Introduction - GCSE Chemistry
GCSE Chemistry AQA Specification Overview
The AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) specification is designed to help students understand the world around them, from the atoms that make up all matter to the complex reactions that drive industrial processes and living organisms.
Our comprehensive revision hub breaks down the entire syllabus into bite-sized learning sections, interactive spec tables, and target objectives to give you a clear path to achieving your best grades.
Specification at a glance
This qualification is linear. Linear means that students will sit all their exams at the end of the course.
Subject content reference topics
- 1. Atomic structure and the periodic table
- 2. Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter
- 3. Quantitative chemistry
- 4. Chemical changes
- 5. Energy changes
- 6. The rate and extent of chemical change
- 7. Organic chemistry
- 8. Chemical analysis
- 9. Chemistry of the atmosphere
- 10. Using resources
- 11. Key ideas
Paper 1:
| What's assessed | How it's assessed | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Topics 1–5: Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry; Chemical changes; and Energy changes. | • written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes • Foundation and Higher Tier • 100 marks • 50% of GCSE | Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response. |
Paper 2:
| What's assessed | How it's assessed | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Topics 6–10: The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis; Chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using resources. Questions in Paper 2 may draw on fundamental concepts and principles from sections 4.1 to 4.3. | • written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes • Foundation and Higher Tier • 100 marks • 50% of GCSE | Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response. |
Previous learning and prerequisites
There are no previous learning requirements. Any requirements for entry to a course based on this specification are at the discretion of schools and colleges.
Overlaps with other qualifications
There are no overlaps with any other AQA qualifications at this level.