Preparing and passing the Edexcel GCSE Physics exam in the UK can be difficult for many students but not impossible. When you know what your plan is, it gets easier to get along with your physics exam preparation. If you are baffled and the date of the GCSE physics exam is approaching, you should not leave any stone unturned. Here, we are sharing a few tips that will direct you and stay on track.
- Prioritize Your Revision
The first thing you should do is to print a copy of the Edexcel GCSE physics course’s specifications. Go through the subject content line by line and use different colors to highlight things that you know, things that you don't know, and things that you are not sure about.
Don’t feel pressurized for things you are good at or feel confident with. Going over those things again and again will waste your time, especially when the remaining time is limited. Start with things that you don’t know. To understand the topic or chapter clearly, you can connect with an online Edexcel Physics Tutor. Schedule some time to revise these things first. Refer to your existing notes, your textbook, or revision guide if necessary.
In the end, also take a test yourself to check your understanding. Get exam-style practice questions as they are organized, and you can quickly and easily identify which questions to use.
Then, complete one or more sets of GCSE physics past papers or at least practice papers.
- Learn Command Words
Exam questions often use different command words that require a different kind of response. So, make sure that you know what different command words mean so that you answer each question correctly. For instance, ‘compare and contrast’ command requires you to do two things, and identify their similarities and differences. Pay attention to marks as they will help you determine the type and length of the answer required.
- Practice Recalling and Using Formulae
There is an abundance of Formulae in Physics that you need to learn. To understand how to use them, you can select past questions that require you to recall a formula and apply it. When you will practice a lot for recalling and using different formulae, only then you will gain confidence during your exam. Sometimes, you are also required to rearrange a formula. It is always a good practice to write down the formula and put numerical values before rearranging it.
Do calculations in stages so that the examiner can clearly see how you reach the solution. Make sure that you use the correct units and the number of significant figures.
- Also, Focus on Work Scientifically Section
This section of the specification is often overlooked but it is very important. You need to get yourself familiar with how scientific ideas have developed over time and be able to give answers. Generally, models are used to understand concepts, solve problems, and make predictions. These can even be tested experimentally and through observations. Identify the limitations and any ethical issues that may arise and also understand the role of peer review and why evaluation is important.
- Re-familiarize Yourself with the Core Practical Work
Get yourself familiar with the core practical work covered by the Edexcel GCSE Physics course. These are listed separately in the specifications. For every experiment, you should be able to:
- Choose or recall the apparatus used
- Identify measurements you need to take, and record them using correct units
- Identify precautions and potential hazards associated with practical work
- Plot graphs from the data if required, and make informed conclusions
- Evaluate the procedure, and understand the limitations of the investigation
Whenever you are stuck with any topic in the GCSE Physics course, it’s better to go to your online Edexcel Physics Tutor as it helps you save more time. Besides, they will also help you with exam preparation by giving tips, questions to practice, and valuable notes that will come handy during your exam preparation.
