CHEMISTRY

 Specification: Edexcel Chemistry (1CH0) 

Chemistry is an optional subject to be taken by boys with an interest in the sciences and is an excellent introduction to ‘A’ level as well as a prerequisite for most engineering and medical degree courses.

“To those who have chosen the profession of medicine, a knowledge of chemistry, and of some branches of natural history, and, indeed, of several other departments of science, affords useful assistance.”

Charles Babbage 

Chemistry follows the assessment criteria below:

External assessment - 100%

• •  There are two examinations for Chemistry, each 1 hour and 45 minutes.  Practical work will be assessed as part of the examinations with a minimum of 15% of the examination based on practical tasks.  A minimum of 20% of the examinations will also comprise mathematical content

  • There are a minimum of 9 core practical tasks which have to be completed and a record kept by the school of the practical work for inspection by the examination board.

  • The examinations have the option of two tiers: Foundation tier levels 1-5 and 

Higher tier levels 5 – 9

Topics covered in paper 1 - 1CH0 / 1F, 1CH0 / 1H    

• Overarching concepts in chemistry

• Formulae, equations and hazards

• States of matter

• Methods of separating and purifying substances

• Acids

• Obtaining and using metals

• Electrolytic processes

• Reversible reactions and equilibria

• Transition metals, alloys and corrosion

• Quantitative analysis

• Dynamic equilibria and calculations 

• Chemical cells and fuel cells

Topics covered in paper 2 – 1CH0 / 2F, 1CH0 / 2H

• Formulae, equations and hazards

• Overarching concepts in chemistry

• Groups 1, 7 and 0

• Rates of reaction

• Fuels

• Heat energy changes in chemical reactions

• Qualitative analysis – tests for ions

• Earth and atmospheric science

• Hydrocarbons

• Polymers

• Alcohols and carboxylic acids

• Bulk and surface properties of matter including nanoparticles