How to Approach GCSE Chemistry Revision
GCSE Chemistry covers 10 topics (C1–C10 on AQA), each with key concepts, calculations, and required practicals. The sheer volume can feel overwhelming — but breaking it down topic by topic makes it very manageable.
Use this checklist to track your progress. Tick off each topic as you feel confident with it, and prioritise the ones you find hardest.
AQA GCSE Chemistry Topic Checklist
C1 — Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
- Structure of the atom (protons, neutrons, electrons)
- Atomic number and mass number
- Isotopes and relative atomic mass
- Development of the periodic table
- Groups and periods — trends in properties
- Electronic configuration
C2 — Bonding, Structure and Properties
- Ionic bonding and ionic compounds
- Covalent bonding — simple molecules and giant covalent structures
- Metallic bonding
- Properties linked to structure (melting point, conductivity)
- Nanoparticles (Higher)
C3 — Quantitative Chemistry
- Relative formula mass (Mr)
- Moles and Avogadro's constant
- Concentration calculations
- Percentage yield and atom economy
- Limiting reactants (Higher)
C4 — Chemical Changes
- Reactivity series
- Displacement reactions
- Extraction of metals
- Acids, alkalis and neutralisation
- Making salts — required practical
- Electrolysis — required practical
C5 — Energy Changes
- Exothermic and endothermic reactions
- Temperature changes — required practical
- Bond energies and bond breaking/making
- Cells and batteries (Higher)
C6 — Rate of Reaction and Equilibrium
- Factors affecting rate: temperature, concentration, surface area, catalyst
- Rates of reaction — required practical
- Reversible reactions and equilibrium (Higher)
- Le Chatelier's principle (Higher)
C7 — Organic Chemistry
- Crude oil and fractional distillation
- Alkanes and alkenes
- Combustion and cracking
- Polymers
- Alcohols, carboxylic acids and esters (Higher)
C8 — Chemical Analysis
- Pure substances and mixtures
- Chromatography — required practical (Rf values)
- Flame tests and identifying ions
- Gas tests
C9 — Chemistry of the Atmosphere
- Composition of the atmosphere
- Evolution of the atmosphere
- Greenhouse gases and climate change
- Air pollution
C10 — Using Resources
- Finite and renewable resources
- Water treatment
- Life cycle assessments
- The Haber process
- Fertilisers
Where to Start
If you're not sure where to begin, start with C3 (Quantitative Chemistry) — the calculations come up repeatedly across other topics and in the exam. Our AQA GCSE Chemistry Calculations Bundle covers every calculation you need with worked examples and practice questions.
For topic-by-topic retrieval practice across all of C1–C10, our Complete GCSE Chemistry Bundle includes retrieval question sheets, calculations worksheets, and required practical resources for every topic.
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