OCR GCSE Chemistry A (Gateway) specification (J248)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR GCSE Chemistry A (Gateway) 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 OCR GCSE Chemistry A (Gateway) 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 OCR GCSE Chemistry A (Gateway) (J248) 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 OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
This GCSE Chemistry A (Gateway) specification offers a context-based approach to understanding chemical concepts through real-world applications. It supports learners in developing their scientific literacy, enabling them to explore and understand the impact of chemistry on their lives, society, and the environment. The course integrates theoretical knowledge with practical work, helping learners become confident in applying scientific methods and interpreting evidence. It promotes problem-solving, critical thinking, and quantitative reasoning, providing a solid foundation for further sciSubject content breakdown
C1: Particles
- Particle model of matter
- Changes of state and internal energy
- Particle theory applied to changes and heating curves
C2: Elements, compounds and mixtures
- Atomic structure and periodic table trends
- Elements, compounds, and chemical symbols/formulae
- Mixtures, separation techniques and purity
C3: Chemical reactions
- Word and symbol equations
- Conservation of mass, balancing equations
- Exothermic/endothermic reactions
- Combustion and thermal decomposition
C4: Predicting and identifying reactions and products
- Metals and reactivity series
- Displacement and redox reactions
- Acids, alkalis, neutralisation, and pH scale
- Making salts and ionic equations
C5: Monitoring and controlling chemical reactions
- Rates of reaction and collision theory
- Concentration, surface area, temperature, catalysts
- Reversible reactions and equilibrium
C6: Global challenges
- Earth’s atmosphere: evolution, composition and pollution
- Water: potable water, purification and waste treatment
- Resources: sustainability, recycling, corrosion, life cycle assessments
- Climate change and human impacts
C7: Practical skills
- Use of scientific techniques, apparatus and safety
- Developing hypotheses and collecting data
- Recording, analysing and evaluating evidence
- Required practicals embedded throughout the course
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Chemistry A – Foundation or Higher Tier (J248/01 or J248/02)
- Assesses content from topics C1 to C3
- Written exam: 1 hour 10 minutes
- 60 marks, 50% of GCSE
- Multiple choice, structured and extended response questions
Paper 2: Chemistry A – Foundation or Higher Tier (J248/03 or J248/04)
- Assesses content from topics C4 to C6
- Written exam: 1 hour 10 minutes
- 60 marks, 50% of GCSE
Includes synoptic assessment and questions on practical skills
- Separate assessments for Foundation and Higher tiers
- Practical skills assessed in written papers based on specified practicals
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR GCSE Chemistry A (Gateway) 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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