LGCSE Physical Science (0181) study plan

LGCSE Physical Science (0181) · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Atomic structure, the Periodic Table and chemical bonding & Chemical reactions, formulae, equations and quantitative chemistry

Draw electron shell diagrams and deduce proton, neutron and electron counts for the first 20 elements without notes
Classify elements as metals, non-metals and noble gases from their position in the Periodic Table and justify each placement
Explain ionic, covalent and metallic bonding in terms of electron transfer or sharing, and predict the formula of a compound formed from two given ions
Balance at least 15 symbol equations and identify the reaction type (combination, decomposition, displacement, combustion)
Calculate relative formula mass and percentage composition by mass for 10 compounds

A one-page formula-and-bonding summary sheet plus a 20-question self-test on bonding and equation balancing scored and corrected

Week 2

Convert between moles, mass and concentration using n = m/Mr and c = n/V across 12 mixed calculations
Calculate reacting masses and limiting-reagent problems from a balanced equation, showing full working
Define acids and bases in terms of proton transfer and write the products of neutralisation reactions
Prepare a named salt by a stated method (acid + insoluble base, acid + carbonate, titration) and justify each step
Describe how temperature, concentration, surface area and catalysts change reaction rate using collision theory

A worked-solutions booklet of 15 quantitative chemistry and acid–base problems, each annotated with the step that earns the mark

Week 3

Apply v = u + at, s = ut + ½at² and v² = u² + 2as to solve 10 motion problems including free fall
Draw and interpret distance–time and velocity–time graphs, extracting gradient and area with correct units
Resolve and combine forces on free-body diagrams and apply F = ma to multi-force situations
Distinguish mass from weight and calculate weight using g, including on other planets
Calculate work, power and efficiency and trace energy transfers through a system using a Sankey diagram

A labelled set of 6 free-body and energy-transfer diagrams with the accompanying calculations, checked against a mark scheme you write yourself

Week 4

Draw series and parallel circuits and calculate current, potential difference and resistance in each
Apply Ohm's law and the power equations P = VI and E = VIt to 10 circuit problems
Describe the magnetic field around a current-carrying wire and a solenoid, and state how to strengthen an electromagnet
Use the wave equation v = fλ to compute frequency, wavelength and speed for sound and light
Construct ray diagrams for reflection and refraction, and state the conditions for total internal reflection

A timed 45-minute mock section covering domains 6–9, marked and with every wrong answer rewritten as a corrected statement

Week 5

Describe the particle arrangement and motion in solids, liquids and gases and use them to explain changes of state
Explain diffusion, Brownian motion and gas pressure in terms of particle collisions
Select and justify a separation technique (filtration, distillation, fractional distillation, chromatography, crystallisation) for a given mixture
Distinguish conduction, convection and radiation and explain each with the particle model
Interpret and sketch heating and cooling curves, labelling melting and boiling plateaus

A comparison table of six separation techniques with the mixture each suits and one worked heating-curve explanation of 150 words

Week 6

Identify independent, dependent and controlled variables and write a testable hypothesis for three given scenarios
Design a fair-test method with a risk assessment, and distinguish accuracy, precision, repeatability and reliability
Process data by calculating means, plotting a graph with a line of best fit and identifying anomalous results
Describe the structure of the Earth, plate tectonic movement and the rock cycle in sequence
Explain day and night, seasons, phases of the Moon and the scale of the solar system

A full written investigation plan for one practical question, including variables table, method, risk assessment and a blank results table with units

Week 7

Explain one everyday application each for electrolysis, catalysts, alloys and polymers using correct chemical vocabulary
Compare energy resources by cost, reliability and environmental impact and justify a choice for a named region
Evaluate the chemistry and physics behind one household technology (battery, water treatment or insulation) in a structured argument
Interpret and evaluate data from a graph or table in a real-world context, commenting on limitations

A 400-word evidence-based evaluation of one everyday technology, citing at least three scientific ideas from different domains

Week 8

Complete two full-length timed past papers under exam conditions and mark them strictly
Classify every error by domain and by cause (knowledge gap, calculation slip, misread question)
Re-teach the three weakest sub-topics using your own notes and redo the related questions
Practise command words (state, describe, explain, calculate, evaluate) and match answer length to mark allocation
Write a final one-page formula and key-definition sheet from memory

A completed error log across both papers with a re-test on the three weakest sub-topics scoring at least 80%

Week 2: Score at least 75% on a self-made 20-question test on bonding, equations, moles and acids, with all working shown

Week 4: Complete the timed 45-minute mock on domains 6–9 within the time limit and score at least 65%

Week 6: Produce a full investigation plan that a peer can follow to obtain reproducible data without asking you questions

Week 8: Average at least 80% across two full timed papers, with no domain scoring below 60%