Year 10 Physics

Overview

Year 10 builds the physics core so Year 11 can focus on refinement and timed papers. We secure forces and motion, energy, electricity and waves, then develop particle/atomic models. Students practise using equations with correct units and significant figures, reading gradients/areas from graphs, and explaining processes clearly using key vocabulary. Required practicals are taught for confident planning, measuring, analysing and evaluating.

Curriculum priorities

• Forces & motion: vectors/scalars, distance–time & velocity–time graphs, acceleration, Newton’s laws, momentum (intro), Hooke’s law.
• Energy: stores & transfers, specific heat capacity, efficiency, insulation, power; energy resources and evaluation.
• Electricity: charge, current, potential difference, resistance, IV characteristics, series/parallel behaviour, power & energy in circuits; mains safety.
• Waves: wave types, speed = frequency × wavelength, ripple tank and string methods, reflection/refraction (core ideas).
• Particle model: density, changes of state, internal energy & specific latent heat, gas pressure & temperature (qualitative/quantitative).
• Atomic structure (intro): Rutherford/Bohr model, isotopes, ionising radiation and safety (doses & uses often deepened in Y11).
• Required practical skills: planning variables, uncertainty & resolution, graphs (gradient/area), evaluation and improvements.

Year 10 assessments

• School assessments: topic tests, practical write-ups and an end-of-year mock inform Year 11 targets.
• Exam boards: aligned to your school’s scheme (AQA/OCR/Edexcel).
• Routes & tiers (how it works): schools deliver Combined Science (two GCSEs) or Separate Sciences (three GCSEs). Physics components are entered at Foundation or Higher; tier/route decisions are guided by mock data — we advise after diagnostics.

How we help

• Diagnostic start: check KS3/Y10 baselines; make a clear plan by topic and skill.
• Equation fluency: identify, rearrange and apply the right formula; unit handling and sig figs for full marks.
• Graph skills: plotting with scales/units, interpreting gradients and areas with context.
• Required practical mastery: specific heat capacity, I–V characteristics, resistance, density, waves, thermal insulation, force–extension, acceleration (board-dependent).
• 6-mark answers: scaffolded plans with keywords, cause–and–effect chains and comparisons.

Looking ahead

Year 11 completes the specification (e.g., magnetism/electromagnetism, space for Separate) then focuses on timed exam practice and refinement. We carry Y10 strengths forward and close any gaps early.

Other Year 10 subjects

• Maths
• English
• Biology
• Chemistry

Start your Year 10 Physics journey with us

- Step 1 of 2

Parent/Guardian details

First Name *

Email Address *

Last Name *

Phone *

Next

Student Details

First Name *

Choose Location *--- Select Choice ---LoughtonSeven Kings

Last Name *

Choose Year Group *Year 1 (Loughton Only)Year 2 (Loughton Only)Year 3Year 4Year 5Year 6Year 7Year 8Year 9Year 10Year 11

Which subjects are you Interested in (you can tick multiple)? *

• 7 plus preparation
• Maths
• English

This will give our team an understanding of your basic requirements and which items will suit you best.

Which subjects are you Interested in (you can tick multiple)? *

• Maths
• English

This will give our team an understanding of your basic requirements and which items will suit you best.

Which subjects are you Interested in (you can tick multiple)? *

• 11 Plus Preparation
• Maths
• English

This will give our team an understanding of your basic requirements and which items will suit you best.

Which subjects are you Interested in (you can tick multiple)? *

• SATs
• Maths
• English

This will give our team an understanding of your basic requirements and which items will suit you best.

Which subjects are you Interested in (you can tick multiple)? *

• Maths
• English
• Science

This will give our team an understanding of your basic requirements and which items will suit you best.

Which subjects are you Interested in (you can tick multiple)? *

• Maths
• English
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics

This will give our team an understanding of your basic requirements and which items will suit you best.

Message *

Message

Submit