Course overview
Physics looks at understanding energy, forces, mechanics, waves and atoms! It explores the physical universe around us.
Open up your future in science with our AQA GCSE Physics qualification.
Understand the forces of energy and explore how electricity works!
If you’re the sort of person who is interested in how things work, or you’re looking to develop a career in science then taking GCSE Physics might be the best thing you do.
This Higher Tier course is for those hoping to achieve grades between 4-9. For those aiming for grades 1-5, take a look at our GCSE Physics Foundation Tier.
Add on your exams and practicals to your course and we will book these for you when you are ready!
Recognition
Study method
- Online
- Blended
- In-class
Duration study load
You will have up to 1 year to complete your GCSE Physics course. This course is completely flexible, with the only deadlines being your GCSE exams taken in May or June each year.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
Pathways
- A-Level Physics
Course features
- Personal tutor support
- Dedicated student support
- Assignment marking and feedback
- Free XO Student Discounts card
- Free CV critique service
- Free employability guide to help you impress future employers
Our Study Pack Option includes:
- Comprehensive study guide
- Open Study College pen and highlighter
- Student study planner
- Document wallet
Assessment
To achieve a GCSE Higher Tier in Physics you will be assessed across the above sections. All sections will be assessed by 2 paper-based examinations. A range of practical skills for this course will be assessed through written exams. Therefore, we strongly advise you to take your practical assessments and written exams.
If you add on your exams and practicals onto your package, we will book these for you when you are ready. You will need to take these at our Birmingham exam centre so please ensure you are able to travel to this location before adding these on to your package.
If you choose not to add to your exams and practicals, you will need to book and pay for the exams yourself separately.
Course outcome
On successful completion of your exams, you will receive your AQA GCSE Physics.
Exam details
Type: Written examination
Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Weighting: 50% of GCSE
Total Marks: 100
Question type: Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response
Assessed: Topics 1-4: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; and Atomic structure
Paper 2
Type: Written examination
Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Weighting: 50% of GCSE
Total Marks: 100
Question type: Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response
Assessed: Topics 5–8: Forces; Waves; Magnetism and electromagnetism; and Space physics. Questions in Paper 2 may draw on an understanding of energy changes and transfers due to heating, mechanical and electrical work and the concept of energy conservation from Energy and Electricity.
Delivery
This course enables you to study for GCSE Physics by distance learning at home or at work. Your course materials will be sent by post or online, so receiving your materials is easy and hassle-free. Full tutor support will be available via email, so help is only a click away.
Subjects
- Energy changes in a system
- Ways energy is stored before and after changes
- Conservation and dissipation of energy
- National and global energy resource
- Current, potential difference and resistance
- Series and parallel circuits
- Domestic uses and safety
- Energy transfers
- Static electricity
- Changes of state and the particle model
- Internal energy and energy transfers
- Particle model and pressure
- Atoms and isotopes
- Atoms and nuclear radiation
- Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions and of background radiation
- Nuclear Fission and Fusion
- Forces and their interactions
- Work done and energy transfer
- Forces and elasticity
- Moments, levers and gears
- Pressure and pressure difference in fluids
- Forces and motion
- Momentum
- Waves in air, fluids and solids
- Electromagnetic waves
- Black body radiation
- Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and fields
- The motor effect
- Induced potential, transformers and the National Grid
- Solar system; stability of orbital motions; satellites
- Red-shift
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