are constantly being developed, as well as new products and innovation in existing products.
There are several bodies that conduct GCSE physics online exams and offer qualifications in GCSE Physics. Though each has its own syllabus, the general coverage of topics is about the same. These bodies are
- AQA
- CCEA
- Edexcel
- Eduqas
- OCR
- WJEC
We shall take a look at the syllabus of each body, so that you get a clear idea of what each body requires and thus will be able to make an informed choice on the examining entity for physics gcse.
AQA Physics Syllabus
AQA is an education charity that conducts GCSE exams, among others. It also offers resources for teachers such as research programs and training. AQA conducts a majority of the GCSEs and A-Level exams in the UK, and its qualifications are accepted across the world.
The AQA Syllabus hold following physics gcse topics:
| Topics | Sub-topics |
| Energy | Changes in energy stores Work, power and efficiency Energy and heating Energy demands |
| Electricity | Electric circuits Mains electricity Static electricity |
| Particle model of matter | Density of materials Temperature changes and energy Particles in gases |
| Atomic structure | Models of the atom Atoms, isotopes and ions Radioactive decay Uses and dangers of radiation Nuclear fission and fusion |
| Forces | Scalar and vector quantities Contact and non-contact forces Gravity Forces and elasticity Moments, levers and gears Pressure in fluids Describing motion Forces, acceleration and Newton's Laws Momentum - Higher |
| Waves | Properties of waves Transverse and longitudinal waves Reflection and refraction Sound and ultrasound - Higher Lenses Black body radiation |
| Magnetism and electromagnetism | Magnetic fields Electromagnets Electromagnetic induction - Higher Transformers - Higher |
| Space physics | The Solar System The life cycle of a star The expanding Universe |
| Practicals |
CCEA GCSE Physics Syllabus
CCEA, or Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment, is a non-departmental public body funded by the Department of Education (DE).
The CCEA GCSE Syllabus for Physics is as follows:
| Topics | Sub-topics |
| Motion | Types of motion Distance-time graphs |
| Force | Force and Newton's laws Mass and weight Hooke's law Pressure Moment of a force |
| Kinetic theory | Measuring density States of matter |
| Energy | Energy forms Energy resources Work, power and efficiency Kinetic and gravitational potential energy Heat transfer |
| Atomic and nuclear physics | The structure of the atom The structure of the nucleus Radioactive decay and half-life The dangers and uses of radiation Nuclear fission Nuclear fusion |
| Waves | Types of wave Amplitude, wavelength and frequency Reflection and refraction of waves Echoes and sonar Electromagnetic waves and radar |
| Light | Reflection and refraction of light Critical angle and total internal reflection - Higher Lenses |
| Electricity | Conductors and insulators Charge, current and voltage Ohm’s law, electric power and energy Calculating resistance Electricity in the home |
| Magnetism and electromagnetism | Magnetic fields The motor effect - Higher The a.c. generator The transformer |
| Space physics | The solar system Stars The Universe Space travel and life on other planets |
| Practicals | Speed and height Hooke's law The principle of moments Mass and volume Personal power Angles of incidence and refraction Ohm's law The resistance of a metallic conductor The strength of a magnetic field |
Edexcel Physics Syllabus
Pearson, an academic body, offers qualifications in various subjects under the brand name of Pearson Edexcel. These qualifications are accepted by a wide number of institutions and employers across the world. It also gives resources like edexcel gcse physics past papers for students and also provides technical support to teachers.
The syllabus for the Edexcel GCSE physics is as follows:
- Key concepts of Physics: Base units and derived units in the SI Units system
| Topics | Sub-topics |
| Motion and forces | Scalar and vector quantities Motion Newton's laws Momentum - Higher Motion of vehicles |
| Conservation of energy | Changes in energy Efficiency Energy sources |
| Waves | Properties of waves Reflection and refraction Sound and ultrasound |
| Light and the EM spectrum | The behaviour of light Lenses Electromagnetic waves |
| Radioactivity | Atoms Nuclear radiation Uses and dangers of radioactivity Nuclear power |
| Astronomy | Changes in energy Power and efficiency |
| Forces and their effects | Forces Effects of forces |
| Electricity and circuits | Electric circuits Mains electricity |
| Static electricity | |
| Magnetism and the motor effect | Magnets and magnetic fields Electromagnets - Higher |
| Electromagnetic induction | Electromagnetic induction Transformers |
| The particle model | Density of materials Temperature changes and energy Particles in gases |
| Forces and matter | Forces and elasticity Pressure in fluids |
| Practicals |
Eduqas Physics Syllabus
Eduqas is the English brand name of the WJEC examination board. Qualifications that were being offered in England by WJEC are now called Eduqas and those offered in Wales continue to be called WJEC.
The Eduqas GCSE Physics syllabus is as follows:
| Topics | Sub-topics |
| Energy | Energy changes in a system Specific heat capacity and latent heat Conservation, dissipation and energy sources Energy transfers |
| Particle model of matter | Density of materials Particles in gases |
| Forces | Forces and their interactions Forces and change of shape Pressure and pressure differences in fluids Moments, levers and gears |
| Forces and motion | Describing motion using graphs and equations Forces, acceleration and Newton's laws of motion Safety in vehicles |
| Waves in matter | Properties of waves Reflection and refraction Sound and ultrasound - Higher |
| Light and EM waves | Electromagnetic waves Lenses Black body radiation |
| Electricity | Current, potential difference and resistance Series and parallel circuits Static electricity - forces and electric fields Domestic uses and safety |
| Magnetism and electromagnetism | Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and fields Magnetic effects of currents and the motor effect Induced potential and transformers |
| Atomic structure | Nuclear atom and isotopes Absorption and emission of ionising radiations Nuclear fission and fusion |
| Space physics | Solar System, stability of orbital motions, satellites Red-shift, Big Bang and universal expansion |
| Practicals |
OCR 21st Century Physics Syllabus
OCR stands for Oxford, Cambridge and RSA. It conducts tests and provides certification in A-Level and GCSE in a large number of subjects.
The syllabus for OCR 21st Century is as follows:
| Topics | Sub-topics |
| Radiation and waves | What are the risks and benefits of using radiations? What is climate change and what is the evidence for it? How do waves behave? What happens when light and sound meet different materials? |
| Sustainable energy | How much energy do we use? How can electricity be generated? |
| Electric circuits | What is electric charge? What determines the current in an electric circuit? How do series and parallel circuits work? What determines the rate of energy transfer in a circuit? What are magnetic fields? How do electric motors work? - Higher What is the process inside an electric generator? - Higher |
| Explaining motion | What are forces? How can we describe motion? What is the connection between forces and motion? How can we describe motion in terms of energy transfers? |
| Radioactive materials | What is radioactivity? How can radioactive materials be used safely? How can radioactive materials be used to provide energy? |
| Matter - models and explanations | How does energy transform matter? How does the particle model explain the effects of heating? How does the particle model relate to material under stress? How does the particle model relate to pressure in fluids? How can scientific models help us understand the Big Bang? |
| Ideas about science | What needs to be considered when investigating a phenomenon? What processes are needed to draw conclusions from data? How are scientific explanations developed? How do science and technology impact society? |
| Practicals |
OCR Gateway GCSE Physics Syllabus
The OCR Gateway Syllabus for GCSE Physics is as follows:
| Topics | Sub-topics |
| Energy | Energy stores and transfers Power and efficiency |
| Electricity | Static and charge Circuits Resistance |
| Matter | The particle model and density Energy, temperature and change of state Particles in gases |
| Radioactivity | Radioactive emissions Uses and dangers of radioactivity |
| Forces | Scalar and vector quantities Motion Newton's laws Momentum, work and power Forces and elasticity Mass, weight and gravitational field strength Moments, levers and gears Pressure |
| Waves in matter | Properties of waves Reflection, refraction, and sound waves Properties, uses and hazards of electromagnetic waves Lenses and ray diagrams Visible light and colour |
| Magnetism and magnetic forces | Magnetic fields Uses of magnetism - Higher Electromagnetic induction - Higher Transformers - Higher |
| Global challenges | Everyday motion Energy demands and resources The National Grid and mains electricity The expanding Universe The Solar System, orbital motion and stars Uses of waves and electromagnetic radiation |
| Practicals |
WJEC GCSE Physics Syllabus
WJEC is the largest academic awarding body in Wales. A charitable organisation, it can trace its roots back to 1948. Since 2015 it is the sole qualification provider for state funded schools and colleges for a large number of academic courses.
The WJEC GCSE Physics syllabus is as follows:
| Topics | Sub-topics |
| Electricity, energy and waves | Electric circuits Generating electricity Making use of energy Domestic electricity Features of waves The total internal reflection of waves Seismic waves Kinetic theory Electromagnetism |
| Forces, space and radioactivity | Distance, speed and acceleration Newton’s Laws Work and energy Further motion concepts Stars and planets The Universe Types of radiation Half-life Nuclear decay and nuclear energy |
| Practicals |
Methods to Prepare GCSE Physics
As can be seen, the GCSE Physics syllabus in most of the bodies is very detailed. It therefore helps to begin preparation for the examination well in advance by using GCSE physics equation sheet
The best way forward is to first pick the awarding body, whether AQA, Edexcel or any of the others. Once you have decided on the body, you can obtain sample test papers for the syllabus of that particular organisation. This helps you prepare fully using the right syllabus.
Also check online if there are video tutorials on the GCSE physics specification or specific topics for the syllabus chosen. These are very helpful in grasping the GCSE physics equations, concepts and details of each topic.
Once you have studied the topics you can attempt the test papers. Approach the gcse physics past papers and practice tests exactly as you would the final examination. Set a start and end time and inform family and friends that you are not to be disturbed for the duration of the practice. This will help you learn to pace yourself so that you answer the papers accurately and with enough time to spare to check your answers.
Practising often and diligently will help you identify topics that you haven’t grasped well. You can then study those topics more thoroughly so that you can tackle the GCSE Physics exam confidently.
