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GCSE Physics Foundation Tier Course – AQA

The online GCSE Physics foundation course aims to impart a systematic body of scientific knowledge and skills as well as foster an appreciation of the practical nature of physics. Experimental and investigative skills based on safe, correct safe laboratory techniques will be developed. During this GCSE Physics foundation course, students will also gain an appreciation of scientific methods and learn to form hypotheses and design experiments to test them.

The key subject aims to:

  • To impart a systematic body of scientific knowledge and the skills needed to apply this in new and changing situations in many domestic, industrial and environmental contexts
  • To foster an appreciation of the practical nature of physics, and develop experimental and investigative skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques
  • To develop an appreciation of the importance of accurate experimental work and reporting to the scientific method
  • To enable students to form hypotheses and design experiments to test them
  • To enable students to evaluate, in terms of their scientific knowledge and understanding, the benefits and drawbacks (including social, environmental and economic) of scientific and technological developments
  • To enable students to select, organise and present information clearly and logically, using appropriate scientific terms and conventions

Students are able to enrol and book their course online, 365 days a year. No set term times, no classes to attend, you have complete flexibility. Access your online resources and tutor support for 12 months, all included in the fee. 

Note: Exam fees are not included in the fees paid to UK Open College. We do not book exams for students. However, you may wish to try www.tutorsandexams.uk who have a number of centres located across the UK. They deal with private candidates all the time and will be happy to help with booking if required. You can also find a list of centres on the AQA website who may also be able to assist.


Qualification: GCSE Physics Foundation Tier
Support: 1-year support included - Fast track your learning
Start Date: Anytime - We enrol 365 days a year 
AQA Specification: Code 8463
Exams: Book your own exams 
Price: Interest-Free Finance
Type of Study: Study online 

We also offer GCSE Physics Higher Tier that may be of interest. 

Require a Company or School Invoice? You can request an invoice here.

Course Details

Course Syllabus

Learners will complete 8 components of study in total as listed below.

Energy
Electricity
Particle model of matter
Atomic structure
Forces
Waves
Magnetism & Electromagnetism
Space physics

Please note: The highest grade students choosing Foundation Tier can achieve is 5. Students will be awarded a grade in the range of 1-5.

Students who fail to meet the minimum standard for grade 1 will be recorded as U (unclassified) and will not receive a qualification certificate.

Students aiming for Grade 4-9 should take the GCSE Higher Tier Course

Entry Requirements

There are no previous qualifications required to register for this GCSE Physics course.

Course Duration

This course comes with 12 months of support included:

Guided Learning Hours (GLH) – 200 Hours
Total Qualification Time (TQT) – 270 Hours

Tutors & Support

All learners have access to a qualified tutor via email for the stated support period. In addition to this, you are able to speak to our support team via telephone with any query you may have relating your course.

Our tutors and support team have years of experience in delivering online and distance learning courses. If you require help, then we are only a phone call away.

Assessment

To achieve a GCSE Foundation in Physics you will be assessed across the sections displayed . All sections will be assessed by 2 paper-based examinations. A more detailed breakdown of the assessment details is provided below:

Paper 1

Type: Written examination

Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Weighting: 50% of GCSE

Total Marks: 100

Question type: Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response

Assessed: Topics 1-4: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; and Atomic structure

Paper 2

Type: Written examination

Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Weighting: 50% of GCSE

Total Marks: 100

Question type: Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response

Assessed: Topics 5–8: Forces; Waves; Magnetism and electromagnetism; and Space physics. Questions in Paper 2 may draw on an understanding of energy changes and transfers due to heating, mechanical and electrical work and the concept of energy conservation from Energy and Electricity.

Additional Examination Fees

As a private candidate, it is the students responsibility to arrange their own examinations and practical assessment if required. This is not part of the service offered by UK Open College. 

This should be done prior to enrolment with us. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the necessary arrangements in place & confirmed. This is very easy to do but you need to book in advanced to avoid late booking fees. 

Fees for these services can vary hugely from centre to centre. It may be worth travelling out of area. (It’s worth it)
You can view a list of official AQA approved examination centres here 

You can also try www.tutorsandexams.uk who have a number of centres located across the UK. They deal with private candidates all the time and will be happy to help with booking if required. 

The later you leave it to arrange, the more expensive it can be. At times, it can be impossible to arrange so plan ahead. (6 months minimum recommended)

Your contract with us is for the course and support only. We will not refund you outside of the 14 day cooling off period if you have not confirmed these arrangements with your selected centre.

Enquire & confirm with your chosen centre, do not leave it to chance!

Payments plans - Guaranteed acceptance*

Select whether to pay in full upon enrolment or opt to pay a deposit and spread the cost with our Interest-free payment plan.  *Guaranteed acceptance for those who meet the following conditions:

Aged 18 and above (Maximum age 75)
Permanent resident in the UK
Be able to provide 3 years of address history from the UK
Have a UK bank account that accepts direct debits
Hold a valid UK credit or debit card

Please note: We do not carry out credit checks

Alternative payment plans may be available for those that do not meet these conditions. Please speak to a member of our team who will be happy to assist on 0121 792 3872.

Applicants choosing the monthly option will be required to complete and sign a financial agreement for the remaining payments.  All payments to be set up via direct debit.  We are only able to set up monthly payments for students resident in the UK. 

Please note: Once a payment plan is set up, you are liable to pay the course fees in full whether you complete the course or not.  Please ensure the monthly repayments are affordable before agreeing to any payment plan offered.

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14 Day Money Back Guarantee

Once received at your requested delivery address, you have 14 days to ensure this course meets your needs and requirements. If for any reason you are not happy, simply return your course pack unused for a refund.*

*Minus postage. An admin fee is deducted from any deposit refunded if a finance plan is arranged and then cancelled.

Our full T’s & C’s can be viewed here.

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