GCSE Physics, separate or Combined Science
The physics every exam board examines — one-to-one and online, for the separate GCSE or the physics within Combined Science.
What this covers in detail
Energy
Energy changes in a system and how energy is stored, conservation and dissipation, efficiency, and national and global energy sources.
Forces
Forces and their interactions, work done, pressure in fluids, and moments, levers and gears.
Forces and motion
Speed, velocity and acceleration, distance–time and velocity–time graphs, Newton’s laws and momentum.
Waves in matter
Amplitude, wavelength, frequency and wave speed, transverse and longitudinal waves, and reflection, transmission and absorption.
Light and electromagnetic waves
The electromagnetic spectrum, how radiation interacts with matter and its uses and hazards, lenses, and black body radiation.
Electricity
Current, potential difference and resistance, series and parallel circuits, domestic uses and safety, energy transfers and static electricity.
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Permanent and induced magnetism, the magnetic effect of a current and the motor effect, induced potential, transformers and the national grid.
Particle model of matter
Changes of state, internal energy and particle motion, and the particle model and pressure.
Atomic structure
The nuclear atom and isotopes, ionising radiation, and radioactive decay equations.
Space physics
In separate Physics only: the solar system, orbital motion and satellites, red-shift and the Big Bang.
At GCSE, students take physics either as its own GCSE or as part of Combined Science, a double award covering biology, chemistry and physics. The content is set by the Department for Education for all exam boards, and both routes have Foundation and Higher tiers. These lessons follow the route, tier and board the student is on.
What this covers
Separate or Combined
Lessons follow the course the student is actually taking — and cover the extra content if they are doing separate Physics.
Equations you can use
Students must recall and apply a set list of equations. They are practised until choosing the right one is quick.
Your exam board’s papers
AQA, for example, sets two papers of 1 hour 45 minutes. Practice uses the board and tier the school has entered.
Pricing
Choose the support that fits.
One-to-one tutoring, from a single session to consistent weekly progress.
Your first 30 minutes are free.
Start with a free 30-minute assessment. We will understand what the student needs and recommend the right plan.
Every plan includes live one-to-one lessons.
The Noktua practice platform is free with every account — even if you have not booked a lesson yet.
Lessons at the student's home carry an extra charge of €10/hour.
Common questions
Is Combined Science a weaker option?
No. It covers the same ideas in less depth and counts as two GCSEs. Students can still go on to A-Level Physics from it, depending on the school’s entry requirements.
Which exam boards do you cover?
AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR and WJEC Eduqas. The physics content is common to all of them.
Book your free 30-minute assessment
Tell us the year group and where it is going wrong. You will have a reply within 24 hours with a time.
Not ready to book? Create a free account and try the practice platform.