GCSE Chemistry Foundation Tier

• Atoms, symbols, relative atomic mass, electronic charge and isotypes
• The periodic table
• Properties of transition metals

• Chemical bonds, ionic, covalent and metallic
• Bonding and structure and their relation to the properties of substance
  
• Structure and bonding of carbon
• Bulk and surface properties of matter
• Nano particles

• Chemical measurements, conservation of mass and the quantitative interpretation of chemical equations
• Amount of substance in relation to masses of pure substances
• Yield and atom economy of chemical reactions

• Reactivity of metals
• Reactions of acids
• Electrolysis

• Exothermic and endothermic reactions
• Chemical cells and fuel cells

• Rate of reaction
• Reversible reactions and dynamic equilibrium

• Carbon compounds as fuels and feedstock
• Reactions of alkenes and alcohols
• Synthetic and naturally occurring polymers

• Purity, formulations and chromatography
• Identification of common gases
• Identification of ions by chemical and spectroscopic means

• The composition and evolution of the Earth’s atmosphere
• Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases
• Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources

• Using the Earth’s resources and sustainable development
• Life cycle assessment and recycling
• Using materials
• The Haber process and the use of NPK fertilisers

You will be assessed across the above units by two paper-based examinations and a series of practical assessments undertaken at an examination centre under supervision.

We strongly advise you to take your practical assessments and written exams so you can gain the full GCSE qualification, awarded by AQA.

If you add the exams and practicals package to your enrolment, we will book the exams and practicals for you. Just let us know when you are ready and we will book them for you!

If you choose to add your exams and practicals to your enrolment, you will need to sit your exams at our GCSE exam centre in Birmingham.

You have one full year to complete your course which starts from your enrolment date. During this time, you have access to full tutor support through email.

You do not need any previous knowledge to enrol on our GCSE Chemistry course. This course is for students aiming to achieve grades 1-5.

If you are wishing to study towards grades 4-9 choose GCSE Chemistry Higher Tier.

This course will be studied entirely via distance learning, meaning you will complete your learning either from home or a place that suits you. Full tutor support will be available via email, so if you have any questions or need some guidance, your tutor will be here to help. Your course materials will include a series of self-assessment exercises and tutor-marked questions to allow both yourself and your tutor to monitor your progress.

The study method you choose depends on your personal learning style. Your options are:

• Study pack: if you choose the study pack option, you will be sent a set of printed course materials.
• Study online: if you choose this option, you will be sent your login details to our online portal through which you will access your course materials digitally. You can access your course via a desktop/laptop computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Once you have studied the course and successfully passed the examinations and practical assessments, you will be awarded your AQA GCSE Chemistry.

You will achieve a grade between 1-5 with the foundation tier paper. The highest grade you can achieve is 5. Students who fail to meet the minimum standard for grade 1 will be recorded as U (unclassified) and will not receive a qualification certificate. For students wishing to achieve grades 4-9, please choose our GCSE Chemistry, Higher Tier.

Successful students with a reasonable grade will be able to go on to study A Level Chemistry.