Changes: Chemistry

Revision as of 18:41, 15 August 2021

Most home-ed students take International GCSE (IGCSE) chemistry exams, which consist of written exams only. Unlike GCSEs, IGCSEs do not require core practical work to be carried out in the exam centre.

Cambridge (CAIE) and Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry are exam-only syllabuses and are available to private candidates.

Other relevant pages:

Science - this page gives a general overview of your options for GCSE/IGCSE Level Science.

Chemistry Practicals

Science A levels (includes information on practical endorsements for A level)

Alternative Qualifications (see Science and Engineering section)

Chemistry - FAQ

Can I do GCSE Chemistry?

For most home educators, GCSE Chemistry is not an option and they must do IGCSE. GCSE chemistry does not have a practical exam, BUT the head of the exam centre has to sign a form for each candidate saying that the candidate has been offered the opportunity to carry out all core practicals at the centre. Most centres won't do this for external candidates.

Do I need to complete practicals for IGCSE Chemistry?

Although there is no practical exam in IGCSE Chemistry, an understanding of practical work is necessary. Both specifications have a list of core practicals that the candidate is required to understand, but no form has to be signed to say these have been done/observed making the specifications easier for private candidates to access. IGCSE chemistry specifications have 'alternative to practicals' questions as part of the written exam papers. Carrying out practicals will help with understanding but it is not a requirement, videos can be found of most experiments - the Chemistry Practicals page has ideas and support.

Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry

This is a popular choice among home educators, as it is often easier to find an exam centre in the UK for Edexcel exams.

Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry page and specification

Exams from: June 2019
Available in June and January
Specification code: 4CH1

Subject Content

The Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry has 4 topics:

Principles of chemistry
Inorganic chemistry
Physical chemistry
Organic chemistry

Assessment

100% exam based.

Paper 1 - 2hrs - 110 marks - 61.1%
- A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.
- Will include questions about practicals
- Covers topics 1- 5 but only the content that is listed in the syllabus not in bold
- Can use a calculator

Paper 2 - 1hr 15 minutes - 70 marks - 38.9%
- A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.
- Will include questions about practicals
- Covers topics 1- 5 all content listed in syllabus (bold and not bold)
- Can use a calculator

Resources

If you are not sure what textbooks or revision books to buy, or where to find answers, please ask on the HE exams and alternatives group You only need one student textbook and one is not better than the others, it is personal preference.

Student Textbooks for Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry

(Pearson)Edexcel IGCSE chemistry student book by Jim Clark (2017). Some people find the layout a little cluttered in this recent Pearson's edition, so check out the 'look inside' feature on Amazon of this and other textbooks to compare. Answers are here.

(Hodder) Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry Student Book Second Edition (2017). Answers are here.

(Collins) Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry Student Book (2017) by Sunley. Answers might not be provided for the exam-style questions. Collins are usually helpful when home educators email them for a copy of the answers, but perhaps check on the HE Exams and Alternatives group, first to see if anyone has the answers.

Practical workbook

Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Chemistry Student Lab Book: Exam practice and further application (2019) Not essential, but some families have found it helpful

Workbooks and Revision books for Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry

Revision books and workbooks aren't essential, but some students find them helpful. There are lots of options below and you don't need to buy all of them!

Hodder

(Hodder) Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry Workbook (2017) by Wensley Answers are here.

My Revision Notes: Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) Chemistry (2018) by Dixon

CGP

Some people find CGP revision books cluttered, and other people love them. Take a look on the 'look inside' feature of Amazon to see whether they will suit your child.

Grade 9-1 Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry: Revision Guide with Online Edition (2017) designed for revision, but can also give a useful overview of each topic as it is being studied.

Grade 9-1 Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry: Exam Practice Workbook (includes Answers) (2017) A workbook to accompany the above revision book. Can be useful for testing knowledge before progressing to whole exam papers.

Grade 9-1 Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry: Complete Revision & Practice with Online Edition (2107) This book combines the CGP revision guide with some questions (fewer questions than if buying the exam practice workbook). There might be some overlap with the above books.

Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry: Grade 8-9 Targeted Exam Practice Workbook (with answers) (2017) questions for students aiming for the top grades.

New Grade 9-1 Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry: Revision Question Cards (2019) Note these are NOT flash cards of topic summaries, but are question cards. Not essential, but might be useful for some students.

Grade 9-1 Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry: 10-Minute Tests (with answers) (2018) Again, not essential, but a possible tool for some students.

Cambridge (CAIE) IGCSE Chemistry

Cambridge offer 2 IGCSEs in Chemistry from 2019. The difference is in the grading, 0971 being 9-1 and 0620 being A*-G, otherwise the syllabus is identical. Some exam centres will only enter students for 0970.

CAIE International GCSE Chemistry (0971) page and specification

CAIE International GCSE Chemistry (0620) page and specification

0971 was new in 2019, any tweaks to 0620 at the same time look to be minor so papers from pre-2019 will still be useful.

Exams from: 2019
Available in Autumn and Summer series
Specification code: 0971 (9-1) or 0620 (A*- G) There are amendments to the specification for exams from 2023, some content is being removed and other content added.

Subject Content

Candidates study the following topics (taken from 2022 spec):

The particulate nature of matter, experimental techniques; atoms, elements and compounds, stoichiometry, electricity and chemistry, chemical energetics, chemical reactions, acids, bases and salts, the Periodic Table, metals, air and water, sulfur, carbonates and organic chemistry

Cambridge Chemistry is 'tiered' students enter for core (which allows them to achieve grade 5-1) or extended (which allows them to achieve grade 9-1). Those doing Core just need to study the core content, those doing Extended need to study the core and supplementary content.

Assessment

The specification has three papers: a 1h Alternative to Practical, a 45 min Multiple Choice and a 1 hr 15 Theory paper. The multiple choice and theory exams used to be taken back to back (so effectively 2 hours), but for the past two years have been examined on separate days.

CAIE science IGCSEs are tiered. This means that less able students can opt for the core tier, (papers 1, 3 and 6) but can only get a maximum grade of C or 5. More able students can opt for the higher (extended) tier (papers 2, 4 and 6) with the grade range of 9-1.

100% exam based.

Paper 1 (core) or 2 (extended) - Multiple choice - 45 mins - 40 marks - 30%
- Forty compulsory multiple-choice questions
- Covers all content

Paper 3 (core) or 4 (extended) - Theory - 1hr 15 minutes - 80 marks - 50%
- Short-answer and structured questions
- Covers all content

Paper 6 - (sat by both core and extended) - Alternatives to Practical - 1hr - 40 marks - 20%
- Questions will be based on the experimental skills outlined in Section 4 of the specification.

Resources

Some books include answers, others don't. Some publishers will provide links to answers if you contact them. If you are not sure what textbooks or revision books to buy, or where to find answers, please ask on the HE exams and alternatives group ]

Student Textbooks for Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry

(Oxford University Press) Complete Chemistry for Cambridge IGCSE (2016) By Gallagher and Ingram

(Cambridge University Press) Cambridge IGCSE® Chemistry Coursebook with CD-ROM (2014) By Harwood and Lodge

(Collins) Cambridge IGCSE™ Chemistry Student's Book (2014) By Sunley

(Hodder)Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 3rd Edition (Book & CD) (2014) by Earl and Wiford

For exams from 2023

(Hodder) Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 4th Edition (2021) by Earl and Wiford

(Collins) Cambridge IGCSE™ Chemistry Student's Book (2021) By Sunley

(Cambridge University Press) Cambridge IGCSE™ Chemistry Coursebook with Digital Access (2 Years) (2021) by Harwood and Lodge

Past papers

Past papers can be found on the specification pages or sites such as pastpapers.co and papacambridge. Each series of 0620 (besides the March series - which is only sat in India) has 3 sets of papers available. These are because they were sat in different time zones. They are the same syllabus and useful for practice. You can use both 0971 and 0620 papers to practice either spec. 0971 was new in 2019, any tweaks to 0620 at the same time look to be minor so papers from pre-2019 will still be useful. There is some change to content for exams from 2023 but papers from before will still be useful.

Revision books and workbooks for Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry

(Hodder) Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry Workbook (2021) by Earl and Wilford - 2023 exams

(Hodder) Cambridge IGCSE® Chemistry Revision Guide (2015) by Norris.

(Oxford University Press) Complete Chemistry for Cambridge IGCSE Student Book & Revision Guide Pack (2020) The revision book in this link is sold as part of a bundle, however it might be available separately.

(CGP) New Cambridge International GCSE Chemistry Complete Revision & Practice: Core & Extended + Online Ed (2020)

(Cambridge University Press) Cambridge IGCSE® Chemistry Maths Skills Workbook (2018) by Harden.

Practical Work

Doing some practicals at home will be useful for answering the practical questions in the exam. IGCSE exams contain questions about equipment, experiment design, and procedures, as well as safety and general scientific methodology, such as controlling variables.

Please see our page Chemistry Practicals about doing chemistry experiments from home. It includes information on obtaining supplies and hints and tips. There are many practicals on the GCSE and IGCSE syllabus which can easily be carried out at home.

Note that the practical components of Edexcel and CAIE syllabuses for single sciences are very similar, so you can use resources for either.

General Resources

Seneca Learning - A free online learning platform

IGCSE Science Courses - by Graham Bray. Videos cover each of the 3 sciences and CIE and Edexcel Boards. Discounted subscription often available to home educators (ask on the HE exams and alternatives group.)

Priority Learning - free worksheets and revision resources

Pinterest board on IGCSE Chemistry compiled by one of our members.

Distance Learning

Many home-educated students study Chemistry successfully using just the textbook and free online resources, but some find a distance learning course suits their family better, or want to use a tutor occasionally for marking essays or past papers. Course providers can be found on the Distance Learning Providers page.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+[[File:IMG 20150702 154311.jpg|thumb|220x220px]]Most home-ed students take International GCSE (IGCSE) chemistry exams, which consist of written exams only. Unlike GCSEs, IGCSEs do not require core practical work to be carried out in the exam centre.
-== Chemistry Qualifications - Options ==
-Home-ed students take IGCSE Chemistry exams rather than GCSE because the current GCSE involves Controlled Assessments, and the new 9-1 GCSEs will still have a practical requirement.  Exam centres are very reluctant to take external candidates for these as it is time consuming and bureaucratic.The International GCSE (IGCSE) Chemistry substitutes "Alternative to Practical" questions for these assessments, and so consists of written exams only.  The 'Certificate' qualifications below are simply IGCSEs for UK state schools.
-Edexcel IGCSE / Certificate Chemistry, AQA Certificate Chemistry, and CIE IGCSE Chemistry are available for private candidates.
+Cambridge (CAIE) and Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry are exam-only syllabuses and are available to private candidates.
+Other relevant pages:
-The new 9-1 GCSEs do not have a practical exam or controlled assessments, BUT the head of the exam centre has to sign a form for each candidate saying that the candidate has been offered the opportunity to carry out all core practicals at the centre.  It is unlikely that many exam centres will offer external candidates the opportunity to do this, and so the vast majority of home educators are continuing with IGCSEs.  This does not mean that we will not do practical work - many home-educated children do chemistry practicals, either in groups or at home - but it does mean that they will not do practicals ''in the exam centre''.
+[https://he-exams.wikia.org/wiki/Science Science]  - this page gives a general overview of your options for GCSE/IGCSE Level Science.
-=== CIE IGCSE Chemistry ===
-[http://www.cie.org.uk/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-chemistry-0620/ CIE IGCSE Chemistry (0620)] is a long-standing option.
-* Three papers: a 1h Alternative to Practical, a 45 min Multiple Choice and a 1 hr 15 Theory paper.
-* Multiple choice and theory are taken back to back (so effectively 2 hours), but the multiple choice element does assist someone who's not used to long exams, or producing long written answers.
-* CIE science IGCSEs are tiered, so all the difficult questions are in one paper if you do Higher tier. Foundation tier can earn you grades C-G and Higher tier can earn grades A*-C. If you score below the C threshold on Higher then you get ungraded.
+[https://he-exams.wikia.org/wiki/Chemistry_Practicals Chemistry Practicals]
-=== Edexcel International GCSE / Edexcel Certificate ===
-This is a popular choice amongst home educators as it is easy to find an exam centre for Edexcel.  The specification is changing slightly for exams from Summer 2019.
+[https://he-exams.wikia.org/wiki/Science_A-levels Science A levels] (includes information on practical endorsements for A level)
-The current specification is [https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses-and-edexcel-certificates/international-gcse-chemistry-2011.html Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (2011)] and is graded A*-G .  Last exams will be January 2019.  These are described as a 'resit opportunity' but actually first-time candidates can sit exams in January; you just have to be aware that there will be no further exams for this specification.
+[https://he-exams.wikia.org/wiki/Alternative_Qualifications Alternative Qualifications] (see Science and Engineering section)<br />
-The new specification, graded 9-1, will have first exams in Summer 2019 and is [https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/demo/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses-and-edexcel-certificates/international-gcse-chemistry-2017.html Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (2017)] .  The (2017) refers to the year it is first offered for ''teaching'' in schools. The changes are not that substantial.  Edexcel has produced a mapping document which is copied below.
+== Chemistry - FAQ ==
-==== Current 2011 Edexcel specification: ====
+=== Can I do GCSE Chemistry? ===
+For most home educators, GCSE Chemistry is not an option and they must do IGCSE. GCSE chemistry does not have a practical exam, BUT the head of the exam centre has to sign a form for each candidate saying that the candidate has been offered the opportunity to carry out all core practicals at the centre. Most centres won't do this for external candidates.
-* 2 papers, paper 1 is 2 hours and paper 2 is 1 hour.  Paper 1 is the same as the chemistry paper of Double Award Science.
-* Single - tier entry, so both difficult and easier questions are scattered between the two papers and you don't have to choose which tier your child will enter. You can get the full range of grades by sitting the two papers.
-* Alternative to Practical questions are scattered between the two papers.
-Qualification code is 4CH0 for the IGCSE and KCH0 for the Edexcel Certificate.  Usually the same exam paper has these two different codes on the front.
+<br />
-[http://www.edexcel.com/quals/igcse/igcse09/chemistry/Pages/default.aspx Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry Subject Page]
+===Do I need to complete practicals for IGCSE Chemistry?===
-The exam board's website is usually the best place to find past papers - most of them keep the most recent past paper password-protected for exam centres only, but you can download others and mark schemes, examiners' reports etc, freely.  Just search, eg, "edexcel igcse chemistry" and it is easy to find -
+Although there is no practical exam in IGCSE Chemistry, an understanding of practical work is necessary. Both specifications have a list of core practicals that the candidate is required to understand, but no form has to be signed to say these have been done/observed making the specifications easier for private candidates to access. IGCSE chemistry specifications have 'alternative to practicals' questions as part of the written exam papers.  Carrying out practicals will help with understanding but it is not a requirement, videos can be found of most experiments - the [[Chemistry Practicals]] page has ideas and support.
+<br />
-For Edexcel IGCSE, you will need to look at the IGCSE Chemistry from 2009 AND the IGCSE Chemistry from 2011.  The changes were very minor and the past papers from the 2009 spec are good practice for the 2011.  You can also practise with questions from the older, pre-2009, spec; if you do the past papers from the most recent spec first, you can then go through the older ones and pick out similar questions.  Sometimes the time allowed and total marks are different, so what we do with old papers is look at the overall marks and overall time, work out how many minutes are available per mark, and then put together a few practise questions with the appropriate time limits.  I know it may seem obvious, but you don't have to do a whole 2 hour paper in one go either.  It is, of course, helpful to have a couple of mock exams the exact length as the real thing, but otherwise, it may fit your family better to chop it up into several half-hour chunks.
+== Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry==
+This is a popular choice among home educators, as it is often easier to find an exam centre in the UK for Edexcel exams.
+[https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses/international-gcse-chemistry-2017.html Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry page and specification]<br />
-==== Textbooks for Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry ====
-[http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0435966898/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=479289247&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0007450044&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=1SYKV9CFBZHGM9ZCJBRZ '''Edexcel IGCSE chemistry student book by Jim Clark'''] has been highly recommended by many.  The author has his own website where he offers all the answers PLUS [[http://www.chemguide.co.uk/igcse/homeschooling/home1.html additional support to home -ed parents]].  Pearson Edexcel also provide the  [[http://www.pearsonglobalschools.com/index.cfm?locator=PS2c6o&CFID=110193151&CFTOKEN=95322033&jsessionid=52303ec3bfa011b638f5 answers to all questions]] as a free download.
+*Exams from: June 2019
-[http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/000745001X '''Collins Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry Student Book'''] by Chris Sunley et al. This series has received good reviews from home-educators, but note that answers are not provided to the exam-style questions; these are in the Teacher Pack, which costs £98!! However, Collins have generally been helpful recently when members have contacted them asking for a copy of the answers.  (18/08/15 - I contacted Collins by email who instantly replied to my email enclosing the answers for both Chemistry and Physics textbooks. RB - file uploaded here: please click on the PDF below.)
+*Available in June and January
-* [[File:Collins IGCSE Edexcel Chem Student Book Answers.pdf|thumb|120x120px]]
+*Specification code: 4CH1
+<br />
+=== Subject Content===
+The Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry has 4 topics:
+#Principles of chemistry
+#Inorganic chemistry
+#Physical chemistry
+#Organic chemistry
+<br />
-[http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1444179209 '''Hodder: Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry and Certificate Practice Book, by Robert Wensley (2013) - for IGCSE and Certificate'''].  Recommended by a home-educator, who wrote: "They are full of exam style questions and detailed guidance on how to answer to gain the most marks.".  The only drawback is that the answers have disappeared from the Hodder site.  Hodder provided them for our group member and the files are available below.
-<ul><li>[[File:Edexcel IGCSE Chem Practice Bk Mark Scheme3.pdf|thumb|120x120px]]
-<li>[[File:Edexcel IGCSE Chem Practice Bk Mark Scheme1.pdf|thumb|120x120px]]
-<li>[[File:Edexcel IGCSE Chem Practice Bk Mark Scheme2.pdf|thumb|120x120px]]
-<li>[[File:Edexcel IGCSE Chem Practice Bk Mark Scheme4.pdf|thumb|120x120px]]
-<li>[[File:Edexcel IGCSE Chem Practice Bk Mark Scheme5.pdf|thumb|120x120px]]
-</ul>
-==== '''Past Papers''' ====
+===Assessment===
+% exam based.
-[https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0B3yja89lYiciQnd6d3QxamZ4cFU/edit?usp=sharing Collection of older Edexcel IGCSE papers]
+*Paper 1  - 2hrs - 110 marks - 61.1%
-For more exam papers, you will usually have to look on free exam paper sharing sites - eg
+**A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.
+**Will include questions about practicals
+**Covers topics 1- 5 but only the content that is listed in the syllabus not in bold
+**Can use a calculator
+*Paper 2 -  1hr 15 minutes - 70 marks - 38.9%
-[http://www.freeexampapers.com/#IGCSE/Chemistry/Edexcel/Higher Freeexampapers.com Chemistry IGCSE page]
+**A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.
+** Will include questions about practicals
+**Covers topics 1- 5 all content listed in syllabus (bold and not bold)
+**Can use a calculator
+<br />
-More up to date exam papers can be found here:
-[https://56leomessiphotoshop.blogspot.co.uk/ Bilal's Ahmed's Blog]
+===Resources===
-Edexcel provide a useful iPad app called 'Edexcel Past Papers' which gives instant, free, access to many past papers.
+If you are not sure what textbooks or revision books to buy, or where to find answers, please ask on the [https://www.facebook.com/groups/HELinksUK.IGCSE/ HE exams and alternatives group]  You only need one student textbook and one is not better than the others, it is personal preference.
-==== New Edexcel 9-1 IGCSE Chemistry (2017) Specification ====
-The new specification, graded 9-1, will have first exams in Summer 2019 and is [https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/demo/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses-and-edexcel-certificates/international-gcse-chemistry-2017.html Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (2017)] .  The (2017) refers to the year it is first offered for ''teaching'' in schools. The changes are not that substantial - many small changes to descriptions rather than large differences in topic areas. You will probably still find old past papers helpful.
-[[File:Screenshot 20170306-120911.png|thumb|1186x1186px]]
-There is also a very helpful "[https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/International%20GCSE/Chemistry/2017/teaching-and-learning-materials/gstt-int-gcse-chemistry.pdf Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (2017) Getting Started for Teachers]" guide which goes into more detail; an extract is above.
-[[File:Edexcel IGCSE-Chemistry-2017-mapping-document.pdf|thumb|120x120px]]Edexcel has produced a more detailed [https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/International%20GCSE/Chemistry/2017/teaching-and-learning-materials/IGCSE-Chemistry-2017-mapping-document.docx mapping document] which goes through the whole specification line-by-line noting any changes.
-=== AQA Level 1/2 Certificate in Chemistry ===
-This specification was available to private candidates from June 2013 (2 papers) and will be discontinued with last exam in summer 2017.
+'''<u>Student Textbooks for Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry</u>'''
-[http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/aqa-certificate/chemistry-8402 AQA Chemistry Certificate/IGCSE)]
+[[File:Screenshot 2021-08-14 120914.png|right|frameless]]
+[https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edexcel-International-GCSE-Chemistry-Student/dp/0435185160/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=edexcel+igcse+chemistry&qid=1598689966&s=books&sr=1-5 (Pearson)Edexcel IGCSE chemistry student book by Jim Clark] (2017). Some people find the layout a little cluttered in this recent Pearson's edition, so check out the 'look inside' feature on Amazon of this and other textbooks to compare. Answers are [https://www.pearson.com/international-schools/international-gcse-answers.html here].
+[[File:Screenshot 2021-08-14 120946.png|right|frameless]]
+[https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edexcel-International-Chemistry-Student-Second/dp/1510405208/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=edexcel+igcse+chemistry&qid=1598690278&s=books&sr=1-6 (Hodder) Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry Student Book Second Edition] (2017). Answers are [https://www.hoddereducation.co.uk/igcsechemistry here].
+[[File:Screenshot 2021-08-14 121019.png|right|frameless]]
+([https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edexcel-International-GCSE-Chemistry-Student/dp/0008236216/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/259-5410578-2710162?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0008236216&pd_rd_r=9b3d1dde-2681-4e6c-84f5-7da79abc5c63&pd_rd_w=oqMuV&pd_rd_wg=t9jOw&pf_rd_p=dcf35746-0212-418b-a148-30395d107b2d&pf_rd_r=5T8Y1PB73J1ZR2S6GGS5&psc=1&refRID=5T8Y1PB73J1ZR2S6GGS5 Collins) Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry Student Book] (2017) by Sunley. Answers might not be provided for the exam-style questions. Collins are usually helpful when home educators email them for a copy of the answers, but perhaps check on the [https://www.facebook.com/groups/HELinksUK.IGCSE/ HE Exams and Alternatives group], first to see if anyone has the answers.
-Alternative to Practicals Questions
+'''<u>Practical workbook</u>'''
-The Edexcel and CIE specifications includes 'alternative to Practicals' questions, rather than requiring a practical exam. One way to  prepare is simply working through loads of past papers and then carefully reading the mark scheme and examiners' reports afterwards.  The old Edexcel spec is perfectly good for this - in fact you can just get the 'alternative to practical' paper from the old spec (paper 3) and work through that. The change in specification was mainly for structure and there was not a huge change in content.[[File:Screenshot 20170306-120854.png|thumb|391x391px]]These questions about changes to an experiment are often straightforward; there are recurring themes, eg whether you can take accurate measurements in the current setup and whether there are any safety issues.
+[https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edexcel-International-GCSE-Chemistry-Student/dp/1510451544/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/259-5410578-2710162?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1510451544&pd_rd_r=f335c7a1-c373-4e1d-afb5-516101b3a564&pd_rd_w=hQoUb&pd_rd_wg=rKY14&pf_rd_p=dcf35746-0212-418b-a148-30395d107b2d&pf_rd_r=HSXESPZZC1D0V8N90W9V&psc=1&refRID=HSXESPZZC1D0V8N90W9V Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Chemistry Student Lab Book: Exam practice and further application] (2019) Not essential, but some families have found it helpful
-These questions are very similar in both Edexcel and CIE so you can use both for practice.
-== Chemistry Practicals and Experiments ==
-Many of the practicals recommended in the syllabus can be carried out at home; it is surprising how much can be done with relatively little kit, but you may also find that equipment is often affordable.  For those experiments which you are not able to carry out at home, there are many videos on YouTube.  Many school chemistry classes use videos rather than hands-on practicals for a reasonable proportion of the syllabus.
+'''<u>Workbooks and Revision books for Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry</u>'''
-Some options for gaining practical experience:
+Revision books and workbooks aren't essential, but some students find them helpful. There are lots of options below and you don't need to buy all of them!
-*Work through some of the experiments in the syllabus yourself.  Practical suggestions on how to do it here:<br>
-[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h3E6kJLi3OARLyorevWy_JDQ75Ofdn_jBY5WPmCho50/edit Chemistry Practicals for Home-Ed] an edit of the Edexcel Scheme of Work with some notes for home ed families
+Hodder
-*Find a local chemistry tutor and ask them to carry out some experiments with you.  We did this for practicals that I was not confident about, and it worked well.  The tutor would give me shopping lists of chemicals to obtain and worked with what equipment we had or could obtain cheaply and easily.  He enjoyed the chance to do real chemistry rather than helping kids cram!
-*Some tutorial colleges and Further Education colleges offer practical science courses, although these are most often aimed at A-level students - eg [[http://www.campbellharris.co.uk/Content.asp?ID=67 Campbell Harris A-level Chemistry evening course]]
+[https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edexcel-International-GCSE-Chemistry-Workbook-dp-1510405623/dp/1510405623/ref=dp_ob_title_bk (Hodder) Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry Workbook] (2017) by Wensley Answers are [https://www.hoddereducation.co.uk/igcsechemistry here].
-*Chemistry Camps and Roadshows run by universities etc, eg [[http://saltersinstitute.co.uk/camps/camp-news/ Salters Chemistry Camps]] have been very highly recommended by home-ed families. See below.
+[https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Revision-Notes-International-Chemistry/dp/1510446745/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=My+Revision+Notes%3A+Edexcel+International+GCSE+%289%E2%80%931%29+Chemistry&qid=1598692860&s=books&sr=1-3 My Revision Notes: Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) Chemistry] (2018) by Dixon
-*Royal Institution's Young Scientist Centre workshops, and other similar activities at science museums.
+CGP
-=== Salters Chemistry Camps ===
-[http://saltersinstitute.co.uk/camps/camp-news/ Salters Chemistry Camps]]
-<blockquote>"Students spend three days and two nights at the Host University, staying in the University Halls of Residence, and using the laboratories. They carry out new, exciting experiments, and have the chance to delve into areas of chemistry that are perhaps not covered at school. Further background information is presented through entertaining lectures and (often noisy!) demonstrations. In the evenings, practical work in the labs is put on the back burner, and students enjoy a variety of social activities."</blockquote>
+Some people find CGP revision books cluttered, and other people love them. Take a look on the 'look inside' feature of Amazon to see whether they will suit your child.
-Home-ed parents can nominate children in the same way that schools can, and several home-ed children have highly recommended these camps in the past.  Students should be in Year 10, ie aged 14-15; not sure if there is any flexibility on this.
+[https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grade-Edexcel-International-GCSE-Chemistry/dp/1789080835/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/259-5410578-2710162?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1789080835&pd_rd_r=e65a0410-caf2-4244-aee4-679b470267d3&pd_rd_w=fiNTe&pd_rd_wg=SqNvh&pf_rd_p=dcf35746-0212-418b-a148-30395d107b2d&pf_rd_r=KD4HG7D1HKT0QZWJHQQA&psc=1&refRID=KD4HG7D1HKT0QZWJHQQA Grade 9-1 Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry: Revision Guide with Online Edition] (2017) designed for revision, but can also give a useful overview of each topic as it is being studied.
-Also do Salters Festival of Chemistry for  younger children.
+[https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grade-Edexcel-International-GCSE-Chemistry/dp/1782946861/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/259-5410578-2710162?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1782946861&pd_rd_r=cf098a30-fd05-4a90-9bab-1782f13d8891&pd_rd_w=FlJTr&pd_rd_wg=VVNmm&pf_rd_p=dcf35746-0212-418b-a148-30395d107b2d&pf_rd_r=EJF7PBRKCCW04XWZEZYC&psc=1&refRID=EJF7PBRKCCW04XWZEZYC Grade 9-1 Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry: Exam Practice Workbook (includes Answers)] (2017) A workbook to accompany the above revision book. Can be useful for testing knowledge before progressing to whole exam papers.
-=== Royal Institution Young Scientist Centre ===
-[http://www.rigb.org/contentControl?action=displayContent&id=00000002976Royal Institution L'Oreal Young Scientist Centre] in London, has workshops which involve practical lab work for different age groups.  London home-ed groups regularly organise school sessions there, but you can also book as individuals during their Summer School, for instance.
+[https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grade-Edexcel-International-GCSE-Chemistry/dp/1789080835/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/259-5410578-2710162?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1789080835&pd_rd_r=e65a0410-caf2-4244-aee4-679b470267d3&pd_rd_w=fiNTe&pd_rd_wg=SqNvh&pf_rd_p=dcf35746-0212-418b-a148-30395d107b2d&pf_rd_r=KD4HG7D1HKT0QZWJHQQA&psc=1&refRID=KD4HG7D1HKT0QZWJHQQA Grade 9-1 Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry: Complete Revision & Practice with Online Edition] (2107) This book combines the CGP revision guide with some questions (fewer questions than if buying the exam practice workbook). There might be some overlap with the above books.
-=== Supplies ===
-You can get most chemicals and equipment you need for IGCSE level, in small quantities, on eBay.
+[https://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Edexcel-International-GCSE-Chemistry/dp/1789082374/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/259-5410578-2710162?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1789082374&pd_rd_r=21ad78e1-086f-49a2-bbcd-2d070d544ae5&pd_rd_w=8q3wJ&pd_rd_wg=FTkO7&pf_rd_p=dcf35746-0212-418b-a148-30395d107b2d&pf_rd_r=Z8D68WMKQGHJ6WMBE65F&psc=1&refRID=Z8D68WMKQGHJ6WMBE65F Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry: Grade 8-9 Targeted Exam Practice Workbook (with answers)] (2017) questions for students aiming for the top grades.
-[http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/kitchen-chemistry/m.html Kitchen Chemistry] on eBay sells small quantities of chemistry kit spares.
+[https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grade-Edexcel-International-GCSE-Chemistry/dp/1789083796/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/259-5410578-2710162?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1789083796&pd_rd_r=ab7a8e2c-db2d-49ea-8178-64ba24cb2009&pd_rd_w=05Z3K&pd_rd_wg=xxk5E&pf_rd_p=dcf35746-0212-418b-a148-30395d107b2d&pf_rd_r=VY3YF1JRWX3B46D7FE97&psc=1&refRID=VY3YF1JRWX3B46D7FE97 New Grade 9-1 Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry: Revision Question Cards] (2019) Note these are NOT flash cards of topic summaries, but are question cards. Not essential, but might be useful for some students.
-See also the following suppliers of equipment and/or chemicals which have been recommended by home educators:
+[https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grade-Edexcel-International-GCSE-Chemistry/dp/178908086X/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/259-5410578-2710162?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=178908086X&pd_rd_r=6a8e42f1-321b-41ff-bf50-6d1ffb572567&pd_rd_w=8gSVd&pd_rd_wg=nZMAS&pf_rd_p=dcf35746-0212-418b-a148-30395d107b2d&pf_rd_r=1NDQ5SQY6TZYP0QJD3SK&psc=1&refRID=1NDQ5SQY6TZYP0QJD3SK Grade 9-1 Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry: 10-Minute Tests (with answers)] (2018) Again, not essential, but a possible tool for some students.
-*[http://www.rapidonline.com Rapidonline]
+<br />
-*[http://betterequipped.co.uk/ Betterequipped.co.uk]
+==Cambridge (CAIE) IGCSE Chemistry ==
+Cambridge offer 2 IGCSEs in Chemistry from 2019. The difference is in the grading, 0971 being 9-1 and 0620 being A*-G, otherwise the syllabus is identical. Some exam centres will only enter students for 0970.
+[https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-chemistry-9-1-0971/ CAIE International GCSE Chemistry (0971) page and specification]
-[http://www.paradigmshift.org.uk/html/shop.html Paradigm Shift] - apparently no longer supplying, but listed here in case they recommence.
+[https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-chemistry-0620/ CAIE International GCSE Chemistry (0620) page and specification]
-== Resources ==
-[http://igcsesciencecourses.com/about.html IGCSE Science Courses] - Graham Bray is a Director of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) at a large comprehensive school in East Sussex.  He initially prepared a set of video courses for a local home ed student with dyslexia who was struggling with reading textbooks.   He 'teaches' the whole syllabus in a series of c15minute videos of himself talking through a set of powerpoint animated slides.  He now offers 'talking papers' with model answers, lesson plans and checklists.  Videos cover each of the 3 sciences and CIE and Edexcel Boards.
+was new in 2019, any tweaks to 0620 at the same time look to be minor so papers from pre-2019 will still be useful.
+* Exams from: 2019
+* Available in Autumn and Summer series
+* Specification code: 0971 (9-1) or 0620 (A*- G) '''There are amendments to the specification for exams from 2023, some content is being removed and other content added.'''
+<br />
+===Subject Content===
+Candidates study the following topics (taken from 2022 spec):
+The particulate nature of matter, experimental techniques; atoms, elements and compounds, stoichiometry, electricity and chemistry, chemical energetics, chemical reactions, acids, bases and salts, the Periodic Table, metals, air and water, sulfur, carbonates and organic chemistry
+Cambridge Chemistry is 'tiered' students enter for core (which allows them to achieve grade 5-1) or extended (which allows them to achieve grade 9-1). Those doing Core just need to study the core content, those doing Extended need to study the core and supplementary content.
+<br />
+===Assessment===
+The specification has three papers: a 1h Alternative to Practical, a 45 min Multiple Choice and a 1 hr 15 Theory paper. The multiple choice and theory exams used to be taken back to back (so effectively 2 hours), but for the past two years have been examined on separate days.
+CAIE science IGCSEs are tiered. This means that less able students can opt for the core tier, (papers 1, 3 and 6) but can only get a maximum grade of C or 5. More able students can opt for the higher (extended) tier (papers 2, 4 and 6) with the grade range of 9-1.
+% exam based.
+*Paper 1 (core) or 2 (extended) -  Multiple choice - 45 mins - 40 marks - 30%
+**Forty compulsory multiple-choice questions
+**Covers all content
+*Paper 3 (core) or 4 (extended) - Theory -  1hr 15 minutes - 80 marks - 50%
+**Short-answer and structured questions
+**Covers all content
+*Paper 6 - (sat by both core and extended) - Alternatives to Practical - 1hr - 40 marks - 20%
+**Questions will be based on the experimental skills outlined in Section 4 of the specification.
+<br />
+===Resources===
+Some books include answers, others don't. Some publishers will provide links to answers if you contact them. If you are not sure what textbooks or revision books to buy, or where to find answers, please ask on the [https://www.facebook.com/groups/HELinksUK.IGCSE/ HE exams and alternatives group] ]
+'''<u>Student Textbooks for Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry</u>'''
+[https://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Chemistry-Cambridge-IGCSE%C2%AE-Igcse/dp/0198399146/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/259-5410578-2710162?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0198399146&pd_rd_r=193facae-db1c-4c0c-b9ed-aa5f87594caa&pd_rd_w=PO8yw&pd_rd_wg=qY9pT&pf_rd_p=dcf35746-0212-418b-a148-30395d107b2d&pf_rd_r=NPA1M62W6DMPSN30RDTV&psc=1&refRID=NPA1M62W6DMPSN30RDTV (Oxford University Press) Complete Chemistry for Cambridge IGCSE] (2016) By Gallagher and Ingram
+[https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cambridge-IGCSE%C2%AE-Chemistry-Coursebook-International/dp/1107615038/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/259-5410578-2710162?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1107615038&pd_rd_r=2493adeb-19e7-4d27-90c7-22ca60a149c4&pd_rd_w=dwk7L&pd_rd_wg=3PtWH&pf_rd_p=dcf35746-0212-418b-a148-30395d107b2d&pf_rd_r=EJTQ7ZCH3BTQEWNX231C&psc=1&refRID=EJTQ7ZCH3BTQEWNX231C (Cambridge University Press) Cambridge IGCSE® Chemistry Coursebook] with CD-ROM (2014) By Harwood and Lodge
+[https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cambridge-IGCSETM-Chemistry-Students-Collins/dp/0007592655/ref=pd_bxgy_img_3/259-5410578-2710162?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0007592655&pd_rd_r=6fafd028-6748-4872-b190-bf3d588cf8e7&pd_rd_w=0kuFZ&pd_rd_wg=CLMLa&pf_rd_p=dcf35746-0212-418b-a148-30395d107b2d&pf_rd_r=QJ7D1KRYB78HBQ4K3XWV&psc=1&refRID=QJ7D1KRYB78HBQ4K3XWV (Collins) Cambridge IGCSE™ Chemistry Student's Book] (2014) By Sunley
+[https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cambridge-IGCSE-Chemistry-3rd-plus/dp/1444176447/ref=pd_bxgy_img_3/259-5410578-2710162?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1444176447&pd_rd_r=e88de762-b102-42d8-a997-f4494733ad80&pd_rd_w=79VNF&pd_rd_wg=Yj0KM&pf_rd_p=dcf35746-0212-418b-a148-30395d107b2d&pf_rd_r=BERS1GM2VCJ7N2FFMJRD&psc=1&refRID=BERS1GM2VCJ7N2FFMJRD (Hodder)Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 3rd Edition (Book & CD)] (2014)  by Earl and Wiford
+For exams from 2023
+[https://www.hoddereducation.co.uk/subjects/general/products/14-16/cambridge-igcse%E2%84%A2-chemistry-4th-edition (Hodder) Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 4th Edition] (2021)  by Earl and Wiford
+[https://collins.co.uk/collections/igcse-chemistry-2/products/9780008430887 (Collins) Cambridge IGCSE™ Chemistry Student's Book] (2021) By Sunley
+[https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cambridge-IGCSETM-Chemistry-Coursebook-International/dp/1108951600/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Cambridge+IGCSE+chemistry&qid=1629051958&sr=8-1 (Cambridge University Press) Cambridge IGCSE™ Chemistry Coursebook with Digital Access (2 Years)] (2021) by Harwood and Lodge
+'''<u>Past papers</u>'''
+Past papers can be found on the specification pages or sites such as [https://pastpapers.co/ pastpapers.co] and [https://papacambridge.com/home/index.html papacambridge]. Each series of 0620 (besides the March series - which is only sat in India) has 3 sets of papers available. These are because they were sat in different time zones. They are the same syllabus and useful for practice. You can use both 0971 and 0620 papers to practice either spec. 0971 was new in 2019, any tweaks to 0620 at the same time look to be minor so papers from pre-2019 will still be useful. There is some change to content for exams from 2023 but papers from before will still be useful.
+'''<u>Revision books and workbooks for Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry</u>'''
+[https://www.hoddereducation.co.uk/subjects/general/products/14-16/cambridge-igcse%E2%84%A2-chemistry-workbook-3rd-edition (Hodder) Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry Workbook (2021)] by Earl and Wilford - '''2023 exams'''
+[https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cambridge-IGCSE%C2%AE-Chemistry-Revision-International/dp/1107697999/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=cambridge+igcse+chemistry+revision&qid=1598695808&s=books&sr=1-1 (Hodder) Cambridge IGCSE® Chemistry Revision Guide] (2015) by Norris.
+[https://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Chemistry-Cambridge-IGCSE%C2%AE-Revision/dp/1382009828/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=Cambridge+IGCSE+chemistry&qid=1629052112&sr=8-5 (Oxford University Press) Complete Chemistry for Cambridge IGCSE Student Book & Revision Guide Pack] (2020) The revision book in this link is sold as part of a bundle, however it might be available separately.
+[https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cambridge-International-Chemistry-Complete-Revision/dp/1789084768/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=Cambridge+IGCSE+chemistry&qid=1629052112&sr=8-9 (CGP) New Cambridge International GCSE Chemistry Complete Revision & Practice: Core & Extended + Online Ed] (2020)
+[https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cambridge-IGCSE%C2%AE-Chemistry-Workbook-International/dp/1108728138/ref=sr_1_14?dchild=1&keywords=Cambridge+IGCSE+chemistry&qid=1629052112&sr=8-14 (Cambridge University Press) Cambridge IGCSE® Chemistry Maths Skills Workbook] (2018) by Harden.
+<br />
+==Practical Work==
+Doing some practicals at home will be useful for answering the practical questions in the exam. IGCSE exams contain questions about equipment, experiment design, and procedures, as well as safety and general scientific methodology, such as controlling variables.
+'''Please see our page [[Chemistry Practicals]] about doing chemistry experiments from home. '''It includes information on obtaining supplies and hints and tips. There are many practicals on the GCSE and IGCSE syllabus which can easily be carried out at home.
+Note that the practical components of Edexcel and CAIE syllabuses for single sciences are very similar, so you can use resources for either.
+<br />
+==General Resources==
+[https://senecalearning.com/ Seneca Learning] - A free online learning platform
+[https://www.igcsesciencecourses.com/ IGCSE Science Courses] - by Graham Bray.  Videos cover each of the 3 sciences and CIE and Edexcel Boards. Discounted subscription often available to home educators (ask on the [https://www.facebook.com/groups/HELinksUK.IGCSE/ HE exams and alternatives group].)
+[https://prioritylearning.co.uk/elementor-1499/ Priority Learning] - free worksheets and revision resources
 [https://www.pinterest.com/lyndaheer/igcse-chemistry/ Pinterest board on IGCSE Chemistry] compiled by one of our members.
+'''<u>Distance Learning</u>'''
+Many home-educated students study Chemistry successfully using just the textbook and free online resources, but some find a distance learning course suits their family better, or want to use a tutor occasionally for marking essays or past papers. Course providers can be found on the [[Distance Learning Providers|Distance Learning Providers page]].
+[[Category:Sciences]]
+[[Category:Subjects]]