OCR GCSE Chemistry B (Twenty First Century Science) specification (J258)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR GCSE Chemistry B (Twenty First Century Science) 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 B (Twenty First Century Science) 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 B (Twenty First Century Science) (J258) 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
OCR GCSE (9–1) Chemistry B (Twenty First Century Science) is designed to develop students' understanding of key chemistry concepts through a narrative-based approach that relates science to real-life contexts. The course encourages scientific thinking by exploring how chemistry explains natural and technological phenomena. It supports the development of inquiry, problem-solving, and critical analysis skills through practical investigations and data interpretation. Students learn how scientific theories develop, how chemistry impacts society, and how to apply scientific knowledge responsibly. The course prepares learners for further scientific study by embedding mathematical skills, experimental methods, and an understanding of the scientific process within engaging contexts:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Chapter C1: Air and Water
- Changes in the Earth's atmosphere and climate change evidence.
- Combustion reactions, pollutants, and air quality control.
- Exothermic and endothermic reactions, activation energy, bond energy.
- Greenhouse effect, global warming, climate models.
- Potable water supply methods and chlorine use.
Chapter C2: Chemical Patterns
- Atomic models development and structure.
- Periodic Table trends, groups, and reactivity patterns.
- Ionic bonding and properties of ionic compounds.
- Writing and balancing chemical equations.
- Properties of transition metals (separate science only).
Chapter C3: Chemicals of the Natural Environment
- Metallic bonding, metal properties, and reactivity series.
- Metal extraction methods, including bioleaching and phytoextraction.
- Electrolysis and electrode reactions.
- Crude oil separation, hydrocarbons, covalent bonding.
- Cracking, alkenes, functional groups, and polymers.
Chapter C4: Material Choices
- Comparing materials: metals, ceramics, polymers, composites.
- Addition and condensation polymers, natural polymers.
- Bonding and structure affecting material properties.
- Nanoparticles, fullerenes, graphene, and associated risks.
- Corrosion, life cycle assessments, recycling, and sustainability.
Chapter C5: Chemical Analysis
- Purity testing, chromatography, and separation techniques.
- Identification of ions and emission spectroscopy (separate science only).
- Conservation of mass, mole concept, gas volumes.
- Concentration calculations, titrations, neutralisation.
Chapter C6: Making Useful Chemicals
- Acid reactions and salt preparation.
- Factors affecting reaction rates, catalysts, enzyme use.
- Equilibrium and yield in industrial processes.
- Haber process, fertiliser production, atom economy, sustainability.
Chapter C7: Ideas about Science
- Scientific investigation, hypothesis testing, data analysis.
- Drawing conclusions, correlation vs causation.
- Development of scientific explanations and theories.
- Use of models in science, peer review process.
- Societal impact of science, risk assessment, and ethics.
Chapter C8: Practical Skills
- Eight groups of practical activities required for assessment.
- Skills in planning, execution, analysis, and evaluation of scientific investigations.
- Embedded mathematical and analytical skills across topics:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Foundation Tier
Breadth in Chemistry (J258/01)
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 90 marks.
- Assesses all eight chapters with a focus on breadth of knowledge.
- 50% of total GCSE.
Depth in Chemistry (J258/02)
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 90 marks.
- Assesses all eight chapters with a focus on depth of understanding.
- 50% of total GCSE.
Higher Tier
Breadth in Chemistry (J258/03)
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 90 marks.
- Assesses all eight chapters, suitable for grades 4–9.
- 50% of total GCSE.
Depth in Chemistry (J258/04)
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 90 marks.
- Assesses all eight chapters with more complex application and analysis.
- 50% of total GCSE.
- Both tiers include a combination of structured, short answer, and extended response questions.
- Practical skills assessed within written papers, based on specified practical activities.
- At least 15% of marks assess practical skills and 10% assess mathematical skills.
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 (40%): Demonstrate knowledge and understanding.
- AO2 (40%): Apply knowledge and understanding.
AO3 (20%): Analyse information and ideas, interpret evidence, evaluate methods and conclusions.
- All papers available for summer series; no coursework.
- Tiering choice determines assessment scope and grade range:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR GCSE Chemistry B (Twenty First Century Science) 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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