How to revise GCSE Physics the night before an exam

Around 40% of the marks in GCSE Physics involve mathematical skills, so calculations are an important place to pick up marks.

You don't need to spend tonight learning every possible calculation. Instead, make sure your exam technique is good.

Remember to:

• Convert units to SI units when necessary (e.g. km -> m)

• Find the correct equation on the equation sheet.

• Rearrange equations correctly when needed.

• Show all your working.

• Substitute the numbers carefully.

• Always include a unit with your answer.

• Check that your answer makes sense.

If you are unsure what to do, don't just leave the question blank. At least multiply or divide the numbers and see if you one gives a sensible answer. 

Even if you make a mistake with the final answer, showing your working can help you earn method marks.

For a detailed approach to calculations, read my article How to Answer GCSE Physics Calculations: The 7 Step Method.

If you struggle with rearranging equations, read How to rearrange equations for GCSE Physics.

You should expect to see at least one question about a practical method in your GCSE Physics exam. You don't need to memorise a perfect answer for every practical. Instead, have a general structure in your head.

When writing a practical method, think about:

Variables - What is the independent variable (what you change)? What is the dependent variable (what you measure)? How will you measure them?

Control variables - What needs to be kept the same to make it a fair test?

Measurements - What measurements need to be taken and what equipment will you use to measure them.

Safety - Are there any hazards? How will you make the experiment safe?

Results - What will you do with the results? Will you use an equation to calculate something or plot a graph?

And don't forget to say ‘take repeats and calculate an average’.

This structure will not work perfectly for every practical, but it gives you a useful outline if you are not sure what to include.

This is one of the most useful things you can do the night before an exam. If you have completed practice questions, homework, a mock exam or a past paper, look at the questions you got wrong. There is no point spending all night practising questions you can already answer.

Don't just look at the correct answer and think, "Oh yeah, I see it now." Work out why you got it wrong.

Did you:

• not know the Physics?

• use the wrong equation?

• forget to convert a unit?

• misunderstand the question?

• fail to explain your answer clearly enough?

Then try the question again.

This is simple, but it can save you time. You do not need to repeat information that is already given in the question.

You also don't need to write huge paragraphs to answer a Physics question. Get straight to the point.

For longer answers, bullet points can be useful. They make it easier for you to organise your answer and make it easier for the examiner to see the points you are making.

Don't fill the answer space with irrelevant information just because there is space left. The examiner is looking for the points that answer the question.