Chemistry

Exam Board: AQA

“I was taught that the way of progress was neither swift nor easy.” - Marie Curie 

 Chemistry is the science of the composition, structure, properties and reactions of matter, understood in terms of atoms, atomic particles and the way they are arranged and link together. It is concerned with the synthesis, formulation, analysis and characteristic properties of substances and materials of all kinds. (DfE) 

GCSE Chemistry is taught in ways that help students to develop curiosity about the natural world, insight into how science works, and appreciation of its relevance to their everyday lives.  

GCSE Chemistry outcomes build upon the subject content taught at Key Stage 3. 

 The course comprises of 10 units. 

• Atomic structure and the periodic table 
• Bonding, structure and the properties of matter 
• Quantitative chemistry 
• Chemical changes 
• Energy changes 
• The rate and extent of chemical change 
• Organic chemistry 
• Chemical analysis 
• Chemistry of the atmosphere 
• Using resources 

There are eight required practical activities. 

Assessment

Paper 1 

Topics 1–5: Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes; and Energy changes. 

• Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes • Foundation and Higher Tier • 100 marks • 50% of GCSE 

Paper 2 

Topics 6–10: The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using resources. 

• Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes • Foundation and Higher Tier • 100 marks • 50% of GCSE 

Papers will include multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response.

Where can it lead?

Chemistry is a highly valued subject that provides students with a wide variety of skills and knowledge that help to prepare students for KS5.