GCSE Physics₈₄₆₃

1.1 Why choose AQA for GCSE Physics

Our philosophy: science for all

We believe that science has something to offer every student. That's why we have a suite of science qualifications for Key Stage 4 – to suit students of all abilities and all aspirations.

You'll see that our GCSE Physics, along with Chemistry and Biology, is a clear straightforward specification, with clear straightforward exams, so all your students can realise their potential.

Our specification has been developed with teachers

We’ve involved over a thousand teachers in developing our specification, exams and resources. So you can be confident that our GCSE Physics is relevant and interesting to teach and to learn. We’ve ensured that:

• the subject content is presented clearly, in a logical teaching order. We’ve also given teaching guidance and signposted opportunities for skills development throughout the specification.
• the subject content and required practicals in our GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy are also in our GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics. So you have the flexibility to co-teach or to move your students between courses.
• all our science qualifications provide opportunities for progression. Our GCSE Physics includes progression in the subject content and consistency in the exam questions, so that your students have the best preparation for A-level.

Our practicals have been trialled by teachers

There’s no better way to learn about science than through purposeful practical activities as part of day to day teaching and learning. Our eight required practicals:

• are clearly laid out in the specification, so you know exactly what’s required
• are deliberately open, so you can teach in the way that suits you and your students
• have already been trialled in schools.

You’ll find even more support and guidance in our practical handbook, which includes recommendations and advice from teachers in the trial.

Straightforward exams, so students can give straightforward answers

We’ve improved our question papers. You’ll find that our exams:

• use more straightforward language and fewer words so they’re easier to understand
• have fewer contexts so students don’t get confused
• have questions that increase in difficulty so students feel confident
• have been written with our GCSE Maths and A-level science teams, so students have consistency between content and questions.

Over 3,000 students have sat our specimen question papers and they agree that they’re clearer and more straightforward than ever.

We don’t profit from education – you do

We are an educational charity focused on the needs of teachers and students. This means that we spend our income on improving the quality of our specifications, exams, resources and support.

You can find out all about our Science qualifications at aqa.org.uk/science

1.2 Support and resources to help you teach

We’ve worked with experienced teachers to provide you with a range of resources that will help you confidently plan, teach and prepare for exams.

Teaching resources

Visit aqa.org.uk/8463 to see all our teaching resources. They include:

• additional practice papers to help students prepare for exams
• schemes of work, written by experienced teachers
• a practical handbook, including recommendations and advice from teachers who’ve trialled our practicals
• AQA-approved textbooks reviewed by experienced senior examiners
• subject expertise courses for all teachers, from newly qualified teachers who are just getting started to experienced teachers looking for fresh inspiration.

Preparing for exams

Visit aqa.org.uk/8463 for everything you need to prepare for our exams, including:

• past papers, mark schemes and examiners’ reports
• sample papers and mark schemes for new courses
• Exampro: a searchable bank of past AQA exam questions
• example student answers with examiner commentaries.

Analyse your students' results with Enhanced Results Analysis (ERA)

Find out which questions were the most challenging, how the results compare to previous years and where your students need to improve. ERA, our free online results analysis tool, will help you see where to focus your teaching. Register at aqa.org.uk/era

For information about results, including maintaining standards over time, grade boundaries and our post-results services, visit aqa.org.uk/results

Keep your skills up-to-date with professional development

Time in the classroom is precious, but we understand that as your career develops, the skills and knowledge you need may change. As well as subject-specific training, we offer a range of courses to help boost your skills.

• Feedback sessions to understand how students have performed in this year’s exams.
• Virtual communities where you can chat to teachers in your subject area about what’s important to you.

This is just the start . Our events calendar is full of different ways for you to learn, understand and be inspired. Find out more at aqa.org.uk/professional-development .

Help and support available

Visit our website for information, guidance, support and resources at aqa.org.uk/8463

If you'd like us to share news and information about this qualification, sign up for emails and updates at aqa.org.uk/keepinformedscience

Alternatively, you can call or email our subject team direct.

E: gcsescience@aqa.org.uk

T: 01483 477 756