Understanding the Exam Boards: AQA, Edexcel & OCR
GCSE Physics is offered by three main exam boards in the UK. While covering the same core content, each has unique characteristics. Jump to exam board past papers strategies →
AQA
Clear question structure with consistent mark schemes. Great for systematic learners.
Edexcel
Emphasis on data analysis, graphs, and mathematical skills in physics context.
OCR (Gateway)
Real-world applications and practical scenarios. Focuses on understanding over memorization.
Combined Science vs Separate Science
Combined Science (Trilogy): Physics, Chemistry & Biology together = 2 GCSEs. Less content, shorter exams.
Separate Science Physics: Standalone subject = 1 GCSE. More depth, additional topics, longer papers.
Tip: If you're considering A-Level Physics, take Separate Science! Jump to Grade 9 techniques →
Key Topics to Master in GCSE Physics
GCSE Physics covers 8 major topic areas. Here's your complete roadmap:
1. Forces & Motion
Key Equations (Must Memorize):
Practice these concepts: Work through our GCSE Physics forces and motion practice questions with worked solutions.
2. Energy & Power
Essential Energy Equations:
Master energy concepts: Try our energy and power practice questions to build confidence.
3. Waves & Electromagnetic Spectrum
Wave Equations:
4. Electricity & Magnetism
Electricity Equations (Memorize These):
Practice circuits: Work through our GCSE Physics electricity and circuits practice questions.
5. Atomic Structure & Radioactivity
Essential Physics Equations to Memorize
Equations NOT on Formula Sheet
You MUST memorize these equations - they won't be provided in the exam:
- density = mass / volume (ρ = m/V)
- speed = distance / time (v = s/t)
- acceleration = change in velocity / time (a = Δv/t)
- force = mass × acceleration (F = ma)
- weight = mass × g (W = mg)
- work done = force × distance (W = Fs)
- kinetic energy = 0.5 × mass × velocity² (KE = ½mv²)
- gravitational potential energy = mass × g × height (GPE = mgh)
- power = energy / time (P = E/t)
- power = work done / time (P = W/t)
- efficiency = (useful output / total input) × 100%
- wave speed = frequency × wavelength (v = fλ)
- charge = current × time (Q = It)
- potential difference = current × resistance (V = IR)
- power = potential difference × current (P = VI)
- power = current² × resistance (P = I²R)
- energy transferred = power × time (E = Pt)
- energy transferred = charge × potential difference (E = QV)
Memorize efficiently: Use our GCSE Physics equation flashcards with spaced repetition to commit these to long-term memory.
Required Practicals Guide
You'll be tested on 10 required practicals (or 8 for Combined Science). Know the method, variables, and how to analyze results:
Physics Required Practicals (Separate Science):
- Specific Heat Capacity - Investigating temperature change
- Resistance - How length/thickness affects wire resistance
- I-V Characteristics - Current vs voltage for different components
- Density - Regular and irregular objects
- Force & Extension - Springs and Hooke's Law
- Acceleration - Down a ramp or using light gates
- Waves - Measuring wavelength, frequency, speed
- Radiation & Absorption - Investigating infrared radiation
Practical Exam Tips
- Always state independent, dependent, and control variables
- Draw tables BEFORE collecting data
- Plot graphs with rulers - use best fit lines
- Calculate gradients correctly (rise/run)
- Discuss reliability, accuracy, and precision
- Suggest improvements to method
Grade 9 Techniques & Strategies for GCSE Physics
Achieving Grade 9 in GCSE Physics requires mastery of concepts, perfect practical skills, and excellent exam technique. Here are proven Grade 9 strategies:
What Separates Grade 9 Physics Students
Grade 9 Characteristics
- Conceptual Understanding: Can explain WHY, not just WHAT
- Mathematical Fluency: Rearrange equations confidently
- Practical Excellence: Ace all required practicals
- Extended Answers: 6-mark questions answered comprehensively
- Unit Mastery: Never lose marks on units or sig figs
Grade 9 Study Techniques
1. Master Equation Manipulation
Grade 9 students can rearrange any equation instantly. Practice with:
- Rearranging for different subjects (e.g., solving V=IR for R or I)
- Combining equations (e.g., F=ma with W=mg)
- Using standard form (1.5 × 10⁸ m/s for speed of light)
- Converting units confidently (km/h to m/s, kJ to J)
Build this skill: Practice with our Higher Tier GCSE Physics calculation questions.
2. Perfect Your 6-Mark Extended Response Questions
These questions test your ability to communicate physics. For Grade 9:
- Use correct scientific terminology
- Write in logical sequence (First... Then... Finally...)
- Include specific physics principles (name the laws)
- Use equations where relevant
- Draw diagrams to support explanations
- Aim for 6-8 distinct physics points
3. Master Required Practicals Inside Out
Grade 9 requires perfect practical knowledge:
- Know the method for all 8-10 required practicals
- Identify sources of error and suggest improvements
- Calculate gradients from graphs accurately
- Understand how to make measurements more precise
- Recognize anomalous results
Grade 9 Target Scores
To achieve Grade 9 in GCSE Physics:
- Combined Science: ~77-80% across biology, chemistry, physics papers
- Separate Science: ~75-80% across both physics papers
- Per Paper: 60-65+ marks out of 80 (Paper 1 and 2)
- Key Tip: You CAN afford to drop 20% of marks - focus on maximizing strengths!
4. Higher Tier Exclusive Topics
These only appear on Higher papers - master them for Grade 9:
- Force diagrams and vector resolution
- Moments and equilibrium calculations
- Circular motion and centripetal force
- Transformers and electromagnetic induction
- Nuclear equations and decay chains
- Graph gradients representing physical quantities
How to Use AQA, Edexcel & OCR Past Papers Effectively
Past papers are essential for GCSE Physics revision. Each exam board has unique characteristics:
AQA Physics Past Papers Strategy
- AQA loves testing equation manipulation and unit conversions
- Practice their specific required practicals (methods differ slightly)
- Focus on clear, structured extended answers
- AQA mark schemes reward logical progression
Download now: Access our complete AQA Physics past papers with mark schemes.
Edexcel Physics Past Papers Strategy
- Edexcel emphasizes graph interpretation and data analysis
- Expect more multi-step calculation questions
- Practice reading values from graphs accurately
- Know how to calculate gradients and areas under graphs
Practice now: Browse our archive of Edexcel Physics past papers and specimen materials.
OCR Gateway Physics Past Papers Strategy
- OCR focuses on real-world applications and contexts
- Expect questions about uses and implications of physics
- Practice explaining concepts in everyday language
- Know advantages/disadvantages of technologies
Get prepared: Download OCR Gateway Physics past papers (J249/J250) with examiner reports.
The Physics Past Paper Method
Step 1: Complete paper under STRICT exam conditions (no equation sheet peeking!)
Step 2: Mark using official mark schemes
Step 3: For calculation errors, identify WHERE you went wrong (equation, substitution, or arithmetic?)
Step 4: Redo all incorrect questions without looking
Step 5: Create flashcards for equations you keep forgetting
Target: Complete 10-15 papers for Grade 8-9!
Proven GCSE Physics Revision Strategies
Effective physics revision combines understanding, practice, and application:
The 3-Step Physics Revision Method
- Understand: Learn the concept and WHY it works
- Memorize: Commit equations and definitions to memory
- Apply: Practice calculations and exam-style questions
Use Spaced Repetition for Equations
Physics has many equations to remember. Don't cram the night before! Use our GCSE Physics flashcard system with spaced repetition to memorize equations, definitions, and key concepts over time.
Pro Tip: The Physics 80/20 Rule
Focus 80% of revision time on these high-weight topics:
- Forces & Motion (Newton's Laws, momentum) - Practice forces questions
- Energy (calculations, transfers, efficiency) - Practice energy problems
- Electricity (circuits, power, resistance) - Practice electricity calculations
- Waves (equation, properties, spectrum) - Practice wave questions
Active Recall for Physics
Instead of passive reading:
- ✅ Do calculations without looking at the equation sheet
- ✅ Explain concepts out loud (Feynman technique)
- ✅ Draw diagrams from memory
- ✅ Test yourself with flashcards daily
- ✅ Complete practice questions after each topic
- ❌ Don't just highlight notes and formulas
Practice active recall: Try our interactive GCSE Physics practice MCQs or learn with adaptive physics lessons.
Physics Exam Technique & Tips
Before the Exam
- Equipment: Calculator, pen, pencil, ruler, protractor
- Data Sheet: Know what's on it (constants, equations)
- Calculator Skills: Standard form, powers, square roots
- Unit Conversions: Practice km→m, kJ→J, mA→A
During the Exam
Time Management for Physics
Rule: 1 mark = 1 minute
- Paper 1: 70-80 marks = 1 hour 15 mins - 1 hour 45 mins (varies by board)
- Paper 2: 70-80 marks = 1 hour 15 mins - 1 hour 45 mins
- Spend extra time on 6-mark questions (worth the points!)
Top Physics Exam Tips:
- Show ALL Working: Even if answer is wrong, you get method marks
- Use Correct Units: Always include units in final answer
- Check Sig Figs: Match significant figures to question requirement
- Use the Data Sheet: Don't waste time remembering constants
- Read Questions Twice: Underline key words and values
- Box Final Answers: Make them easy to find for markers
Common Physics Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Forgetting to square velocity in KE = ½mv²
- ❌ Mixing up mass and weight (mass in kg, weight in N)
- ❌ Wrong units (using cm instead of m in calculations)
- ❌ Not converting (kJ to J, km to m, mA to A)
- ❌ Incorrect standard form (1.5 × 10⁸, not 15 × 10⁷)
- ❌ Drawing graphs freehand (always use a ruler!)
- ❌ Leaving questions blank (always attempt an answer)
Free GCSE Physics Revision Resources
Access everything you need to excel in GCSE Physics:
📚 Physics Past Papers
Download authentic past papers from AQA, Edexcel, and OCR with mark schemes and examiner reports.
Browse all GCSE Physics past papers →
🧠 Physics Practice Questions
1,000+ topic-specific MCQs covering all areas: forces, energy, waves, electricity, and more. Instant feedback with explanations.
Start practicing GCSE Physics MCQs now →
🎴 Physics Equation Flashcards
Memorize all required equations using our smart flashcard system with spaced repetition algorithm.
📖 Interactive Physics Lessons
Step-by-step tutorials with diagrams, videos, and worked examples. Learn from basics to advanced.
Start learning with adaptive physics lessons →
Grade Boundaries (Recent Years)
| Grade | Combined Science % | Separate Science % |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | ~77% | ~75% |
| 7 | ~60% | ~58% |
| 5 | ~37% | ~35% |
| 4 | ~22% | ~20% |
Frequently Asked Questions About GCSE Physics Revision
What are the best GCSE Physics revision strategies?
The most effective GCSE Physics revision strategies include:
- Master the equations sheet: Know which formulas you must memorize vs. which are provided
- Practice calculations daily: Physics is about applying formulas correctly
- Understand before memorizing: Know WHY things happen, not just WHAT
- Use flashcards: For definitions, equations, and key facts
- Complete 10-15 past papers: Under timed conditions
Focus on high-weight topics: forces, energy, electricity, and waves.
How do I achieve Grade 9 in GCSE Physics?
To achieve Grade 9 in GCSE Physics, you typically need 75-80%+ across all papers. Key techniques include:
- Master equation rearrangement and unit conversions
- Perfect your 6-mark extended response answers
- Know all required practicals inside out
- Never lose marks on units or significant figures
- Complete calculations with full working shown
Focus on conceptual understanding - explain WHY, not just WHAT.
Which exam board is easiest for GCSE Physics: AQA, Edexcel or OCR?
No exam board is objectively easier - they all cover the same physics curriculum. However:
- AQA: Clear question structure, consistent mark schemes, good for systematic learners
- Edexcel: More graph interpretation and data analysis, mathematical focus
- OCR Gateway: Real-world applications, practical contexts
Practice with past papers from your board to familiarize yourself with the style.
How many physics equations do I need to memorize for GCSE?
For GCSE Physics, you must memorize approximately 20-23 key equations that are NOT on the equation sheet. These include:
- speed = distance/time, F = ma, W = mg, density = m/V
- KE = ½mv², GPE = mgh, P = E/t, efficiency formula
- v = fλ, Q = It, V = IR, P = VI, E = Pt, E = QV
All other equations are provided on the physics equation sheet. Use flashcards to memorize these efficiently.
What's the difference between Combined Science and Separate Science GCSE Physics?
Combined Science (Trilogy): Physics, chemistry, and biology together = 2 GCSEs (double award). Less content, shorter exams, suitable for most students.
Separate Science Physics: Standalone subject = 1 GCSE. More content in greater depth, additional topics, more challenging questions.
Choose Separate Science if you're strong in physics and considering A-Level. Combined Science is sufficient for most university courses and careers.
Revision Timeline for GCSE Physics
6 Months Before Exams
- Complete learning all topics from your syllabus
- Create summary notes and equation sheets
- Start memorizing required equations with flashcards
- Complete all required practical write-ups
3 Months Before Exams
- Begin topic-based practice questions
- Identify weak areas and focus revision
- Complete 2-3 full past papers
- Perfect your equation manipulation skills
1 Month Before Exams
- Complete 8-10 past papers under timed conditions
- Review all required practicals
- Focus on topics you find challenging
- Practice 6-mark extended response questions
Final Week
- Light revision only - review flashcards and equation sheet
- Skim through summary notes
- Don't learn new content
- Get plenty of sleep and stay hydrated