Chemistry: GCSE, IGCSE, IB & A level

The Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry course provides excellent preparation for both Higher International Baccalaureate Higher Level and A Level Chemistry. Chemistry is a stimulating and challenging course with plenty of opportunities for hands-on experimental work that allow the theories being studied to be explored dynamically. Chemistry is essential for any pupils who wish to apply for medical, veterinary or dentistry courses, as well as some engineering courses. Chemistry also develops mathematical and logical reasoning skills, which are transferrable to career pathways away from Science, for example, Law and Accountancy.  

The topics covered are outlined briefly below; topics marked with an asterisk (*) are Separate Science only. 

Principles of Chemistry 

• States of matter, atoms, atomic structure, bonding, electrolysis*, formulae and equations, practical techniques, calculating amounts of substances 

Inorganic chemistry 

• The periodic table, alkali metals, halogens, noble gases, the atmosphere, the reactivity series, extraction and uses of metals*, acids and alkalis, salts, analytical tests for ions and gases 

Organic chemistry 

• Crude oil, alkanes, alkenes, alcohols*, carboxylic acids*, esters*, polymers 

Physical chemistry 

• Energetics, rates of reaction, reversible reactions and equilibria 

Chemistry taken as part of Separate Award Science covers all these topics. Chemistry taken as part of the Double Award explores the same topics, but in slightly less depth and detail. 

The Syllabus

Double Award: Pearson Edexcel International  GCSE Science (Double Award) (4SD0)  

Separate Science: Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1) 

Standard/Higher Level

Chemistry IB Higher Level is a challenging though very rewarding subject to study. Chemistry is a requirement for university courses in Medicine, Biology, Agriculture, Geology, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Veterinary Science and more directly chemistry-based studies such as Metallurgy, Pharmacy, Food Science, Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering. The course also develops analytical and problem-solving skills that are transferrable to the other subjects in the IB Diploma as well as a wide range of university courses. 

Chemistry IB Standard Level is an ideal entry point for those who have studied little Chemistry previously. The Standard course covers the same core topics as the Higher Level course, but in slightly less depth. 

Course Content 

Higher Level 

• Core 110 hours 
• Additional Higher level 70 hours 
• Group 4 Collaborative Project 10 hours 
• Individual investigation (internal assessment) 10 hours 
• Practical activities 40 hours 

Standard Level 

• Core 110 hours 
• Group 4 Collaborative Project 10 hours 
• Individual investigation (internally assessed) 10 hours 
• Practical activities 20 hours  

Syllabus Outline 

Structure 1. Models of the particulate nature  of matter 

1.1—Introduction to the particulate nature of matter 

1.2—The nuclear atom 

1.3—Electron configurations 

1.4—Counting particles by mass: The mole 

1.5—Ideal gases 

Structure 2. Models of bonding and structure 

2.1—The ionic model  

2.2—The covalent model 

2.3—The metallic model 

2.4—From models to materials 

Structure 3. Classification of matter 

3.1—The periodic table: Classification of elements 

3.2— Functional groups: Classification of organic compounds 

Reactivity 1. What drives chemical reactions? 

1.1—Measuring enthalpy change 

1.2—Energy cycles in reactions 

1.3—Energy from fuels 

1.4—Entropy and spontaneity (Additional higher level) 

Reactivity 2. How much, how fast and how far? 

2.1—How much? The amount of chemical change 

2.2—How fast? The rate of chemical change 

2.3—How far? The extent of chemical change 

Reactivity 3. What are the mechanisms of  chemical change? 

3.1—Proton transfer reactions 

3.2—Electron transfer reactions 

3.3—Electron sharing reactions 

3.4—Electron-pair sharing reactions  

Assessment (Standard Level) 

Paper 1 – all topics – 36%

• 1½ hours 
• Section A multiple-choice questions 
• Section B data-based questions and questions on experimental work. 

Paper 2 – all topics – 44%

» 1½ hours 

» Short answer and extended response questions 

Coursework (20%) 

Assessment (Higher Level) 

Paper 1 – all topics – 36%

• 2 hours 
• Section A multiple-choice questions 
• Section B data-based questions and questions on experimental work. 

Paper 2 – all topics – 44%

• 2½ hours 
• Short answer and extended response questions 

Coursework (20%) 

Course Entry Requirements 

Experience has shown that in order for students to have a strong enough base from which to study Chemistry IB Higher with confidence, they should ideally have a minimum of a grade 8 in GCSE/IGCSE Chemistry (or Double Award Science). They should also have at least grade 7 in GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics. We will consider students with lower grades for the course, but they need to be aware that they will find the course particularly challenging. 

Course Content

Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry  

Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry  

• Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations  
• Amount of substance 
• Acid–base and redox reactions 
• Electrons, bonding and structure  

Module 3 – Periodic table and energy  

• The periodic table and periodicity 
• Group 2 and the halogens 
• Qualitative analysis 
• Enthalpy changes  
• Reaction rates and equilibrium (qualitative)  

Module 4 – Core organic chemistry  

• Basic concepts 
• Hydrocarbons 
• Alcohols and haloalkanes 
• Organic synthesis 
• Analytical techniques (IR and MS)  

Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements  

• Reaction rates and equilibrium (quantitative)  
• pH and buffers  
• Enthalpy, entropy and free energy  
• Redox and electrode potentials  
• Transition elements  

Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis 

• Aromatic compounds 
• Carbonyl compounds  
• Carboxylic acids and esters  
• Nitrogen compounds 
• Polymers 
• Organic synthesis  
• Chromatography and spectroscopy 

Assessment Details 

Paper 1 assesses Modules 1, 2, 3, and 5 

Paper 2 assesses Modules 1, 2, 4, and 6 

Paper 3 assesses all Modules 

Further details of the specification can be found here: OCR A Chemistry 

Practical Assessment

In addition to the final examination grade, the students will also receive a simple PASS/NOT PASS in practical competencies. These are assessed across the 2 years through required practicals completed at the relevant points in the syllabus. 

Course Entry Requirements 

Experience has shown that in order for students to have a strong enough base from which to study Chemistry A-Level with confidence, they should ideally have a minimum of a grade 8 in GCSE/IGCSE Chemistry (or Double Award Science). They should also have at least grade 7 in GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics. We will consider students with lower grades for the course, but they need to be aware that they will find the course particularly challenging.