WJEC GCSE Physics specification (3420)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC GCSE Physics exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official WJEC GCSE Physics specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official WJEC GCSE Physics (3420) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official WJEC specification PDF.
Specification overview
The WJEC GCSE in Physics offers a comprehensive and conceptually rich course that explores the nature of physical laws and their impact on daily life and global progress. The qualification equips learners to understand how science works and develop scientific thinking through practical and theoretical investigations. It emphasises the importance of practical experimentation and modelling in developing a deep understanding of physical phenomena.
The course enables learners to: • gain insight into core physical principles, models, and patterns of change • understand scientific concepts and apply them to explain observations • recognise the role of physics in technological advancement and environmental sustainability • develop and apply mathematical and practical skills through specified and contextualised experiments • progress to further scientific study with a strong foundation in data evaluation, hypothesis testing, and critical analysis
This qualification is available to centres in Wales and contributes to the development of skills aligned with the Welsh Baccalaureate Core:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Unit 1: Electricity, Energy and Waves
- Electric circuits: Current, voltage, resistance; series and parallel; energy, power; circuit symbols; practical I-V investigations
- Generating electricity: Renewable and non-renewable sources; National Grid; transformers; efficiency
- Making use of energy: Heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation); insulation; density; cost-effectiveness
- Domestic electricity: Mains electricity; cost of energy; fuses, MCBs, RCCBs; wiring; energy transfer
- Features of waves: Types of waves; amplitude, wavelength, frequency; EM spectrum and uses
- Total internal reflection: Optical fibres; medical and communications applications
- Seismic waves: P and S waves; Earth structure; shadow zones
- Kinetic theory: Particle model; pressure, volume, temperature; specific heat/latent heat
- Electromagnetism: Magnetic fields; motor effect; generators; transformers
Unit 2: Forces, Space and Radioactivity
- Distance, speed and acceleration: Motion graphs; stopping distances; safety
- Newton's laws: Inertia, mass, weight; force and acceleration; terminal speed
- Work and energy: Kinetic and potential energy; efficiency; springs; car safety
- Further motion concepts: Momentum, conservation, collisions; equations of motion; moments
- Stars and planets: Solar system features; star lifecycle; H-R diagram
- The Universe: Red-shift; Big Bang theory; cosmic microwave background
- Types of radiation: Alpha, beta, gamma; nuclear equations; background radiation
- Half-life: Decay curves; applications like dating and medicine
- Nuclear decay and energy: Fission, fusion; reactors; containment and safety
Unit 3: Practical Assessment
- Conducted in the spring term under controlled conditions
- One experiment selected from two annually released by WJEC
- Section A: Practical results (6 marks)
- Section B: Analysis and evaluation (24 marks)
- Focus on working scientifically, data handling, accuracy, and reliability:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Electricity, Energy and Waves
- 1h 45m written paper, 80 marks
- 45% of total
- Tiered: Foundation (C–G), Higher (A*–D)
- Includes structured, data response, and extended writing questions
Unit 2: Forces, Space and Radioactivity
- 1h 45m written paper, 80 marks
- 45% of total
- Tiered: Foundation (C–G), Higher (A*–D)
- Includes structured, data response, and extended writing questions
Unit 3: Practical Assessment
- Centre-conducted, externally marked
- 60 mins practical (Section A) + 60 mins written (Section B)
- 30 marks, 10% of total
- Untiered; tasks change annually
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 (Knowledge & understanding): 40%
- AO2 (Application): 40%
- AO3 (Analysis & evaluation): 20%
- At least 30% of total assessment must test mathematical skills
- Minimum 15% assesses practical skills
Grading
- GCSE awarded on an A*–G scale
- Unit marks converted using UMS
- Tiered papers with maximum grade caps (e.g. Foundation tier max = grade C) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC GCSE Physics isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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