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This lesson covers the structure of the Edexcel GCSE Physics examination (specification code 1PH0), including paper breakdown, question types, time management, and assessment objectives. Understanding the exam format is the first step to maximising your marks.
Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0) is assessed by two written exam papers. There is no coursework or controlled assessment — your entire grade depends on these two papers.
| Feature | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Topics covered | Topics 1–5 | Topics 6–8 + synoptic questions drawing on Topics 1–5 |
| Duration | 1 hour 45 minutes | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Total marks | 100 | 100 |
| Percentage of GCSE | 50% | 50% |
| Topic Number | Topic Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Key Concepts of Physics |
| 2 | Motion and Forces |
| 3 | Conservation of Energy |
| 4 | Waves |
| 5 | Light and the Electromagnetic Spectrum |
| Topic Number | Topic Name |
|---|---|
| 6 | Radioactivity |
| 7 | Astronomy |
| 8 | Energy — Forces Doing Work |
Exam Tip: Paper 2 is not limited to Topics 6–8. It also includes synoptic questions that draw on knowledge from Topics 1–5. This means you must revise ALL topics before Paper 2, not just the new ones.
Students are entered for either the Foundation tier or the Higher tier.
| Tier | Available Grades | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | 1–5 | Some questions are shared with Higher |
| Higher | 4–9 | Includes more demanding questions and content |
Some content is Higher-only — for example, vector diagrams, the use of trigonometry, and certain equation manipulations. These are clearly marked in the specification.
Exam Tip: If you are entered for Higher tier, you must be prepared for questions that require more complex mathematical skills, including rearranging equations and using standard form.
Each paper contains a mix of question types:
These appear at the start of each paper. Read all options carefully before selecting your answer.
These require a brief response — a word, phrase, or one or two sentences. Each mark typically corresponds to one key point.
You must show all working to gain full marks. Even if your final answer is wrong, you can still earn marks for correct working.
These require a structured, detailed response. They are marked using a levels-based mark scheme (covered in detail in Lesson 3).
Exam Tip: Never leave a question blank. Even a partial answer or a relevant equation can earn marks.
With 100 marks available in 1 hour 45 minutes (105 minutes), you have approximately:
105 minutes ÷ 100 marks ≈ 1.05 minutes per mark
This means:
| Marks | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| 1 mark | ~1 minute |
| 2 marks | ~2 minutes |
| 4 marks | ~4 minutes |
| 6 marks | ~6 minutes |
A recommended exam strategy is to work through the paper in three passes:
graph TD
A["Pass 1: Answer every question you can do confidently"] --> B["Pass 2: Return to questions you found tricky"]
B --> C["Pass 3: Attempt any remaining questions — write something for every question"]
style A fill:#27ae60,color:#fff
style B fill:#e67e22,color:#fff
style C fill:#c0392b,color:#fff
Pass 1 — Work through the paper from start to finish. Answer every question you can do quickly and confidently. If a question is going to take a long time, put a mark next to it and move on.
Pass 2 — Go back to the questions you skipped. With the pressure of unanswered questions behind you, you will often find these easier on a second attempt.
Pass 3 — In the final minutes, attempt any questions you have not yet answered. Write something relevant for every single question — you cannot score marks on a blank answer.
Exam Tip: Keep an eye on the clock. After roughly 50 minutes, you should have completed about half the paper. If you are falling behind, move on to easier questions and come back later.
Every question on the Edexcel GCSE Physics papers tests one or more of three assessment objectives (AOs):
| Assessment Objective | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures | ~40% |
| AO2 | Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures | ~40% |
| AO3 | Analyse information and ideas to interpret and evaluate, make judgements and draw conclusions, develop and improve experimental procedures | ~20% |
Exam Tip: About 60% of your marks come from AO2 and AO3 — application, analysis, and evaluation. Simply memorising facts (AO1) is not enough. You must practise applying your knowledge to unfamiliar situations.
In both papers, you will be given a physics equation sheet. This contains some (but not all) of the equations you need. You must also memorise a set of equations that are NOT on the sheet.
Lessons 5 and 6 cover the full breakdown of which equations you must memorise and which are provided.
Exam Tip: Even though some equations are given to you, you still need to know what they mean and when to use them. Practise using every equation so you are fluent with all of them.
Understanding how the mark scheme works helps you write better answers:
| Mark Scheme Instruction | What It Means |
|---|---|
| ; (semicolon) | Separates marking points — each is worth 1 mark |
| / (forward slash) | Alternative acceptable answers |
| Bold text | Essential words that must appear |
| OWTTE | "Or words to that effect" — your wording doesn't have to be identical |
| NOT | This answer is NOT acceptable |
| ALLOW | This answer IS acceptable even if not in the ideal wording |
| IGNORE | This part of the answer is neither correct nor incorrect — it is irrelevant |
| ecf | "Error carried forward" — you get the mark even if using a wrong value from earlier, as long as the method is correct |
Exam Tip: Look at published Edexcel mark schemes to see exactly how answers are credited. This is one of the most effective revision strategies — it teaches you how to write answers that match what examiners are looking for.
To prepare effectively for both papers, create a revision timetable that: