Here is a summary of the Pearson Edexcel A Level Chemistry (9CH0) specification (Issue 3, February 2024).

1. Qualification Overview

• Title: Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Chemistry
• Code: 9CH0
• First teaching: September 2015
• First assessment: 2017
• Grading: A*–E

2. Qualification Structure

The course is assessed through three written exam papers and a Science Practical Endorsement:

Papers:

• Paper 1: Advanced Inorganic and Physical Chemistry (9CH0/01) – 1h 45min, 30%
• Paper 2: Advanced Organic and Physical Chemistry (9CH0/02) – 1h 45min, 30%
• Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Chemistry (9CH0/03) – 2h 30min, 40%
  • Synoptic, drawing on all topics, and assessing practical understanding.

Practical Endorsement (9CH0/04):

• Internally assessed, externally monitored.
• Requires completion of 16 core practicals, with evidence from at least 12 for the endorsement.
• Assessed using Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC).
• Reported separately as Pass/Not Classified on certificates.

3. Content Topics

The specification is divided into 19 topics:

1. Atomic Structure & Periodic Table
2. Bonding & Structure
3. Redox I
4. Inorganic Chemistry & Periodic Table (Groups 1, 2, 7)
5. Formulae, Equations & Amounts of Substance
6. Organic Chemistry I (Alkanes, Alkenes, Halogenoalkanes, Alcohols)
7. Modern Analytical Techniques I (Mass spec, IR)
8. Energetics I
9. Kinetics I
10. Equilibrium I
11. Equilibrium II
12. Acid-Base Equilibria
13. Energetics II (Lattice energy, Entropy)
14. Redox II (Electrochemistry)
15. Transition Metals
16. Kinetics II (Rate equations, mechanisms)
17. Organic Chemistry II (Carbonyls, Carboxylic acids, Chirality)
18. Organic Chemistry III (Arenes, Amines, Amino acids, Polymers, Synthesis)
19. Modern Analytical Techniques II (NMR, Chromatography)

4. Assessment Objectives (AOs)

• AO1: Knowledge & understanding (31–33%)
• AO2: Application of knowledge (41–43%)
• AO3: Analysis, interpretation, evaluation (25–27%)

5. Practical Skills

• 16 core practicals are integrated into teaching.
• Skills are assessed indirectly in written papers and directly for the endorsement.
• Focus on hands-on competence, risk management, data handling, and ethical awareness.

6. Mathematical Requirements

• Minimum 20% of total marks come from mathematical skills at Level 2 or above.
• Includes calculations, graphs, algebra, logs, and data processing.

7. Appendices & Support Materials

• Appendices cover:
  • Transferable skills
  • Practical assessment criteria
  • Mathematical skill exemplification
  • Command words
  • Data Booklet (includes IR/NMR data, electrode potentials, constants)

8. Key Policies

• Access arrangements: Reasonable adjustments for disabilities.
• Malpractice: Procedures for candidate/centre malpractice.
• Synoptic assessment: Emphasised in Paper 3.
• Progression: Builds on GCSE/AS Level; suitable for university STEM courses.

9. Changes in Issue 3

• Adjusted font clarity for element symbols (Al, Cl, Tl).
• Removed electronegativity difference table.