Course information
One of science’s core subjects, students who choose to study an International GCSE Physics will embark upon a journey that predates humanity, as they uncover the basic elements making up the universe in which our planet exists.
The International GCSE Physics course is designed to help students develop a broad understanding of the facts, concepts and principles behind how various components and forces interact. The course also aims to develop investigative skills and encourages the ability to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of modern scientific developments.
In total, there are 7 Modules in this home education course:
Module 1: Forces and Motion
- Speed, Distance and Time
- Forces
- Friction and Momentum
- Investigative Skills A: Experimental Design
- Turning and Stretching
- The Solar System
Module 2: Electricity
- Mains Electricity
- Static Electricity
- Electrical Circuits 1: Current and Voltage
- Electrical Circuits 2: Resistance
- Investigative Skills B: Interpretation
Module 3: Waves
- Properties of Waves
- The Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Light
- Sound
- Investigative Skills C: Taking a Reading
Module 4: Energy Resources and Energy Transfer
- Energy Transfers
- Thermal Energy
- Work and Power
- Energy Resources and Electricity Generation
Module 5: Solids, Liquids and Gases
- Density and Pressure
- Heating and Change of State
- Gases
Module 6: Magnetism and Electromagnetism
- Magnetism
- Electric Motors and Electromagnetic Induction
Module 7: Radioactivity and Particles
- Atoms and Radioactivity
- Radiation and Half-life
- Applications of Radioactivity
- Fission and Fusion
These modules will be covered in detail throughout a total of 28 lessons, while an additional 12 tutor-marked assignments will challenge the student at regular intervals throughout the course.
The Oxford Home Schooling International GCSE Physics course matches the content of the Edexcel 4PH1 International GCSE specification for exams in 2025 and beyond.
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Examinations and assignments
The International GCSE Physics course prepares students for Edexcel’s two written examination papers:
Paper One: 2 hours; the total number of marks is 120, two-thirds of the overall total.
Paper Two: 1 hour: the total number of marks is 60, one-third of the overall total.
Exams can be taken in summer or in November.
Course duration and study time
When you enrol with Oxford Home Schooling we will agree on an intended examination date with you. Your support will last all the way up to this examination date, regardless of whether you decide to do the course in 9 months or 30.
The recommended number of study hours for this course is 200 hours.
Course price
Our International GCSE Physics course fee is £395.
You may pay using our interest-free easy payment scheme. Pay a £79 deposit followed by eight monthly instalments of £39.50.
Multiple courses attract a discount. See our pricing page for further details.
You will receive support from a fully-qualified tutor holding either a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or a degree in education.
This support includes:
- Marking all assignments for the course
- Written answers to specific study problems
- Telephone contact
When you begin this course, you will agree an examination date or dates with your Student Adviser. Your support period lasts up to this examination date.
Meet Our Tutors
I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher. I loved the fact that teachers could make such a difference to young peoples’ lives, and of course I thought it’d be great to have so many holidays! I have spent many years working in secondary schools teaching a range of subjects, and I love it. I’m a firm believer that we should never stop learning.
As a tutor, I am friendly, flexible, and most importantly, approachable. I understand that studying isn’t always easy, and I will never judge someone for finding things challenging; instead I will help and encourage you to work through, so that you can feel the sense of achievement when you succeed.
Gillian Jones
What’s next?
Our International GCSE Physics is a demanding and challenging course that provides students with a wide range of options upon completion. While some go on to study the subject further at A level, others use is at a stepping-stone into other subjects, such as engineering, medicine, science or even law.
In terms of career options, those with a solid understanding of physics often choose to enter well-paid industries such as engineering or scientific research, while others make the bold move into environmental studies in a bid to explore a range of greener and more efficient energy sources.
A Physics qualification will take you far; it is greatly prized by a huge range of potential employers.
Supported by Online Videos
In association with Twig World, The International GCSE Physics is enriched by extensive links to appropriate films (and other supporting material), lesson by lesson. The student hops from the course materials to the films and back again.
To access the films, students need a password, supplied at enrolment. Students also need internet access and an e-mail account to benefit from this extraordinary resource which is offered as a “free” extra to students on the relevant courses.
Books
FAQs
Why should I choose Oxford Home Schooling?
- Oxford Home Schooling is a long-established educational trust that prides itself on
- treating every student as an individual
- customer service
- course quality.
- We’re rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot by students who have studied with us.
- We provide online and printed resources so you can study your way – other providers do not give you that choice.
- We make it easy for you to home-educate your children with our flexible schedule, tutor support, and interest-free payment plan.
- Every year we help hundreds of children who have left mainstream education obtain the qualifications they need to progress and achieve their goals.
- Oxford Home Schooling is part of a not-for-profit trust so you can be sure that your course fees are spent on either your child’s tuition or on improving our courses.
What is an International GCSE?
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) qualifications are comparable to the UK GCSE specifications, with appropriate international content and assessment that will enable successful progression for learners.
Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs are studied in over 80 countries worldwide and in independent schools in the UK. Available in 37 subjects, they are equivalent, grade for grade, to UK GCSEs and accepted by universities globally. Aimed at learners aged 14 to 16, they provide the skills and knowledge needed to progress to A Levels, International A Levels, onto university and into employment.
Full details of Pearson Edexcel’s International GCSEs can be found here
When can I enrol?
You can enrol any time you like, the earlier the better. The important thing to think about is when you wish to sit your exam and to give yourself plenty of time to work through your materials and revise successfully. Our cut-off dates for enrolment can be found here.
Once you have enrolled, you will get access to your course online immediately and your printed course materials will arrive a few days later.
When will I sit my exam?
The Physics IGCSE papers may be taken in the Summer or the Autumn examination series. The Summer series typically runs from mid-May to late June and the Autumn series is in November.
How and when do I book an exam?
The final date for booking summer exams with the exam board without incurring late entry fees is the 21st of February. You should book your place at an exam centre well in advance of this date. Start looking once the autumn term begins.
All the information you need to book an exam centre can be found in our Exams Hub. Here you will find
- detailed instructions on how to approach centres who do not have online booking
- the entry codes needed to book exams
- our map of examination centres where our students have taken exams in recent years.
Tutors & Exams offers discounts to Oxford Home Schooling students and has nine current exam venues across the UK: Birmingham, Bolton, Coventry, Doncaster, High Wycombe, Romford, St Neots, Taunton and Wimbledon.
Our Centre Finder map in the Student Hub has many other locations where previous students have been offered exam places and discounts.
Pearson Edexcel also publishes a list of exam centres that accept private candidates. This won’t cover every available centre, so if there’s nothing shown in your area, we recommend contacting local schools and colleges directly.
How much does a Physics IGCSE examination cost?
Your exam fees aren’t included in the course cost as they’re paid directly to the exam centre. They will vary depending on which centre you choose. Generally speaking, dedicated examination services will be more expensive than a local school or college. Prices range from £100 to £350 pounds.
Is there a practical exam?
No there is no practical.
The exam consists of a combination of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. A calculator may be used in the examinations.
Will I need to conduct experiments within the home environment?
There are many safe and important experiments which can be conducted within the home environment, most requiring only basic everyday materials. Full guidance on setting up suitable experiments is given within the course. Such practical work will help with the understanding of most topics. One of the main benefits of the Twig videos which accompany the course is that they can show the more complicated experiments and enable understanding through other means.
Is Physics more important than Biology or Chemistry?
This is a matter of opinion! We would say that all three are very important indeed. But even if you take no exams in Biology or Chemistry, you can benefit from studying Physics through GCSE and even to A level.
Should I opt for Physics GCSE or Science GCSE?
This is a matter for discussion with your Student Adviser. Any Science GCSE exam will include a Physics paper and this may well cover the same ground as Paper 1 of the Physics IGCSE exams.
Students opt for Physics (I)GCSE or Science (I)GCSE, not both.
Learn the fundamentals of Physics Apply Now!
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