Why Study Chemistry? 

The Edexcel International GCSE course offers pupils the opportunity to gain an exciting insight into the chemical processes that underpin modern life: from the manufacture of fertilizers to the design of new biodegradable plastics. Combating global warming could partly depend upon the design of new carbon-neutral materials and chemical processes. There is a strong emphasis on practical work and the learning of key laboratory skills and techniques.

The course provides a strong basis for further study in Advanced Level Chemistry, which is a vital qualification for careers in pharmacy, medicine, chemical engineering, and climate change.

You Will Study

Section 1: Principles of Chemistry: a) States of matter, b) Elements, compounds and mixtures, c) Atomic structure, d) The Periodic Table, e) Chemical formulae, equations and calculations, f) Ionic bonding, g) Covalent bonding, h) Metallic bonding, i) Electrolysis

Section 2: Inorganic Chemistry: a) Group 1 (alkali metals) – lithium, sodium and potassium, b) Group 7 (halogens) – chlorine, bromine and iodine, c) Gases in the atmosphere, d) Reactivity series, e) Extraction and uses of metals, f) Acids, alkalis and titration, g) Acids, bases and salt preparation, h) Chemical tests

Section 3: Physical Chemistry: a) Energetics, b) Rates of reaction, c) Reversible reactions and equilibria

Section 4: Organic Chemistry: a) Introduction, b) Crude oil, c) Alkanes, d) Alkenes, e) Alcohols, f) Carboxylic acids, g) Esters, h) Synthetic polymers

Assessment

You will take two externally assessed papers. Both papers include content from sections 1-4. There is no internally assessed practical work. 

• Chemistry Paper 1 (2 hour paper, 110 marks, 61.1% GCSE)
• Chemistry Paper 2 (1 hour 15 mins paper, 70 marks, 38.9% GCSE)