GCSE Physics Foundation Tier

Course Codes

OSC1386 / OSC1387

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Achieve a GCSE Physics Foundation qualification and study an interesting subject that explores forces, space and particles…

Gain a fully recognised AQA GCSE Physics Foundation qualification from the comfort of your own home.
Explore physics topics such as atomic structures, energy transfers, electromagnetism and orbital motions and expand your knowledge.
With this GCSE Physics Foundation course, you'll be able to achieve up to a grade 5.
Prepare for future physics studies at a higher level including A Level Physics and beyond.

Course Options	Please choose a course option to see prices	Course Material + Exams + Practicals Course Material
Study Options	Study Online Study Pack
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Physics is the study of nature, matter, and energy; it is the fundamental study of the science behind not only the world we live in, but everything that has ever and will ever exist.

This GCSE Physics Foundation Tier course is ideal for anyone considering a career in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) industries as well as medical and teaching fields too!

Open your mind to a world of possibilities with our AQA GCSE Physics qualification.

Please note: this GCSE Physics Foundation Tier course will allow you to achieve up to a grade 5. If you’re aiming for a higher grade, our GCSE Physics Higher Tier course could be a better option for you.

You can also choose to add your exams and practical sessions to your enrolment. If you choose this option, we will book and pay for your exams and practical sessions for you, taking the hassle out of booking and paying for these yourself. Both the exams and the practical session are compulsory for you to achieve your GCSE Physics qualification.

Course Duration

Up to one year.

Course Outcome

On successful completion of your exams and practical session, you will receive your AQA GCSE Physics qualification.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Assessment

Two paper based exams and one practical session.

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
Red-shift
Stability of orbital motions
Satellites

Course Duration

You will have up to one year to complete your GCSE Physics course. With this course, you will have the flexibility to study at your own pace, and your only deadlines are the GCSE exams, which typically take place during the summer exam period (May/June).

Study Method

This course enables you to study your GCSE Physics Foundation course from home via distance learning. Your course materials will be sent by post or you can study 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.

Assessment

In order to successfully complete your AQA GCSE Physics course, you will need to pass two written examinations and undertake a practical session. These must be conducted under supervision at an approved examination centre and should never be attempted at home. Questions in the written exams will draw on the knowledge and understanding students have gained by carrying out the practical activities listed below. These questions will count for at least 15% of the overall marks for the qualification.

A range of skills for this course will be assessed through written exams. This course comes with the option of including the practical session and exams in the cost of the course. We will book and pay for these on your behalf when you’re ready to take them if you choose to add on exams.

If you choose to add your exams and practicals on to your enrolment, you will need to sit your exams at our GCSE exam centre in Birmingham.

If you choose not to add on your exams and practicals, you will need to book and pay for these separately.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of your exams, you will receive your GCSE Physics qualification.

The GCSE is awarded by AQA and it is recognised by universities, schools, and employers globally.

Please note: If you choose to study this course you will need to take the foundation level examinations which means the highest grade available is a grade 5. You can take this course without completing the exams and practical, but you will not receive the GCSE accreditation.

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 including energy, electricity, particle model of matter, and atomic structure.

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, including 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.

Yes. This qualification is exactly the same AQA GCSE you would receive from a traditional school. The only difference is you are able to study this course at your own pace, in your own environment, with the support of a remote tutor via email.

You will need to sit the official exams and practicals to achieve the full GCSE qualification. If you add on your exams and practicals, we will book and pay for these for you.

If you choose to add your exams and practicals on to your enrolment, you will need to sit your exams at our GCSE exam centre in Birmingham.

Please note: the highest grade you can achieve with this course is a grade 5. For students wishing to achieve grades 6-9, please choose our GCSE Physics Higher Tier course.

Personal tutor support.
Dedicated student support.
Assignment marking and feedback.
FREE XO Student Discounts membership.
FREE CV critique service.
FREE employability guide to help you impress future employers.
Study pack and student guide*

*Not included with the online study option.

It's not a problem. We offer a course replacement service, so if you get into trouble and your course pack is lost or damaged, our Student Support Team can provide you with a new set of materials for a one-time additional fee.