The GCSE AQA Physics course provides students with a thorough introduction to the principles that explain how the physical universe works. It is designed to develop curiosity, critical thinking, and a clear understanding of scientific concepts, while preparing learners for further study in science and related fields. The course balances theoretical knowledge with practical understanding, encouraging students to explore how physics applies to everyday life and modern technology.
Students begin by studying energy, including energy stores, transfers, efficiency, and energy resources. This area of the syllabus helps learners understand how energy is generated, used, and conserved, as well as the environmental and economic considerations linked to energy production. Forces are then explored in depth, covering motion, Newton’s laws, momentum, pressure, and moments, allowing students to analyse how objects move and interact in different situations.
The course develops a strong foundation in electricity and magnetism, where students learn about electric circuits, current, voltage, resistance, and electrical power, alongside magnetic fields and electromagnetic induction. These topics help students understand the operation of everyday electrical devices and the principles behind modern communication and power systems.
Waves form another key component of the syllabus, including properties of waves, sound, light, and the electromagnetic spectrum. Students learn how waves transfer energy and information, how they behave in different media, and how these principles are applied in technologies such as imaging, communication, and medicine.
In the final sections of the course, students study atomic structure, nuclear radiation, and the fundamentals of space physics. They explore the structure of the atom, types and uses of radiation, half-life, and the life cycle of stars, gaining insight into both the smallest particles and the largest structures in the universe. Throughout the course, practical skills, data analysis, and scientific reasoning are continually developed, ensuring students are well prepared for GCSE examinations and future scientific study.