WJEC A Level Chemistry specification (1410)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC A Level Chemistry exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official WJEC A Level Chemistry specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official WJEC A Level Chemistry (1410) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official WJEC specification PDF.
Specification overview
The WJEC A Level in Chemistry offers learners a comprehensive and integrated course that builds knowledge and understanding of both theoretical and practical chemistry. It supports progression to scientific higher education and careers by developing competence in laboratory skills, mathematical fluency, and analytical thinking. Learners gain confidence in applying chemical concepts to real-world challenges and develop insight into the role of chemistry in industry, health, energy, and the environment. The qualification promotes curiosity, independent learning, and ethical awareness, while reinforcing the importance of chemistry in a modern, global society:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
AS Unit 1: The Language of Chemistry, Structure of Matter and Simple Reactions
- Formulae and equations
- Atomic structure and ionisation energies
- Chemical calculations: moles, titrations, yield, atom economy
- Bonding and molecular shapes (VSEPR)
- Solids: ionic, molecular, metallic and giant covalent structures
- Periodicity: trends in reactivity and properties in groups and periods
- Equilibria and acid-base reactions
AS Unit 2: Energy, Rate and Chemistry of Carbon Compounds
- Thermochemistry: enthalpy changes, Hess’s law, bond enthalpies
- Rates of reaction and catalysts
- Organic chemistry: hydrocarbons, halogenoalkanes, alcohols, carboxylic acids
- Instrumental analysis: IR, MS, NMR
- Environmental and industrial applications
- Specified practicals: esters, rates, redox, titration, substitution
A2 Unit 3: Physical and Inorganic Chemistry
- Redox and standard electrode potentials, electrochemical cells
- Chemistry of p-block and d-block elements
- Transition metals: complex ions, colour, ligand exchange, catalysis
- Kinetics: rate equations, mechanisms, Arrhenius equation
- Thermodynamics: lattice enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs energy
- Equilibria (Kc, Kp) and acid-base equilibria (pH, Ka, buffers)
A2 Unit 4: Organic Chemistry and Analysis
- Stereoisomerism: optical and E/Z
- Aromatic chemistry: benzene, electrophilic substitution
- Alcohols, phenols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids
- Amines, amino acids, proteins, dyes
- Organic synthesis and condensation polymers
- Advanced analysis: NMR, chromatography (TLC, GC, HPLC)
A2 Unit 5: Practical
- Experimental Task: lab-based problem-solving (30 marks)
- Practical Methods and Analysis Task: theory and data analysis (30 marks)
- Assessment themes provided in advance
- Covers planning, experimental technique, analysis and evaluation:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
AS Unit 1: The Language of Chemistry, Structure of Matter and Simple Reactions
- 1 hr 30 min written exam, 80 marks
- 20% of A level
- Structured and extended response questions
AS Unit 2: Energy, Rate and Chemistry of Carbon Compounds
- 1 hr 30 min written exam, 80 marks
- 20% of A level
- Structured and extended response questions
A2 Unit 3: Physical and Inorganic Chemistry
- 1 hr 45 min written exam, 95 marks
- 25% of A level
- Structured and extended response questions
A2 Unit 4: Organic Chemistry and Analysis
- 1 hr 45 min written exam, 95 marks
- 25% of A level
- Structured and extended response questions
A2 Unit 5: Practical
- 10% of A level, 60 marks
- Experimental Task (30 marks) and Practical Methods & Analysis Task (30 marks)
- Conducted in spring term; themes released to centres in advance
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 (30.4%): Knowledge and understanding
- AO2 (44.2%): Application in theory, practical, and data handling
- AO3 (25.4%): Analysis, interpretation, evaluation
Weightings
- Mathematical skills: minimum 20%
- Practical skills: minimum 15%
- Grades reported using UMS system (A*–E at A level, A–E at AS):contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC A Level Chemistry isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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