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About GCSE Physics
GCSE Physics is taken at the end of Year 11 and is one of the three separate sciences. It covers energy, electricity, forces, waves and magnetism, and how matter behaves at the smallest scale. Students sit either Foundation or Higher tier, and that choice decides which grades they can reach.
The two boards set papers of the same shape here. AQA and Edexcel both use two papers of 1 hour 45 minutes and 100 marks, each worth half of the GCSE, at Foundation or Higher tier. What differs is how the topics are arranged, and that changes what your child actually studies in each paper.
So we teach to the board on your child's entry, not to a shared syllabus. Every lesson follows the topic list in their specification, we work from real past papers from their board, and we drill the calculation and explanation technique physics marks depend on.
Who GCSE Physics Is For
This course suits students who want a Physics grade they can rely on.
- Year 10 and Year 11 students sitting GCSE Physics this summer
- Students aiming for grades 7 to 9
- Learners moving up from Foundation to Higher tier
- Students who understand the physics but drop marks on calculations and units
- Students who need more practice on required practical questions
GCSE Physics Exam Boards We Cover
Physics is the opposite of Maths: the papers are the same shape on both boards, but the topic split is different. AQA uses two papers of 1 hour 45 minutes and 100 marks, dividing its eight topics cleanly across them. Edexcel uses the same paper shape but spreads fifteen topics differently, and puts astronomy in Paper 1. Neither board sets coursework.
AQA
Two written papers, each 1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks and 50% of the GCSE, sat at Foundation or Higher tier. Paper 1 covers Topics 1 to 4: Energy, Electricity, Particle model of matter, and Atomic structure. Paper 2 covers Topics 5 to 8: Forces, Waves, Magnetism and electromagnetism, and Space physics. Space physics is physics only. Paper 2 questions can also draw on energy changes and transfers from the Energy and Electricity topics. Questions run from multiple choice and closed short answer through to open response.
Edexcel
Two papers of 1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks and 50% of the qualification each, and students must complete all assessments in the same tier. Paper 1 covers Topics 1 to 7, including Key concepts of physics, Motion and forces, Conservation of energy, Waves, Light and the electromagnetic spectrum, Radioactivity, and Astronomy. Paper 2 covers Topic 1 again plus Topics 8 to 15, including Forces doing work, Electricity and circuits, Static electricity, Magnetism and the motor effect, and Electromagnetic induction. Calculators may be used, and both papers mix multiple choice, short answer, calculations and extended open response.
How Centaurus Helps GCSE Physics Students Excel
Board-Specific Topic Coverage
AQA and Edexcel split the topics differently. Your child studies the list their paper actually examines, so nothing important is missed.
Equations and Recall
Some equations must be remembered rather than given. We build the recall so students are not hunting for a formula mid-paper.
Calculations That Score
Physics marks are lost to units, significant figures and unclear working. We coach the layout and precision examiners reward.
Practical Questions
Practical work is examined in the written papers. We cover the equipment, methods and sources of error that questions ask about.
Classes in Your Local Time
Live sessions scheduled around your time zone, so no late nights or early mornings just to make a class.
24/7 Progress Reporting
Families get access to the Centaurus Academy LMS, with attendance, progress and lesson notes available to parents, students and teachers at any time.
Why Centaurus Stands Out
Choosing the right GCSE Physics support makes a real difference. Here is how Centaurus Academy compares with typical online providers.
Meet our Team Of Experts
Our expert tutors bring deep subject knowledge and a passion for teaching — helping every student reach their full potential.
What Parents Say About Us
Hear from the parents and students who have experienced our personalised teaching first-hand.
Excellent long-term experience
We have an excellent long-term experience with the academy and Sir Awais. Our three children studied with them during different periods and succeeded well. We highly recommend the academy.
Excellent academy
Centaurus Academy is truly one of the best educational institutions I've come across. The environment is nurturing, the staff are incredibly dedicated, and the quality of education is outstanding. They focus not only on academic excellence but also on character building and personal growth. The teachers are supportive and go the extra mile to ensure every student feels confident and motivated.
My child has gained confidence
I'm very satisfied with the dedication and teaching approach. My child has gained confidence and improved significantly in understanding math concepts, thanks to the teacher's clear explanations and supportive guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About GCSE Physics
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