Chemistry

Pearson Edexcel A-Level Chemistry (9CH0) is assessed through three papers: Paper 1 on advanced inorganic and physical chemistry, Paper 2 on advanced organic and physical chemistry, and Paper 3 on general and practical principles, which is synoptic and draws directly on the sixteen core practicals.

The Edexcel specification introduces organic chemistry earlier than most and returns to it repeatedly, which suits students who find mechanisms easier once they have seen them several times in different contexts. Paper 3 is where the marks separate: it asks students to interpret data from an experiment they have not seen before, and to justify a conclusion in the face of experimental uncertainty rather than simply state one.