Chemistry GCSE
Overview
The course (WJEC GCSE in CHEMISTRY) consists of 3 units; two of which look at different chemistry topic whilst the third test scientific skills.
The course is assessed through two exams – one for unit 1 and one for unit 2 (each exam makes up 45% the course marks contributing to a total of 90%). There is also a 'Practical assessments' completed in class (10% of the course marks).
The course has 30 weeks of study, 2.5 hours per week.
Students will need to complete substantial amounts of study in their own time.
Key information
No qualifications are necessary. Students will need to take a logical and mathematical approach to their studies.
Unit 1: Chemical substances, reactions and essential resources
Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes 45% of qualification
This unit includes the following topics:
- The nature of substances and chemical reactions
- Atomic structure and the Periodic Table
- Water
- The ever-changing Earth
- Rate of chemical change
- Limestone.
Unit 2: Chemical bonding, application of chemical reactions and organic chemistry
Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes 45% of qualification
This unit includes the following topics:
- Bonding, structure and properties
- Acids, bases and salts
- Metals and their extraction
- Chemical reactions and energy
- Crude oil, fuels and organic chemistry
- Reversible reactions, industrial processes and important chemicals.
Unit 3: Practical assessment 10% of qualification
- Section A - Obtaining results
- Section B - Analysing and evaluating results.
Further details are on WJEC GCSE science website.
GCSE Chemistry offers a GCSE in science which is a requirement for teacher training courses. Progression to Level 3 Science courses such as A Levels and BTECs would be possible.