How to Prepare for A-Level Physics from GCSE

Nathania

Medical Student

If you’ve already decided that you want to study A-level Physics, you may be looking for some advice on how to prepare, especially as it’s known to be challenging. This article gives four tips on how to utilise your time to prepare for A-level Physics from GCSE.

1. Don’t forget all your GCSE Physics Knowledge

A-level Physics builds off of your GCSE physics knowledge. You want to make sure that over the summer you don’t forget all your GCSE physics knowledge that you have built up. Try to maintain what you have learned by going over your GCSE physics notes a couple of times a week, to refresh your mind on what you learned. If there were any topics that you particularly found challenging,  try to go over those topics now whilst you have time. This way you will feel confident ahead of starting A-level Physics in September.

2. Start developing your Maths skills for A-level Physics

In A-level physics, there is a lot of maths content that you need to be comfortable doing. To get an idea of the math skills that are expected of you whilst doing A-level Physics, you can take a look at this article here. Don’t feel that you have to tackle concepts that you haven’t been taught yet. Instead, focus on topics that you’ve already learned but may need extra practice with. This way you will have maintained your skills over the summer so you’ll have a good foundation.

3. Get a headstart on A-level Physics

If you’re feeling very eager, you can go on your exam board website and have a look at the A-level Physics specification. The specification contains a list of all the topics that you will cover while studying A-level Physics. If there are any topics that particularly stand out to you, do your own personal research.

For example, look up different articles, go to museums or read some books on the topic. This is all helpful for your own knowledge and you can mention them in your university applications in the future. Remember to take a note of anything you do. This is in case you forget by the time you’re writing your personal statement.

4. Enjoy your summer holiday

Most importantly, have a fun and exciting summer holiday. You will have worked very hard to do your best in your GCSEs and deserve a break. Going into A-level physics with a clear, relaxed mind is the best way to start your A-levels.