AQA GCSE Chemistry (Separate Science)
AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) explores the composition, properties and reactions of matter. It combines chemical explanations with calculations, practical investigation and the evaluation of evidence.
Choose your AQA GCSE Chemistry tier
Choose Foundation or Higher. If you are unsure which tier you are studying, check with your teacher.
Foundation
Placeholder: AQA GCSE Chemistry Foundation
Study the Foundation-tier requirements for AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462), without the additional material marked Higher Tier only.
Higher
AQA GCSE Chemistry - Higher (8462)
8462
Study the Higher-tier requirements for AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462), including the shared content and additional Higher Tier material.
This is AQA's separate GCSE Chemistry qualification, specification code 8462. Follow the tier confirmed by your school.
What you will study
Atomic structure, bonding, quantitative chemistry, chemical and energy changes, reaction rates and equilibria, organic chemistry, chemical analysis, the atmosphere and resources form the course content.
How assessment works
Paper 1 covers topics 1–5; Paper 2 covers topics 6–10 and may draw on earlier fundamental principles. Each written paper lasts 1 hour 45 minutes, carries 100 marks and contributes 50% of the GCSE.
Practical and scientific skills
Practical methods, mathematical skills and data interpretation are assessed alongside subject knowledge in the written examinations.
Official course information
For the full requirements and assessment guidance, see the official specification.