GCSE Physics Syllabus: A Clear, Simple Guide (2025 Edition)

04/07/2025 / Science Tuition

GCSE Physics Syllabus

If your child is preparing for their GCSEs and has opted to study Physics—either as part of the Combined Science course or as a separate subject in Triple Science—you might be wondering what exactly is involved. Physics can seem technical or abstract, especially if your own school memories of the subject are distant or unclear. However, with a little context and the right support, you can play an important role in helping your child navigate this key stage of their science education.

This guide has been designed to give you a clear and straightforward overview of the GCSE Physics syllabus. It will explain what your child will study, how they’ll be assessed, and how you can support them at home—regardless of whether you studied Physics yourself.

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Understanding the Qualification

Physics at GCSE level forms part of the National Curriculum and is taken by all students in England, either through Combined Science (worth two GCSEs) or Triple Science, where Physics is studied and examined separately, leading to a standalone GCSE grade.

In the Combined Science route, Physics is taught alongside Biology and Chemistry. The content is condensed, and assessment is integrated across all three sciences. This route is ideal for students who enjoy science but may not wish to specialise in it after GCSE. In Triple Science, Physics is studied in greater depth, and students sit separate exams for each science. This option is more suitable for those who have a strong interest in science and may be considering A Levels in Physics, Engineering, or related subjects.

Both pathways cover the core concepts of Physics, but Triple Science extends the content and includes more detailed mathematical applications and practical work. Whether your child is on the Combined or Triple route, the core principles of Physics remain the same.

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What Will My Child Study?

Physics helps students explore the fundamental principles that govern how the universe works. The course introduces them to a wide range of topics:

Energy
Students begin by learning about different types of energy, energy transfers, and the principle of conservation of energy. They also study the efficiency of systems and ways to reduce energy loss.

Electricity
This unit introduces current, voltage, resistance, and how electricity flows through different components. Pupils explore the functioning of series and parallel circuits and calculate power and energy consumption.

Particle Model of Matter
Here, students examine how particles behave in solids, liquids and gases. They also investigate changes of state, internal energy and specific heat capacity.

Atomic Structure
This topic covers the historical development of the atomic model, the structure of atoms, and nuclear radiation. Students learn about radioactive decay and its applications in medicine and industry.

Forces
A central part of Physics, this section explores types of forces, Newton’s Laws, momentum, motion, and terminal velocity. Pupils use graphs to describe movement and understand the relationship between force, mass and acceleration.

Waves
This includes the study of wave properties, the electromagnetic spectrum, and practical applications of waves, such as ultrasound and seismic waves.

Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Students explore magnetic fields, electromagnets, and how electricity and magnetism can be used to create movement—laying the groundwork for understanding electric motors and generators.

Space Physics (Triple Science only)
This topic, exclusive to Triple Science, covers the solar system, orbital motion, life cycles of stars, and the expanding universe.

Throughout each topic, students are encouraged to connect theoretical principles with practical, real-world applications. Whether they’re learning about the science behind X-ray machines, the role of physics in climate modelling, or how satellites stay in orbit, the course highlights how physics underpins much of the technology and innovation that shapes our daily lives. This approach not only deepens understanding but also helps pupils appreciate the relevance and value of physics beyond the classroom.

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Assessment Structure

GCSE Physics is assessed entirely through written examinations at the end of Year 11, with no coursework element. The structure of these assessments differs slightly depending on whether your child is taking Physics as part of the Combined Science route or studying it separately in Triple Science.

In the Combined Science pathway for each of the three main UK awarding bodies—AQA, OCR, and Edexcel —Physics is taught alongside Biology and Chemistry, and the content is examined across two science papers. Although the Physics content is slightly condensed, it still provides a thorough introduction to key scientific ideas.

Students taking the subject as a separate GCSE through Triple Science sit two dedicated Physics papers. This option allows for greater depth of study and includes a wider range of topics. The two papers are divided as follows for the AQA specification and this may differ slightly for other awarding bodies:

Paper 1:

• Energy
• Electricity
• Particle Model of Matter
• Atomic Structure

Paper 2:

• Forces
• Waves
• Magnetism and Electromagnetism
• Space Physics

Each paper is 1 hour 45 minutes long, carries 100 marks, and constitutes 50% of the GCSE Physics grade.

The exam questions come in a variety of formats, including multiple-choice questions, short, structured answers, and longer responses that may involve calculations or data interpretation. These different styles aim to assess both factual knowledge and the ability to apply concepts in practical or unfamiliar scenarios.

Although there is no coursework, students are required to complete a set of Required Practical Activities throughout the course. These experiments take place during lessons and are intended to develop core scientific skills, such as accurate measurement, observation and evaluation. While the practicals themselves are not separately marked, understanding them is important because related questions often appear in the final exam. Students may be asked to describe a method, interpret results or assess the reliability of an investigation.

This combined focus on written exams and practical application helps to ensure that pupils are not only retaining knowledge but also learning how to use it effectively—a key aim of Physics education at this level.

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Example Study Timeline (Years 10–11)

Here’s a simplified example of how GCSE Physics content might be structured over the course of Years 10 and 11. While the exact order can vary slightly from school to school, this outline reflects a logical and commonly used sequence, helping pupils build on their understanding step by step.

Year 10 (Autumn and Spring Terms)
The year typically begins with the fundamentals of physics—energy. Students learn how energy is stored, transferred, and conserved in different systems. They explore concepts such as kinetic and gravitational potential energy, as well as how energy efficiency is calculated. This is followed by the study of electricity, where pupils investigate electric circuits, current, voltage, and resistance. These topics are not only foundational but also essential for understanding later material.

As pupils gain confidence, the course introduces the particle model of matter. Here, they examine the behaviour of particles in solids, liquids, and gases, and learn how temperature and pressure affect particle movement. This area of study also includes discussions about internal energy and specific latent heat, which connect physical theory with practical, observable outcomes—such as why steam burns more than boiling water.

Year 10 (Summer Term)
In the summer term, attention turns to atomic structure and the principles of nuclear physics. Students are introduced to the structure of the atom, isotopes, and the discovery of the nucleus. They then move on to nuclear radiation—learning about alpha, beta, and gamma decay, half-life, and the practical uses and risks of radiation in medicine and industry. These topics often spark curiosity and discussions about real-world applications and ethical considerations.

Alongside nuclear physics, students begin exploring forces. They learn how to interpret force diagrams, calculate resultant forces, and use motion equations to understand acceleration and deceleration. Concepts like Newton’s laws of motion and the relationship between mass, weight and gravity are introduced, providing a physical understanding of how objects interact.

Year 11 (Autumn Term)
As students enter their final year of study, the focus shifts to waves and electromagnetism. In the waves unit, they examine how energy is transferred through mechanical and electromagnetic waves, covering properties such as wavelength, frequency and amplitude. Sound waves, light waves, reflection and refraction are all explored, with practical activities to reinforce the theory.

Electromagnetism follows, where pupils learn about magnetic fields, electromagnets, and the motor effect. These concepts help students make sense of real-world technologies like electric motors and transformers. The unit typically concludes with a look at the national grid and the generation and distribution of electricity—giving students a practical understanding of how energy powers homes and industry.

Year 11 (Spring Term)
During the spring term, students consolidate their knowledge of forces with a more in-depth look at momentum, terminal velocity, and the principles behind car safety features. For those studying Triple Science, an additional unit on space physics is included. This fascinating topic covers the life cycle of stars, orbital mechanics, and evidence for the expanding universe. It’s often a favourite among students and provides a broader view of physics beyond Earth.

Revision strategies become more central at this stage, with lessons increasingly focused on practising exam-style questions, applying knowledge across topics, and developing confidence in how to approach different types of assessment tasks.

Year 11 (Summer Term)
The final weeks are usually devoted to revision and preparation for the exams. Teachers guide students through past papers, topic reviews, and focused sessions on areas of difficulty. Time is also spent revisiting the required practicals, ensuring that students are familiar with experimental techniques, can describe methods accurately, and understand how to evaluate results.

This structured approach to content delivery helps students gradually build the understanding and skills needed to succeed in the GCSE Physics exams—whether they are following the Combined Science or Triple Science route. It also provides a solid foundation for further study in science at A Level and beyond.

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Supporting Your Child’s Progress

You don’t need to be a physicist to help your child succeed in GCSE Physics. Often, just showing an interest and offering a bit of structure at home can make a big difference to their confidence and progress. Here are some practical and approachable ways you can get involved in their learning:

• Ask them to explain key concepts to you – Putting ideas into their own words is one of the best ways for students to consolidate their understanding. Even if you don’t fully follow the explanation, the act of teaching helps them clarify their thoughts and spot any gaps in their knowledge.
• Discuss everyday applications of physics – Many of the topics in the syllabus link directly to things we use every day, like how microwaves heat food, how satellites enable GPS, or how insulation keeps houses warm. Talking about these examples at home can make the subject feel more relevant and engaging.
• Help them create a revision plan – GCSE Physics covers a lot of material, so having a structured plan helps avoid last-minute cramming. Breaking topics into manageable chunks and setting regular review sessions, especially before mock exams and final assessments, can ease stress and improve retention.
• Use reputable online resources – There are plenty of accessible and student-friendly websites that explain physics topics clearly. BBC Bitesize, for instance, offers summaries, animations, and short quizzes. Exam board websites also provide specifications and past papers tailored to your child’s course.
• Encourage them to complete past papers – Working through real exam questions is one of the most effective ways to prepare. It not only helps students get used to the format and timing but also shows them how to apply their knowledge in unfamiliar contexts—a key skill for success in Physics.

If your child finds certain topics particularly difficult—whether it’s understanding the maths behind equations, keeping up with the pace of lessons, or tackling challenging exam questions—try not to worry. Many pupils benefit from some extra guidance, and it’s completely normal to need support at different points. Whether it’s revisiting topics together, asking their teacher for clarification, or working with a qualified tutor, there are lots of ways to help them feel more confident and prepared.

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When to Consider Tuition

Physics can be challenging even for bright students. If your child finds it hard to grasp key ideas, lacks confidence in applying equations, or needs help improving exam technique, tailored one-to-one tuition can make a significant difference.

At Principal Tutors, we provide private GCSE Physics tuition from UK-qualified science teachers. Our tutors are experienced with all major exam boards and skilled in explaining complex topics in a clear, student-friendly way.

Lessons are delivered online, with flexible scheduling and no contracts—just pay-as-you-go. Whether your child needs regular support or a short-term boost before exams, we’re here to help them reach their potential.

Call us on 0800 772 0974 or request a tutor online today.

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