Chemistry

At David Game College, we are firmly committed to the teaching of separate sciences at this level and have elected to follow IGCSE (as opposed to GCSE) as we believe it is intellectually more challenging and gives a more accurate indication of the nature of the subject at AS and A level for students who want to want to study the subject to a higher level.

Chemistry IGCSE is assessed by two written examinations which are taken in May/June.  There is no coursework but there are practical-based questions in the examinations which assess what students have learned in the laboratory during the year.

The main aims of the course are:

1. To develop students’ understanding of the unifying patterns and themes of chemistry;
2. To further students’ appreciation of the practical nature of chemistry and develop experimental and investigative skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques;
3. To develop an appreciation of the importance to scientific methods of accurate experimental work and reporting;
4. To develop students’ ability to form hypotheses and design experiments to test them;
5. To develop a logical approach to problem-solving in a wider context;
6. To develop an understanding of the widespread importance of chemistry and the way materials are used in the world;
7. To show how the work of the chemist has social, industrial, technological, environmental and economic consequences for the community;
8. To prepare students for more advanced courses in chemistry or courses which require them to have a knowledge of chemistry.

We follow Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry  4CH0, which covers -

1. atomic structure and bonding;
2. formulae and equations;
3. the mole concept;
4. ions and electrolysis;
5. Periodic Table and related studies;
6. reactivity series of metals;
7. chemical tests for ions and gases;
8. organic chemistry;
9. energetics;
10. rates of reaction;
11. equilibrium;
12. chemistry in society.

The structure of the examination is as follows:

Paper 1 (4CH0/1C) Written paper (2 hours, 66.6 % of the total marks)

This paper is designed to test candidates’ knowledge and recall of the whole specification.

Paper 2 (4CH0/2C) Written paper (1 hour, 33.3 % of the total marks)

This paper tests the ability of candidates to apply their assumed knowledge to unfamiliar situations, their data-handling skills and ability to draw and interpret graphs.  It includes questions targeted at the most able candidates, covering the grade range A* to B.