Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Chemistry

Specification 4CH1 · Pearson Edexcel · International GCSE · first assessment June 2019 · graded 9–1

Four topics — principles of chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry and organic chemistry — assessed by two untiered written papers, with experimental skills examined through written questions rather than a practical exam.

Papers and components

• Paper 1: Chemistry Paper 1 (4CH1/1C) — 61.1% of the qualification, 110 marks, 120 minutes. Whole paper Core content, all four topics — AO1, AO2, AO3
• Paper 2: Chemistry Paper 2 (4CH1/2C) — 38.9% of the qualification, 70 marks, 75 minutes. Whole paper All content including bold C statements — AO1, AO2, AO3

Assessment objectives

• AO1 (38–42%) — Knowledge and understanding of chemistry.
• AO2 (38–42%) — Application of knowledge and understanding, analysis and evaluation of chemistry.
• AO3 (19–21%) — Experimental skills, analysis and evaluation of data and methods in chemistry.

What to know about this specification

• Total 180 marks: Paper 1 out of 110, Paper 2 out of 70.
• Untiered — one pair of papers for every learner.
• Bold statements marked C are examined on Paper 2 only.
• No practical examination; experimental skills are assessed in the written papers.
• Graded 9–1, so condensed revision notes on this course are called Grade 9 Notes.
• This is the separate Chemistry qualification, not International GCSE Science (Double or Single Award).

Learn it on Incandio

This page is the specification. The teaching is on the Chemistry lessons — every unit explained, then taught back to an AI pupil and defended against a real historical figure. Completely free.

Topics (19)

• Exam technique for both Chemistry papers — Paper 1; AO1, AO2, AO3
• 1(a) States of matter — Paper 1 | Whole paper: Core content, all four topics; AO1, AO2
• 1(b) Elements, compounds and mixtures — Paper 2 | Whole paper: All content including bold C statements; AO1, AO2, AO3
• 1(c) Atomic structure — Paper 1 | Whole paper: Core content, all four topics; AO1, AO2
• 1(d) The Periodic Table — Paper 1 | Whole paper: Core content, all four topics; AO1, AO2
• 1(e) Chemical formulae, equations and calculations — Paper 2 | Whole paper: All content including bold C statements; AO1, AO2
• 1(f) Ionic bonding — Paper 2 | Whole paper: All content including bold C statements; AO1, AO2
• 1(g) Covalent bonding — Paper 2 | Whole paper: All content including bold C statements; AO1, AO2
• 1(h) Metallic bonding — Paper 2 | Whole paper: All content including bold C statements; AO1, AO2
• 2(a) Group 1 (alkali metals) — lithium, sodium and potassium — Paper 1 | Whole paper: Core content, all four topics; AO1, AO2
• 2(b) Group 7 (halogens) — chlorine, bromine and iodine — Paper 1 | Whole paper: Core content, all four topics; AO1, AO2
• 2(d) Reactivity series — Paper 2 | Whole paper: All content including bold C statements; AO1, AO2
• 2(f) Acids, alkalis and titrations — Paper 2 | Whole paper: All content including bold C statements; AO1, AO2, AO3
• 2(h) Chemical tests — Paper 2 | Whole paper: All content including bold C statements; AO1, AO2
• 3(b) Rates of reaction — Paper 2 | Whole paper: All content including bold C statements; AO1, AO2, AO3
• 3(c) Reversible reactions and equilibria — Paper 2 | Whole paper: All content including bold C statements; AO1, AO2
• 4(b) Crude oil — Paper 2 | Whole paper: All content including bold C statements; AO1, AO2
• 4(c) Alkanes and (d) alkenes — Paper 2 | Whole paper: All content including bold C statements; AO1, AO2
• 4(e) Alcohols and (f) carboxylic acids — Paper 2 | Whole paper: All content including bold C statements; AO1, AO2

Condensed revision notes on this course are called Grade 9 Notes, because it is graded 9–1.

Built from the official specification (Issue 3 — September 2024, read 2026-08-02).