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Assessment
How AQA GCSE Physics is assessed
Two papers, each worth half the grade, at the same tier. Foundation tier covers grades 1–5 and Higher tier grades 4–9. A Higher student who just misses grade 4 can be awarded a 3.
Specification 8463, first examined in 2018.
Foundation or Higher tier
Paper 1
Multiple choice, structured, short and open answers on energy, electricity, the particle model of matter and atomic structure
- Time
- 1 h 45 min
- Marks
- 100
- Weight
- 50%
Paper 2
Multiple choice, structured, short and open answers on forces, waves, magnetism and electromagnetism, and space physics
- Time
- 1 h 45 min
- Marks
- 100
- Weight
- 50%
Both papers are taken at the same tier, at the end of the course.
There are 10 required practicals, such as specific heat capacity, resistance, density and wave speed. Questions based on them are part of both papers.
From the official AQA syllabus, checked October 2026. Read the syllabus
Syllabus content
What’s on the AQA GCSE Physics syllabus
Paper 1
- Energy
- Electricity
- Particle model of matter
- Atomic structure
Paper 2
- Forces
- Waves
- Magnetism and electromagnetism
- Space physics
Where marks are lost
Common AQA GCSE Physics mistakes
Using the final temperature for heating.
In ΔE = mcΔθ, Δθ is the temperature change: final temperature minus starting temperature.
Thinking resistors in parallel add up.
Adding a resistor in parallel lowers the total resistance, because the current has another path.
Mixing up amplitude and wavelength.
Amplitude is the maximum displacement from the rest position. Wavelength is the distance from one point on a wave to the same point on the next.
Six physics tutors, six ways to learn
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FAQ
AQA GCSE Physics questions, answered.
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