Chemistry IGCSE (4CH0) Edexcel

What is IGCSE?
IGCSEs are the same as GCSEs and are accepted in just the same way. We have given more detail about what they are on our website - http://www.uk-openlearning.com/news.asp.

What is IGCSE Chemistry?
This completely new IGCSE course is designed to help meet the needs of those who want an introduction to this challenging subject either with a view to further study at A Level or simply to supplement a portfolio of IGCSE/GCSE subjects.
IGCSE in Chemistry aims to develop an understanding of the unifying patterns and themes of chemistry, as well as experimental and investigative skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques. Students will gain an appreciation of scientific methods and learn to form hypotheses and design experiments to test them.

Key subject aims
The Edexcel IGCSE in Chemistry qualification enables students to:
• learn about the unifying patterns and themes of chemistry
• appreciate the practical nature of chemistry, acquiring experimental and investigative skills
based on correct and safe laboratory techniques
• appreciate the importance to scientific methods of accurate experimental work and reporting
• form hypotheses and design experiments to test them
• develop a logical approach to problem solving in a wider context
• understand the widespread importance of chemistry and the way materials are used in the
world
• appreciate how the work of the chemist has social, industrial, technological, environmental
and economic consequences for the community
• prepare for more advanced courses in chemistry and for courses which require them to have
a knowledge of chemistry.
A detailed description of the specification can be found on the Edexcel website:
http://www.edexcel.com/migrationdocuments/IGCSE New IGCSE/IGCSE Chemistry (4CH0) Issue 3.pdf

Who is the awarding body?
The awarding body is Edexcel. For more information go to:
http://www.edexcel.com

What is the course title and code for this qualification?
Edexcel IGCSE in Chemistry (4CH0)

How is the course structured?
We will begin by looking at what the examination board will require of you in the way of examinations.  You will be referred to what you need to do in terms of registration and arranging with an external centre for you to take the examinations.
Once the administration matters have been cleared up, we will look at the specification we will be following, namely the IGCSE in Chemistry (4CH0).
This course contains a large number of activities; these are intended to be exercises to aid your learning as you progress through the course. These are self-assessed and should not be returned to your tutor.
There are also a number of Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs). These are more lengthy and challenging and should be returned to your tutor for marking and feedback. However, they do not count towards your final assessment in any way.
As stated above, this is an exam-only syllabus and we will be preparing you for this as the principal aim of the course.
As part of your course, you will be supplied with the Study Guide for IGCSE and A Levels. Do make use of this as it has been written to help you with your studies and to supplement the specific information and guidance given in the course material itself.

What support will I get?
The study pack is designed to match closely the curriculum content of the syllabus and will provide you with the information and support you’ll need to take the exams with confidence.
The materials and accompanying exercises provided will help you to develop the necessary knowledge and confidence to successfully attempt the exams. The key parts of the course which are important in every aspect are planning your studies and the practice assessments where feedback from your tutor is of the utmost importance.

What will the exams look like?–G
Chemistry Paper 1 – Paper code: 4CH0/1C
• Externally assessed
• Availability: January and June series

66.6% of the total IGCSE marks

Overview of assessment:
• The paper is assessed through a two-hour examination paper set and marked by Edexcel.
• The total number of marks is 120.

Chemistry Paper 2 – Paper code: 4CH0/2C
• Externally assessed
• Availability: January and June series

33.3.% of the total IGCSE marks

Overview of assessment:
• The paper is assessed through a one-hour examination paper set and marked by Edexcel.
• The total number of marks is 60.

What will I be examined on?
The two assessment objectives in Chemistry are:
AO1 Knowledge and understanding
In the examination, students will be tested on their ability to:
• Recognise, recall and show understanding of specific chemical facts, terminology, principles, concepts and practical techniques including aspects of safety.
• Draw on existing knowledge to show understanding of the ethical, social, environmental, economic and technological applications and implications of chemistry.
• Select, organise and present relevant information clearly and logically, using appropriate vocabulary.

AO2 Application of knowledge and understanding, analysis and Evaluation
In the examination, students will be tested on their ability to:
• Describe, explain and interpret phenomena, effects and ideas in terms of chemical principles and concepts, presenting arguments and ideas clearly and logically.
• Interpret and translate data presented as continuous prose or in tables, diagrams, drawings and graphs, from one form to another.
• Carry out relevant calculations.
• Apply chemical principles and concepts in solving problems in unfamiliar situations, including those related to the ethical, social, economic and technological applications and implications of chemistry.
• Assess the validity of chemical information, experiments, inferences and statements and make informed judgements from them.

AO3 Investigative skills
In the assessment of these practical skills, students will be tested on their ability to:
• Devise and plan investigations, drawing on chemical knowledge and understanding in selecting appropriate techniques.
• Demonstrate and describe appropriate experimental and investigative methods, including safe and skilful practical techniques.
• Make observations and measurements with appropriate precision, record these methodically, and present them in a suitable form.
• Analyse and interpret data to draw conclusions from experimental activities which are consistent with the evidence, using chemical knowledge and understanding, and to communicate these findings using appropriate specialist vocabulary, relevant calculations and graphs.
• Evaluate data and methods.

We have deliberately designed the course to make it as relevant to the demands of the specification as possible with lots of self-assessment exercises for you to carry out prior to you taking the Tutor Marked Assignments. These are assignments which you will send them to your tutor and receive feedback on to improve your knowledge and skills in handling examination questions.

Where do I sit my examinations?
Students are reminded that it is their responsibility to find and register with a centre to take the examinations. Learning at Home cannot take any responsibility for this.
You should consult the Guidance for Private Candidate handbook on the Edexcel website.
Any registered Edexcel centre may enter private candidates for their chosen subject(s).
To request a list of Edexcel registered centres please send an email to the following address: private.candidate@edexcel.com .

You should approach local schools and colleges to see if they are willing to accept you as a Private Candidate. When consulting them, take with you details of the specification as they are far more willing to listen to your request if they can see immediately what will be involved on their part. Do stress that there is no coursework component involved, merely two exams of two and one hour respectively. Have the syllabus number to hand as well. Once you have found a centre they will complete your entries for you, issue all entry forms, and carry out general administration arrangements and correspondence to you.

Is Learning at Home my centre for the examinations?
No. Your centre is the one you have to find to sit your examinations through.

When can I sit my examinations?
The examinations are available in November and June each year. You do need to ensure that your centre is able and willing to handle your entry. They are not obliged to accept you as a candidate so do not make any assumption that you will be able to do the exams when you wish.
A further consideration is whether you are allowing yourself time to complete the necessary preparation prior to taking the exams. You are allowed twelve months’ support from so you will need to take this into account when making your plans. It may be possible to extend you tutorial time but this will be subject to an extra charge by your tutor.