GCSE / IGCSE Chemistry including exams

GCSE / IGCSE Chemistry including exams

This Course at a Glance

• Study atoms, molecules and ions to understand the world around us
• An ideal starting point to progress towards inventive science-based careers
• Chose between GCSE and iGCSE when you're ready to take your exams
• Level 2 internationally recognised qualification
• Progress to A Level Chemistry study
• Exams included
• 100% online

About Your Course

The study of Chemistry enables us to examine, understand and manipulate substances for beneficial use. By understanding the properties, composition and structure of elements and compounds, we can harness both naturally occurring or artificially produced substances for our benefit.

As such, Chemistry has led to the development of vital vaccines that cure disease, insulin that manages conditions like diabetes and the production of highly adaptable and useful materials like plastic.

By gaining academic qualifications in Chemistry, you can progress towards a host of creative and inventive scientific careers that are at the forefront of discovery. Should this be your goal, a GCSE or iGCSE in Chemistry is an ideal place to start.

Throughout the course, you will explore the principles of Chemistry, as well as inorganic, physical and organic Chemistry. Through these important units, you will acquire knowledge and understanding of chemical facts, terminology, concepts, principles and practical techniques. You will also be able to select, organise and present relevant information clearly and logically using appropriate vocabulary, definitions and conventions.

There are also opportunities throughout the course to localise the content so that the topics covered apply to your own country. Additional care and attention have also been paid to ensure the online content you will study is interesting and engaging. This course has also been verified as adequate preparation for learners aspiring to advanced Chemistry courses and employment in a Chemistry-related field.

Getting Started

learndirect is the leading UK online course provider.

The GCSE in Chemistry is an academic qualification accredited by AQA.

The iGCSE in Chemistry is an academic qualification awarded by Pearson.

Being offered completely online, this course also provides you with the flexibility of completing your learning from the comfort of home, or wherever suits you best. There are no classes or restrictive timetables to adhere to, so you can simply log on and learn as and when you have the time.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

You will be unable to book your exam until all outstanding course fees are settled in full, this includes any associated charges deemed to be payable as per your initial contract.

All courses funded via our partner Premium Credit Limited, will need to be settled with them directly.

Modules

Your units in detail

Units 1 and 2 cover all the information you need about GCSE and iGCSE Chemistry

They also include guidance on how to get the most out of your course and how to successfully study online.

Unit 3: Introduction to Science - Chemistry:

Upon completion of this module you will have a better understanding of the principles of chemistry and the course you are enrolled on.

Unit 4: Atomic structure and the periodic table:

This unit covers the basis of Chemistry, including atoms elements and compounds and the periodic table.

Unit 5: Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter:

This unit covers chemical bonding and the structure of matter including ionic, covalent and metallic bonding.

Unit 6: Quantitative chemistry:

This unit covers how we measure and calculate chemically.

Unit 7: Chemical changes:

In this unit you will cover changes to matter in more detail.

Unit 8: Energy changes:

This unit looks at changes in energy from a chemical perspective.

Unit 9: The rate and extent of chemical change:

Building on what you learnt in unit 8, this unit enables you to understand the rate and extent of chemical changes.

Unit 10: Organic chemistry:

This unit covers organic Chemistry, including Crude oil, hydrocarbons, and alkanes.

Unit 11: Chemical analysis:

Here you will learn how to analyse and identify matter.

Unit 12: Chemistry of the atmosphere:

This unit covers what you need to know about the atmosphere in which we live.

Unit 13: Using resources:

All about the resources we have on Earth, including sustainable development and portable water.

Your course is rounded off with a full set of mock exams.

Entry Requirements

You must complete at least 50% of the course and pass the associated assignments before you are eligible to be entered for the exams.

Average completion timeframe

The average time it takes to complete the course is 12 months. However, exam periods are set in May/June and November.

Assessment requirements

The assessment consists of written exams

Placement or Practical required

GCSE: Previously passed practical assessments are required. If you have not previously passed the practicals you will take iGCSE.

Exams required

One of our exam partners will provide the exam centre and oversee the examination process. Should you choose to sit at a centre that is not on our partners list, you will be charged the exam centre finder fee.

Is Membership Required?

No membership is required to enrol on this course.

Additional requirements

Learners will choose between GCSE and iGCSE when booking their exams. Full details of both are in the course.

Certification Timeframe

You can expect to receive your certificate 3 months after receiving the result.

Extension Rules

You may extend this course once for a maximum of twelve months.

Course Fees

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before exams can be booked.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

About the GCSE Chemistry exams

There are two tiers in GCSE chemistry – foundation tier and higher tier.  The structure of the exams is the same for both tiers, but different exam papers are given.

Paper 1 assesses topics 1 to 5 (Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes; and Energy changes). The exam is 1 hour, 45 minutes and worth 100 marks and 50% of the overall grade.  Question styles include multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response.

Paper 2 assesses topics 6 to 10 (The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using resources). The exam is 1 hour, 45 minutes and worth 100 marks and 50% of the overall grade.  Question styles include multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response.

Practical assessments

There are eight experiments required as part of this qualification. The practical assessments are a mandatory part of the assessment process but do not count towards your final grade. Please note that you must find your own place for these at a local school or college.

About the iGCSE Chemistry exams

There are two exams in iGCSE Chemistry.

Paper 1 is assessed through a 2-hour written examination set and marked by Pearson. The paper is weighted at 61.1% of the qualification. The paper is worth a total of 110 marks. It consists of a mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Questions may come from any topic area across the specification.

Paper 2 is assessed through a 1-hour and 15-minute written examination set and marked by Pearson. The paper is weighted at 38.9% of the qualification. The paper is worth a total of 70 marks. It includes a mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. This paper assesses all the content, so questions may come from any topic area across the specification.

There are no practical assessments in iGCSE Chemistry.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

You will be unable to book your exam until all outstanding course fees are settled in full, this includes any associated charges deemed to be payable as per your initial contract.

All courses funded via our partner Premium Credit Limited, will need to be settled with them directly.

Tutors & Exams

Tutors and Exams provides examination and assessment facilities primarily aimed at private and home educated candidates.

Tutors and Exams currently have five examination centres located around the country: Bolton, Coventry, Doncaster, St Neots Cambridgeshire and Wimbledon. All are approved for examination delivery by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ).

In addition to their examination centres they also have a dedicated Science laboratory based in Birmingham with the ability to deliver A Level Science practicals all year round and access to another Science laboratory located in London.

Pearson Edexcel

On successful completion of this iGCSE, and the associated exam, you will have gained an iGCSE in Chemistry. 

International GCSEs (iGCSEs) enable successful progression to A Level study and beyond. This course has also been created in collaboration with International Advanced Level and GCE A Level Teachers, as well as Higher Education Professors to validate the appropriateness of the qualification, including its content, skills development and assessment structure.

Pearson Edexcel are the UK's largest awarding body and we are regulated by Ofqual (England), SQA Accreditation (Scotland), CCEA Accreditation (Northern Ireland) and Qualifications Wales (Wales). They offer academic and vocational qualifications that are globally recognised and benchmarked, with educational excellence rooted in names like Edexcel, BTEC, EDI and LCCI.

Progression

By successfully completing this International GCSE (iGCSE) Chemistry (9-1) you can progress to:

• International Advanced Level, for example in Chemistry
• GCE Advanced Level, for example in Chemistry
• Level 3 vocational qualifications in science, for example, BTEC Level 3 in Applied Science
• Other comparable, Level 3 qualifications, such as Access to Higher Education Diplomas
• Employment, for example in a science-based industry where an apprenticeship may be available

Frequently Asked Questions