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International GCSE in Chemistry

Pearson Edexcel – Qualification Code: 4CH1

Who is This Course For?

The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Chemistry provides students with a deep understanding of fundamental chemical principles, equipping them with essential problem-solving, analytical, and experimental skills.

This course is ideal for students who:

  • Are passionate about understanding the composition, behaviour, and properties of matter.
  • Want to develop strong investigative and practical skills that are crucial for further study in science.
  • Are considering A-Level Chemistry or careers in medicine, pharmacy, chemical engineering, and environmental science.
  • Enjoy applying scientific methods and mathematical techniques to solve real-world problems.

Who is This Course For?

This course is suitable for students who:

  • Have an interest in how substances interact and transform.
  • Enjoy practical experiments, data analysis, and logical reasoning.
  • Are considering careers in STEM fields, including chemistry, physics, medicine, and engineering.
  • Want to develop critical thinking, laboratory, and analytical skills to prepare for advanced studies.

1. Principles of Chemistry

  • States of Matter – Properties of solids, liquids, and gases.
  • Atomic Structure & The Periodic Table – Protons, neutrons, electrons, isotopes.
  • Chemical Formulae & Equations – Writing balanced equations.
  • Chemical Bonding – Ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding.
  • Quantitative Chemistry – Moles, empirical formulas, reacting masses.

2. Inorganic Chemistry

  • Group 1 (Alkali Metals) – Reactivity trends, reactions with water.
  • Group 7 (Halogens) – Properties, displacement reactions.
  • Acids, Bases & Salts – pH scale, titrations, neutralisation.
  • Reactivity Series & Extraction of Metals – Oxidation, reduction, electrolysis.

3. Physical Chemistry

  • Energetics – Exothermic and endothermic reactions.
  • Rates of Reaction – Factors affecting speed of chemical reactions.
  • Reversible Reactions & Equilibrium – The dynamic nature of chemical equilibria.
  • Electrolysis – The process and applications in industry.

4. Organic Chemistry

  • Crude Oil & Fuels – Fractional distillation, combustion.
  • Alkanes & Alkenes – Properties, uses, polymerisation.
  • Alcohols & Carboxylic Acids – Reactions and applications.
  • Polymers – Addition and condensation polymerisation.

While practical skills are assessed through written examinations, students are expected to develop hands-on laboratory skills through virtual methods. Students will:

  • Conduct experiments to investigate chemical reactions and properties.
  • Interpret data from practical investigations.
  • Apply mathematical and analytical skills to solve chemistry problems.
  • Develop skills in hypothesis testing, experimental design, and evaluation.

Suggested practical investigations include:

  • Titration experiments – Determining acid/base concentrations.
  • Electrolysis of solutions – Observing gas production.
  • Reaction rate studies – Measuring the effect of temperature, concentration.
  • Crystallisation and chromatography – Purification and separation techniques.

The course assesses students based on the following objectives:

Objective Description Weighting
AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of chemistry concepts 38%-42%
AO2 Apply knowledge to problem-solving and data analysis 38%-42%
AO3 Experimental skills, analysis, and evaluation of data 19%-21%

Strong Preparation for A-Level and Beyond

This course provides a solid foundation for A-Level Chemistry, preparing students for higher education in medicine, engineering, environmental science, and chemical research.

Recognition by Top Universities

The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Chemistry is recognised globally by universities, employers, and academic institutions.

Development of Key Scientific Skills

Students develop logical reasoning, mathematical analysis, and laboratory techniques, which are valuable in various STEM careers.

Engaging and Relevant Content

The course includes real-world chemistry applications, ensuring that students engage with modern scientific challenges.

Course Structure

The qualification consists of two externally assessed written papers:

Chemistry Paper 1 (61.1%)

Exam Duration

2 hours

Assessment Format

External examination

Key Topics Covered

  • Principles of Chemistry – Atomic structure, bonding, chemical calculations.
  • Inorganic Chemistry – The periodic table, reactivity series, acids, bases, and salts.
  • Physical Chemistry – Rates of reaction, energetics, equilibria.
  • Organic Chemistry – Alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, carboxylic acids, and polymers.

Chemistry Paper 2 (38.9%)

Exam Duration

1 hour 15 minutes

Assessment Format

External examination

Key Topics Covered

  • Assesses all topics, including additional in-depth content from Paper 1.
  • Includes bolded content, which is examined in greater detail.
  • Evaluates practical skills and experimental techniques.

Each paper contains a mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, structured, and extended-response questions.

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