The CCEA GCSE Physics specification encourages students to appreciate the value of physics in their lives and in the world around them.

The specification helps students to develop confidence in exploring hypotheses, evidence, theories and explanations.

Practical science is a key focus, with the specification listing nine prescribed practicals that students must carry out during the course.

Our GCSE science specifications are the only ones to directly assess practical work, an important element of the subject, as part of a unit titled Practical Skills. There is also a written exam for each unit.

All parts of the assessment are externally marked.

This qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed through the Science and Technology Area of Learning.

This specification is unitised, so it’s possible to take part of the assessment before the end of the course.

The specification has three units:

• Unit 1: Motion, Force, Density and Kinetic Theory, Energy, and Atomic and Nuclear Physics
• Unit 2: Waves, Light, Electricity, Magnetism, Electromagnetism and Space Physics
• Unit 3: Practical Skills