GCSE Physics Foundation Tier

Course codes: OSC1386 / OSC1387

Gain a fully recognised GCSE Physics qualification and study an interesting subject that explores matter, space and time…

Fully recognised AQA GCSE Physics qualification
Same qualification as you would get in school or college
Achieve between grades 1-5 with foundation tier
Understand the forces of energy and explore how electricity works!
Choose to study online or from a course pack

SAVE £150 when you enrol onto 3 A Levels or GCSEs. Discount applied automatically at checkout.

Course Options	Please choose a course option to see prices	Course Material + Exams + Practicals Course Material
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Physics looks at understanding energy, forces, mechanics, waves and atoms! It explores the physical universe around us.

Open up your future in science with our AQA GCSE Physics qualification.

Understand the forces of energy and explore how electricity works!

If you’re the sort of person who is interested in how things work, or you’re looking to develop a career in science then taking GCSE Physics might be the best thing you do.

This Foundation Tier course is for those hoping to achieve grades between 1-5. For those aiming for grades 4-9, take a look at our GCSE Physics Higher Tier.

Add on your exams and practicals to your course and we will book these for you when you are ready!

Course Duration

Up to 1 year.

Course Outcome

On successful completion of your exams, you will receive your AQA GCSE Physics.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Assessment

2 paper based exams.

Unit 1

Energy

Energy changes in a system
Ways energy is stored before and after changes
Conservation and dissipation of energy
National and global energy resource

Unit 2

Electricity

Current, potential difference and resistance
Series and parallel circuits
Domestic uses and safety
Energy transfers
Static electricity

Unit 3

Particle model of matter

Changes of state and the particle model
Internal energy and energy transfers
Particle model and pressure

Unit 4

Atomic structure

Atoms and isotopes
Atoms and nuclear radiation
Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions and of background radiation
Nuclear Fission and Fusion

Unit 5

Forces

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

Unit 6

Waves

Waves in air, fluids and solids
Electromagnetic waves
Black body radiation

Unit 7

Magnetism and electromagnetism

Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and fields
The motor effect
Induced potential, transformers and the National Grid

Unit 8

Space physics

Solar system; stability of orbital motions; satellites
Red-shift

Course Duration

You will have up to 1 year to complete your GCSE Physics course. This course is completely flexible, with the only deadlines being your GCSE exams taken in May or June each year.

Study Method

This course enables you to study for GCSE Physics by distance learning at home or at work. Your course materials will be sent by post or 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

To achieve a GCSE Higher Tier in Physics you will be assessed across the above sections. All sections will be assessed by 2 paper-based examinations. A range of practical skills for this course will be assessed through written exams. Therefore, we strongly advise you to take your practical assessments and written exams.

If you add on your exams and practicals onto your package, we will book these for you when you are ready. You will need to take these at our Birmingham exam centre so please ensure you are able to travel to this location before adding these on to your package.

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

Course Outcome

On successful completion of your exams, you will receive your AQA GCSE Physics. The GCSE is recognised by universities, schools and employers around the world. It is awarded by AQA.

Progression

Successful students can then go on to study A Level Physics.

Paper 1

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: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; and Atomic structure

Paper 2

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: 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.

Is this the same qualification as a GCSE from a school or college?

Yes. This qualification is exactly the same GCSE you would receive from a school or college. It is accredited by AQA. The only difference is you are able to study this course at your own pace, in your own environment.

Do I have to sit an exam?

If you want to achieve the official GCSE qualification, you will need to take the official exams and practicals. It is up to you if you choose to book these exams with us.

If you book the exams with us, you will need to take your exams and practicals in our Birmingham exam centre, so you must make sure you are able to travel to this location before adding these on to your package.

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

For students wishing to study towards grades 6-9, please choose our GCSE Physics – Higher Tier course.

What is included in the cost of my course?

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

Our Study Pack Option includes:

Comprehensive study guide
Open Study College pen and highlighter
Student study planner
Document wallet

Are there any additional costs?

If you don’t add on your exams and practicals with us, you will need to pay for your exam and practical fee separately. This will need to be paid directly to the exam centre.

What happens if I lose my course pack?

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.

What if I still have questions?

That's not a problem. We want to make sure you’re 100% confident about enrolling on the course and starting your study. So, just give our Student Adviser Team a call on 03300 563 100 and they’ll do their best to help.