GCSE Chemistry Foundation Tier

Our GCSE Biology Foundation Tier online course is your gateway to understanding living organisms. Ideal for those aiming to pursue A-Level Biology, enter biology-related fields, or expand their knowledge, this course offers flexibility and recognition.

The foundation tier covers fundamental concepts and principles, focusing on core topics rather than advanced aspects. It allows students to achieve grades 1-5 (with 5 being the highest). This tier is perfect for those who find Biology challenging and prefer an accessible way to pass the exam.

Study at your own pace from home, free from the pressure of classrooms, assignments, and constant quizzes. Our dedicated personal tutors are available to provide guidance, feedback, and advice to help you excel.

While practicals and exams are necessary to achieve the GCSE Biology qualification, our course is structured to support your learning journey. Keep in mind that the foundation tier's highest achievable grade is 5. For grades 6-9, consider our GCSE Biology Higher Tier course.

About This Course

This GCSE Chemistry Foundation Tier online course is a great way to achieve a nationally recognised qualification from the comfort of your home. Say goodbye to scheduled classes, quizzes, and homework, and say hello to personal tutor support, exam-informed study guides, and self-assessment exercises!

The foundation tier of GCSE Chemistry will cover the fundamental concepts and principles of chemistry, and focuses on core topics rather than the more advanced aspects offered in GCSE Chemistry Higher tier. The foundation tier allows for students to achieve grades in the range of 1-5 (with 5 being the upper limit). It has been designed for students who may find the subject challenging and would like a more accessible method of passing the exam.

While it’s possible to complete the course without exams and practicals, passing them is essential to achieve the full GCSE Chemistry Foundation Tier qualification.

Please keep in mind that the Foundation Tier has a maximum grade of 5. Students aiming for grades 6-9 can take a look at our GCSE Chemistry Higher Tier course.

Qualification Title: GCSE Chemistry Foundation Tier
Qualification Number: 601/8757/8

Course Units

Unit 1: Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table

• Atomic structure, including subatomic particles (protons, neutrons, and electrons)
• Atomic number and mass number
• The arrangement of elements in the periodic table
• Group and period trends in the periodic table

Unit 2: Bonding, Structure, and Properties of Matter

• Types of chemical bonding (ionic, covalent)
• Properties of different types of substances
• Structure and properties of metals, ionic compounds, and covalent compounds

Unit 3: Quantitative Chemistry

• Conservation of mass and balancing chemical equations
• Calculations involving mass, moles, and concentration
• Percentage composition and empirical formulas

Unit 4: Chemical Changes

• Chemical reactions and energy changes
• Acids, bases, and neutralisation reactions
• the pH scale

Unit 5: Energy Changes

• Exothermic and endothermic reactions
• Energy level diagrams

Unit 6: The Rates and Extent of Chemical Change

• Factors affecting reaction rates
• Collision theory

Unit 7: Organic Chemistry

• Introduction to organic chemistry
• Alkanes, Alkenes, and Alcohols
• Functional groups and homologous series

Unit 8: Chemical Analysis

• Methods of chemical analysis, including chromatography and spectroscopy
• Qualitative and quantitative analysis

Unit 9: 9. Chemistry of the Atmosphere

• Composition and structure of the Earth’s atmosphere
• Greenhouse gasses, climate change, and pollution

Unit 10: Using Resources

• Sustainable use of resources
• Recycling and reducing waste

Assessment

To successfully achieve a Chemistry GCSE, you will be required to sit and pass two GCSE written exams, as well as a practical examination. These exams will be held at an official exam centre, where you will be supervised throughout. There is a separate fee for booking your exams, which will be paid directly to the exam centre at the time of booking. We’ll help you with booking your exams when you’re ready, and they’ll take place in May and June.

Paper 1

Paper 1 will assess your understanding of units 1-5 (Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry; Chemical changes; and Energy changes). It is made up of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response questions.

Paper 2

Paper 2 will assess your understanding of units 6-10 (The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis; Chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using resources). It is made up of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response questions.

Practical Assessment

Practicals are required to achieve this qualification but if you are unable to participate, you can enrol on the IGCSE Chemistry instead. In this qualification, you would not be required to complete the practicals, however examination is still required.

No prior knowledge or skills in this area are needed to enrol onto this course.

Assessment

You will first complete the assessments included in your course materials. These will be marked by your dedicated tutor and will prepare you for your exam.

Exams

You are required to complete 2 written exams that take place in May and June. Each exam is worth 50% of your overall GCSE mark.

• Paper 1: Written exam, 50% of marks.
• Paper 2: Written exam, 50% of marks.

Exam Fees

There is a separate fee for the examinations paid directly to the exam centre at the time of booking. We’ll help you book them when you are ready.