Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Physics

Specification 4PH1 · Pearson Edexcel · International GCSE · first assessment June 2019 · graded 9–1

Eight topics, two untiered written papers, and experimental skills assessed through written questions rather than a practical exam. Paper 1 covers the core statements; Paper 2 covers everything, including the bold statements the specification reserves for it.

Papers and components

• Paper 1: Physics Paper 1 (4PH1/1P) — 61.1% of the qualification, 110 marks, 120 minutes. Whole paper Core content, all eight topics — AO1, AO2, AO3
• Paper 2: Physics Paper 2 (4PH1/2P) — 38.9% of the qualification, 70 marks, 75 minutes. Whole paper All content including bold P statements — AO1, AO2, AO3

Assessment objectives

• AO1 (38–42%) — Knowledge and understanding of physics.
• AO2 (38–42%) — Application of knowledge and understanding, analysis and evaluation of physics.
• AO3 (19–21%) — Experimental skills, analysis and evaluation of data and methods in physics.

What to know about this specification

• Total 180 marks: Paper 1 out of 110, Paper 2 out of 70.
• Untiered — every learner sits the same two papers and the full 9–1 range is available.
• There is no separate practical examination. Experimental skills are assessed through written questions on the required practicals.
• Bold statements marked P are examined on Paper 2 only.
• Graded 9–1, so condensed revision notes on this course are called Grade 9 Notes.
• This is the separate Physics qualification. Learners taking International GCSE Science (Double Award) cover a reduced content list — check which you are entered for.

Topics (13)

• Exam technique for both physics papers — Paper 1; AO1, AO2, AO3
• 1(a) Units — Paper 2 | Whole paper: All content including bold P statements; AO1, AO2
• 1(b) Movement and position — Paper 1 | Whole paper: Core content, all eight topics; AO1, AO2, AO3
• 1(c) Forces, movement, shape and momentum — Paper 2 | Whole paper: All content including bold P statements; AO1, AO2, AO3
• 2(b) Mains electricity — Paper 1 | Whole paper: Core content, all eight topics; AO1, AO2
• 2(c) Energy and voltage in circuits — Paper 1 | Whole paper: Core content, all eight topics; AO1, AO2, AO3
• 3(b) Properties of waves — Paper 1 | Whole paper: Core content, all eight topics; AO1, AO2, AO3
• 3(c) The electromagnetic spectrum — Paper 1 | Whole paper: Core content, all eight topics; AO1, AO2
• 4(b) Energy transfers — Paper 1 | Whole paper: Core content, all eight topics; AO1, AO2
• 5(b) Density and pressure — Paper 2 | Whole paper: All content including bold P statements; AO1, AO2, AO3
• 6(c) Electromagnetism — Paper 1 | Whole paper: Core content, all eight topics; AO1, AO2
• 7(b) Radioactivity — Paper 1 | Whole paper: Core content, all eight topics; AO1, AO2
• 8(c) Stellar evolution — Paper 1 | Whole paper: Core content, all eight topics; AO1, AO2

Condensed revision notes on this course are called Grade 9 Notes, because it is graded 9–1.

Built from the official specification (Issue 4 — September 2024, read 2026-08-02).