Oxford AQA IGCSE Chemistry specification (9202)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Oxford AQA IGCSE 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 Oxford AQA IGCSE 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 Oxford AQA IGCSE Chemistry (9202) 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 Oxford AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The OxfordAQA International GCSE in Chemistry (9202) enables learners to develop knowledge and understanding of key chemical concepts, practical skills, and the nature of scientific enquiry. Emphasising experimental and investigative work, the course explores atomic structure, chemical reactions, organic chemistry, and energy changes. Students apply quantitative and analytical techniques, develop their use of scientific models, and engage with the evolving nature of chemistry in real-world and industrial contexts. The qualification prepares students for further study and fosters informed, evidence-based thinking in a global scientific community.Subject content breakdown
3.1 Atomic structure and the periodic table
- States of matter and particle theory.
- Simple atomic model, charges and relative masses of subatomic particles.
- Electronic structures, isotopes, Periodic Table trends, noble gases.
3.2 Structure, bonding and properties of matter
- Ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding; dot-and-cross diagrams.
- Properties of ionic and molecular substances, metals and giant covalent structures.
- Bonding in carbon: diamond, graphite, fullerenes.
- Nanoparticles and their uses.
3.3 Chemical changes
- Properties and reactivity of metals; extraction; the reactivity series.
- Metal carbonates and thermal decomposition.
- Electrolysis principles, redox, industrial applications.
3.4 Chemical analysis
- Pure substances and mixtures; chromatography.
- Tests for common gases and ions: flame tests, precipitation, gas evolution.
3.5 Acids, bases and salts
- Properties of acids, alkalis and neutralisation.
- Salt formation: reactions with metals, bases, and alkalis.
- Crystallisation and precipitation techniques.
3.6 Quantitative chemistry
- Conservation of mass; interpreting equations.
- Empirical and molecular formulae; percentage composition.
- Moles, molar volume, titrations, and concentration calculations.
3.7 Trends in the periodic table
- Group 1 and Group 7 reactivity trends.
- Transition metals: properties, catalytic behaviour.
3.8 Rate and extent of chemical change
- Factors affecting reaction rates: temperature, concentration, surface area, catalysts.
- Reversible reactions, equilibrium, and industrial processes (Haber, Contact).
- Redox reactions and half-equations.
3.9 Energy changes
- Exothermic/endothermic reactions, bond energy calculations.
- Energy level diagrams, calorimetry.
- Chemical and fuel cells.
3.10 Organic chemistry
- Crude oil, fractional distillation, hydrocarbons (alkanes/alkenes).
- Combustion, environmental impact, biofuels, ethanol production.
- Polymerisation, biodegradability, thermosoftening/thermosetting polymers.
- Alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters: structure, properties and reactions.
Assessment structure
Paper 1
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Marks: 90
- Content: Any topic from specification
- Question types: Structured and open response
Paper 2
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Marks: 90
- Content: Any topic from specification
- Question types: Structured and open response
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge and understanding – 30%
- AO2: Application – 40%
- AO3: Interpretation and evaluation – 20%
- AO4: Procedures and techniques – 10%
Required Practicals
- Electrolysis of copper sulfate
- Flame tests for metal ions
- Titration for acid/base concentration
- Factors affecting reaction rate
- Testing for unsaturation in hydrocarbons
Mathematical Skills
- Mole calculations, ratios, percentage yield
- Graphing, averages, error analysis
- Volume, area, and concentration conversions
Grading
- 9–1 scale based on 180 total marks
- Linear assessment; both papers must be sat in the same series
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Oxford AQA IGCSE 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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