Physics-chemistry (physique-chimie, taught as a single subject in France) is often the specialism where a good maths student loses marks without understanding why. The calculations are within reach; what blocks them is modelling, written explanation, questions with no prescribed method. For the 2027 session, the exam changes, and it puts the emphasis on exactly these points.
The physics-chemistry specialism in première and terminale
In the general track, the specialism takes 4 hours a week in première and 6 hours in terminale (the last two years of lycée). Like every specialism kept in terminale, its final exam has a coefficient of 16 in the baccalauréat. For a student aiming at a scientific prépa, it is also one of the grades admissions committees examine, along with maths.
The baccalauréat physics-chemistry exam from 2027
A ministry circular of 11 September 2026 redefines the exam from the 2027 session. It has two parts, each marked out of 20:
- A 3 hour 30 written part, counting for 80% of the grade: three independent exercises, with, in the text's words, "a significant place for modelling and for solving questions requiring initiative". The paper states whether a calculator is allowed. Two marks out of twenty assess written French: spelling, syntax, the ability to set out reasoning with accurate vocabulary.
- A one-hour practical part, the assessment of experimental skills, counting for 20%: the candidate draws one situation from at least two physics-based and two chemistry-based ones, and two teachers assess them in the lab.
Initiative questions, where the paper does not say how to proceed, and the two marks for writing are where a student strong in calculation can still gain or lose a lot.
2027 session. Exam defined by the circular of 11 September 2026 (special Bulletin officiel no. 4 of 17 September 2026). Specialism written exams for 2027 are scheduled from 16 to 18 June 2027, physics-chemistry on Wednesday 16 June. The calendar should be checked in the Bulletin officiel before the exam.
A private physics-chemistry tutor in terminale
A useful private lesson in physics-chemistry does not repeat the school course: it tackles what loses marks. Reading a long problem and extracting the model, stating assumptions, working the algebra before plugging in numbers, writing a conclusion that answers the question. And for the practical exam, justifying a protocol and discussing uncertainty.
A private tutor for maths and physics
The two subjects go together. Terminale physics uses the derivatives, differential equations, vectors and exponentials of the maths course, often before the student has had time to absorb them. Working on both with the same teacher solves the problem at its source: when the physics mistake is a maths mistake, we go back to the maths.
Physics-chemistry and the prépa
In PCSI, physics-chemistry becomes the main subject. At the Lycée Charlemagne, in Paris, the PCSI lists 8 hours of physics, 4 hours of chemistry and 4 hours of physics practicals a week. A student who arrives with a solid method of written explanation and modelling reflexes starts with a head start. For maths expectations, see Preparing for prépa in terminale, and for admissions, What grades for a PCSI.
I give private lessons in maths and physics-chemistry by video, from seconde to the doors of the prépa.