THE SHORT ANSWER
See how the subject fits together
The revised course explores the nature, behaviour and interactions of matter, and matter in our world. Investigation is part of the subject, not an extra chapter.
A revision map, not a prediction of which questions will appear. Official sources and scope
First examined in 2027: use the specification introduced in September 2025. Older papers do not describe the complete assessment for this cohort.
MORE THAN A TOPIC LIST
How is Chemistry assessed?
- Written examination: 60%, at Higher or Ordinary Level.
- Chemistry in Practice Investigation: 40%, using a common brief.
This describes the syllabus assessment components. Use the SEC instructions for your year for timing, question choices, materials and submission arrangements. Read the official assessment section. (opens in a new tab)
YOUR SUBJECT, YOUR CHECKLIST
What should I revise?
Choose the checklist for your level. Topic groups are a starting map, not every syllabus outcome. Optional cards only apply if they are part of your programme.
These are broad revision groups shared across Higher and Ordinary Level, not identical lists of learning outcomes. Use the level-specific outcomes in the linked syllabus and questions from your own level. The checklist records each level separately.
Saved in this browser, separately for each subject and level. A tick is not a mastery score.
Atomic structure & periodicity
Atoms, electron arrangements and periodic patterns.
Try a practice prompt
COLLEGEROUTE PRACTICE PROMPT
How can an electron arrangement help explain chemical behaviour?
Link the pattern to structure instead of memorising a trend without a reason.
Bonding & properties
Particle models, bonding and substance properties.
Try a practice prompt
COLLEGEROUTE PRACTICE PROMPT
Why might two substances have very different melting points?
Identify which particles and attractions your explanation is about.
Formulae, equations & quantities
Chemical formulae, balanced equations and amounts.
Try a practice prompt
COLLEGEROUTE PRACTICE PROMPT
How much product could form from a stated amount of reactant?
Balance first, then write the relationship between amounts before calculating.
Reaction behaviour
Energy, rates and chemical change.
Try a practice prompt
COLLEGEROUTE PRACTICE PROMPT
How would changing a condition affect a measured reaction rate?
Use a graph to distinguish a faster reaction from a greater final amount of product.
Chemical equilibrium
Reversible reactions and responses to changing conditions.
Try a practice prompt
COLLEGEROUTE PRACTICE PROMPT
How does a change disturb an equilibrium?
Distinguish a change in reaction rate from a change in the equilibrium position.
Chemical interactions
Acid-base and electron-transfer ideas within the specification.
Try a practice prompt
COLLEGEROUTE PRACTICE PROMPT
What evidence would help identify the type of reaction taking place?
Connect the visible observation to an appropriate particle or equation explanation.
Organic chemistry
Functional groups, representations and reaction pathways.
Try a practice prompt
COLLEGEROUTE PRACTICE PROMPT
How would you distinguish two compounds with different functional groups?
Identify the structural difference before choosing a reaction or test.
Matter in our world
Applications and consequences of using chemical substances.
Try a practice prompt
COLLEGEROUTE PRACTICE PROMPT
How would you assess a claim that one material is a better choice?
Compare performance and environmental evidence using the same criteria.
Investigation & measurement
Experimental design, data quality and evaluation.
Try a practice prompt
COLLEGEROUTE PRACTICE PROMPT
Which part of a method could explain inconsistent results?
Look for a specific source of variation and propose a practical improvement.
The prompts are original study exercises, not quotations from SEC papers or predictions of examination questions. Check the official topic scope.
TURN TOPICS INTO PRACTICE
A useful next revision session
- Revise one concept alongside a balanced equation or particle sketch.
- Show units and intermediate steps in every calculation.
- Review your investigation evidence and distinguish measured results from assumptions.
After practising, write down the exact point that stopped you. Revisit that step, then try again without the notes. A tick should record work you have done, not confidence alone.
Before you narrow your revision
Does a topic’s absence last year mean it is due this year?
No. This guide does not infer question probabilities from previous papers. Use past papers to practise skills and interpret instructions, not to exclude valid syllabus content.
Should I complete every optional card?
No. Check your class’s selected programme and your level. A chosen text, elective or prescribed topic is not interchangeable with another student’s programme. Use the full official syllabus for detailed outcomes.
Are the practice prompts real exam questions?
No. They are short, original CollegeRoute study prompts designed to help you apply the topic. They do not carry an official SEC mark allocation or predict examination wording.
Sources and scope
Checked 8 September 2026. Intended for the 2027 examination cohort.
- Curriculum Online: Chemistry (opens in a new tab). Official subject information, specifications and associated guidance.
- Chemistry: official syllabus / specification (PDF) (opens in a new tab). Used sections: The four contextual strands and Nature of Science; assessment, printed page 37.
- State Examinations Commission (opens in a new tab): examination-year instructions, official papers and marking schemes.
These are editorial revision groups, not a transcription of every learning outcome. The practice prompts and study tips are independent CollegeRoute suggestions. Your teacher’s programme, prescribed material and current official instructions remain the reference for exact requirements.