The AQA GCSE Chemistry course explores the fundamental principles that explain the composition, structure, and behaviour of substances and the chemical reactions that change them. It helps students understand how chemistry affects everyday life — from the materials we use and the fuels we burn, to the environment and modern technologies.
Throughout the course, students develop both theoretical understanding and practical skills, learning to apply scientific ideas to solve problems, interpret data, and carry out experiments safely and accurately. The qualification also strengthens mathematical, analytical, and evaluative skills, preparing learners for further study in science, engineering, or related fields.
The AQA GCSE Chemistry assessment consists of two written exam papers, each worth 50% of the final grade. Both papers test knowledge and understanding of key chemistry topics, the ability to apply concepts to unfamiliar situations, and understanding of the required practical activities completed during the course.
See:
How am I Assessed in AQA GCSE Biology?
How am I Assessed in AQA GCSE Physics?
How am I Assessed in AQA GCSE Combined Science?
GCSE Chemistry (AQA) – Exam Overview
Total Structure:
- 2
exam papers
- Each
paper = 1 hour 45 minutes
- Each
paper = 100 marks
- Each
paper = 50% of GCSE
Paper 1: Chemistry in the Living World
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Marks: 100 marks
Weighting: 50% of GCSE
Topics Covered:
- Atomic
Structure and the Periodic Table
- Structure
of the atom (protons, neutrons, electrons)
- The
development of the atomic model
- The
periodic table and trends (groups and periods)
- Metals
vs non-metals and noble gases
- Bonding,
Structure, and the Properties of Matter
- Ionic,
covalent, and metallic bonding
- States
of matter and changes of state
- Properties
of ionic, covalent, and metallic substances
- Polymers,
giant covalent structures, and nanoparticles
- Quantitative
Chemistry
- Relative
formula mass and moles
- The
conservation of mass
- Balancing
equations
- Concentration
of solutions
- Percentage
yield and atom economy (higher tier focus)
- Chemical
Changes
- Reactions
of metals and acids
- The
reactivity series
- Displacement
reactions
- Electrolysis
and extraction of metals
- Energy
Changes
- Exothermic
and endothermic reactions
- Energy
profiles and activation energy
- Bond
energy calculations
🧾 Question Types:
- Multiple-choice
questions
- Short
structured questions
- Extended
response questions
- Calculation
questions (with emphasis on quantitative chemistry)
Paper 2: Chemistry in Our World
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Marks: 100 marks
Weighting: 50% of GCSE
Topics Covered:
- The
Rate and Extent of Chemical Change
- Measuring
rates of reaction
- Factors
affecting rate (temperature, concentration, catalysts)
- Reversible
reactions and dynamic equilibrium (Le Chatelier’s Principle)
- Organic
Chemistry
- Crude
oil and hydrocarbons
- Alkanes
and alkenes
- Alcohols,
carboxylic acids, and esters
- Polymers
and addition vs condensation polymerisation
- Chemical
Analysis
- Pure
substances and formulations
- Chromatography
- Tests
for gases, ions, and chemicals
- Instrumental
analysis (mass spectrometry, gas chromatography)
- Chemistry
of the Atmosphere
- The
composition and evolution of Earth’s atmosphere
- Greenhouse
gases and the greenhouse effect
- Global
climate change
- Atmospheric
pollutants and their effects
- Using
Resources
- Sustainable
development and finite resources
- Water
treatment and potable water
- Life
cycle assessments
- Corrosion,
alloys, and the Haber process
Question Types:
- Multiple-choice
questions
- Structured
questions
- Practical-based
questions (testing knowledge of required practical’s)
- Extended
response questions (analysis and evaluation)
Required Practical’s (Assessed Across Both Papers)
You must know the methods, variables, and analysis for these 12 required practicals (6 for chemistry if taking combined science).
Examples include:
- Making
a salt from an acid and insoluble base
- Electrolysis
of aqueous solutions
- Temperature
changes in reactions
- Rates
of reaction (e.g. magnesium + acid)
- Chromatography
- Water
purification
Exam Skills Assessed
- AO1: Knowledge and understanding of chemistry concepts and techniques
- AO2: Application of knowledge and understanding to unfamiliar situations
- AO3: Analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of information, including
practical work and data
- Mathematical
Skills: Around 20–30% of marks involve calculations (ratios,
percentages, concentrations, etc.).
