Chemistry OL Edexcel

In Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1), students explore the composition, structure, and behavior of matter, learning how substances interact, combine, and change. The subject develops understanding of key principles such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, energetics, kinetics, organic chemistry, and industrial processes, giving students a strong foundation for further scientific study.

The syllabus is divided into about 11 main topics, including states of matter, elements and compounds, chemical changes, electrolysis, rates of reaction, acids and bases, metals, organic chemistry, and the environment.

Assessment is through two main exams:

• Paper 1 (Chemistry Paper 1): covers core and extended content, 2 hours, worth 61% of the total qualification.
• Paper 2 (Chemistry Paper 2): assesses experimental and investigative skills, 1 hour 15 minutes, worth 39% of the total qualification.

There is no coursework component — practical skills are assessed through written questions on experiments and data analysis.

To achieve the top grade (Grade 9 / A*), students typically need an overall score of around 75–80% or higher, though grade boundaries may vary depending on the exam session.