WJEC GCSE Chemistry specification (3410)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC GCSE 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 GCSE 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 GCSE Chemistry (3410) 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
This WJEC GCSE Chemistry specification offers a broad and engaging introduction to the principles of chemistry and its applications in society and the environment. It encourages learners to develop confidence in scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and problem-solving while understanding how chemistry relates to everyday life. The course integrates conceptual knowledge with practical skills, aiming to foster scientific literacy and prepare students for further study or careers in science. It places emphasis on scientific methods, the role of evidence, an:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}Subject content breakdown
Unit 1: Chemical Substances, Reactions and Essential Resources
- Nature of substances and chemical reactions, including atoms, elements, compounds, balancing equations, and moles
- Atomic structure and the periodic table, subatomic particles, groups and periods, trends, and reactivity
- Water treatment, solubility, hardness, desalination and fluoridation
- Earth structure and atmospheric changes, global warming, acid rain
- Rates of reaction and variables affecting them, collision theory
- Limestone: thermal decomposition, uses, and environmental impact
Unit 2: Chemical Bonding, Application of Chemical Reactions and Organic Chemistry
- Types of bonding (ionic, covalent, metallic), structures and nanoscience
- Acids, alkalis, pH, titration, salts, and neutralisation
- Metals and their extraction: reactivity series, electrolysis, sustainability
- Energy changes in reactions: exo-/endothermic, bond energy
- Crude oil, fuels, combustion, cracking, alkanes, alkenes, polymers, alcohols, carboxylic acids
- Reversible reactions, equilibria, Haber process, sulfuric acid production, fertilisers
Unit 3: Practical Assessment
- Experimental methods and techniques
- Planning, obtaining, analysing and evaluating results
- Use of scientific language, mathematical and graphical analysis
- Marked externally and based on one of two WJEC-set tasks completed under controlled conditions:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Chemical Substances, Reactions and Essential Resources
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 80 marks, 45% of qualification
- Tiered (Foundation and Higher)
- Includes short answer, structured, extended writing, and data response questions
- Some questions set in a practical context
Unit 2: Chemical Bonding, Application of Chemical Reactions and Organic Chemistry
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 80 marks, 45% of qualification
- Tiered (Foundation and Higher)
- Similar structure and style to Unit 1
Unit 3: Practical Assessment
- 10% of qualification, 30 marks
- Untiered, completed in final year
- Section A: practical task in groups (60 mins)
- Section B: individual analysis and evaluation (60 mins)
- Tasks set annually by WJEC and externally marked:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC GCSE 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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