Physics is the GCSE science where many students feel stuck. The ideas can seem abstract, the equations are everywhere, and maths is mixed in with the science. The good news is that physics is also very learnable. Most lost marks come from a small number of fixable habits.
Know your exam structure
If you take AQA Physics as a separate science, there are two papers, each 1 hour 45 minutes. In Combined Science, physics appears across several shorter papers. Edexcel and OCR have their own formats. Look up your board and tier so you know what each paper covers and how long you have.
- AQA Separate Science (Physics): Paper 1 (Topics 1–4) & Paper 2 (Topics 5–8), 100 marks each, 1 hour 45 mins.
- AQA Combined Science (Trilogy): Physics Paper 1 & Paper 2, 70 marks each, 1 hour 15 mins.
- Tier Choice: Foundation covers grades 1–5; Higher covers grades 4–9.
Fix your maths before anything else
Physics questions often fail on maths, not physics. Practise:
- Rearranging equations: Isolate variables algebraically before plugging in large numbers.
- Converting units: \(\text{cm}\) to \(\text{m}\) (\(\div 100\)), \(\text{g}\) to \(\text{kg}\) (\(\div 1000\)), minutes to seconds (\(\times 60\)), \(\text{kW}\) to \(\text{W}\) (\(\times 1000\)).
- Standard form: Handling powers of 10 and entering them correctly on your scientific calculator.
- Reading and plotting graphs: Calculating gradients (\(\frac{\Delta y}{\Delta x}\)) and interpreting lines of best fit.
- Significant figures: Rounding correctly to the number of significant figures given in the question data.
If any of these feel shaky, fix them first. Everything else becomes easier.
Learn your equations properly
Check your board's list of equations. Some are given on an equation sheet in the exam, and some you must remember. Know which is which. For each equation, learn:
- What every symbol means
- The unit of each quantity
- How to rearrange it
- A quick example
Write them on flashcards and test yourself regularly.
Use a reliable calculation method
For every calculation question, follow the same steps:
The 5-Step Calculation Routine
- Step 1 Write the equation
- Step 2 Substitute the numbers with units
- Step 3 Rearrange if needed
- Step 4 Calculate the answer
- Step 5 Write the answer with the correct unit
This earns method marks even if the final number is wrong, and it stops silly mistakes.
Understand, do not just memorise
Physics rewards understanding. If you can explain why a heavier car needs a longer stopping distance, or why current is the same everywhere in a series circuit, you can answer a whole range of questions. After learning a topic, try explaining it out loud in simple words. If you cannot, you have found a gap.
Master the key topics
Prioritise the topics that appear most and carry many marks:
Practise the 6 mark questions
These extended answers can decide a grade. Plan your answer in a few quick bullet points, then write in a logical order using correct physics terms. Link cause and effect: "because", "so", "which means". Avoid vague words like "it" and "stuff".
Use past papers the right way
Doing papers is good. Marking them honestly is better. After each paper:
- Mark with the official mark scheme
- Note every mark you lost
- Write the reason: knowledge gap, maths error, misread question or poor wording
- Redo similar questions a few days later
Patterns will appear. Fix those patterns and your marks will rise quickly.
Learn the command words and required practicals
Words like "describe", "explain", "calculate", "evaluate" and "suggest" each ask for something different. Know what they want.
Required practicals are also tested in the written papers. Be ready to describe the method, name variables, discuss accuracy and suggest improvements.
Revise actively and consistently
Short, regular sessions beat last minute cramming.
- Use retrieval practice: close the notes and write what you remember
- Space your revision over weeks
- Mix topics instead of staying on one for hours
- Sleep properly before exams
Common physics mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting units or using the wrong ones (e.g. seconds vs. hours, Joules vs. kiloJoules).
- Mixing up mass and weight, or speed and velocity (scalar vs vector distinction).
- Not showing working in calculations (forfeits all method marks if the final value is miskeyed).
- Giving one word answers to "explain" questions without linking cause and physical mechanism.
- Not reading graphs and tables carefully (missing axis prefixes like ms or kN).
- Leaving questions blank when partial marks are available for simply writing the formula.
A simple plan for the next 8 weeks
Foundations
Fix maths skills, unit conversions, and learn required equation flashcards.
Topic Retrieval
Work through each core topic using retrieval practice and targeted topic questions.
Past Papers
Timed past papers, marked strictly with official schemes, with mistakes logged.
Targeted Polish
Targeted revision of weak areas, required practicals, and 6-mark answers.
When a tutor can help
If you have tried these steps and still feel stuck, one to one tutoring can speed things up. A tutor can spot the exact misunderstanding behind a wrong answer, show you a clearer method and give you immediate feedback on exam style answers.
I teach GCSE physics online to students across the UK, for AQA, Edexcel and OCR, at Foundation and Higher tier. Lessons focus on your weak topics, your calculation habits and your exam technique.
Frequently asked questions
It can feel hard because it combines science and maths. With the right method and regular practice, most students improve noticeably.
Many students can gain marks quickly by fixing calculation habits and exam technique. The size of the improvement depends on where you start and how consistently you work.
It depends on your exam board and tier. Check the official equation list for your specification and learn the ones that are not provided.
Active methods: retrieval practice, flashcards for equations, topic questions and marked past papers.
Your teacher will guide this, but the decision should reflect your current level and target grade. Higher tier covers grades 4 to 9 and Foundation covers 1 to 5.