How to get an A at AS and an A* in Edexcel International A Level Chemistry

Connect the AS foundation with A2 chemistry

Pearson IAL Chemistry has six units: three at AS and three at A2, including a written practical-skills unit at each stage. The later course develops ideas such as rates, equilibria and more advanced organic chemistry. Confirm your entered units using the current specification.

Keep an AS retrieval session in your A2 timetable. Moles, bonding and oxidation states continue to support harder work. When an advanced question goes wrong, trace the reasoning back to its earliest uncertain step. Repairing that foundation is usually more useful than memorising the final expression from a mark scheme.

Make mole calculations transparent

Begin with a balanced equation and label what is known. Convert a mass, solution volume or gas quantity into moles using the appropriate relationship. Apply the mole ratio before converting into the quantity requested. Keep units beside the numbers, especially when a volume changes from cm³ to dm³.

For titration questions, distinguish the amount in the measured sample from the amount in the whole prepared solution. For percentage yield, distinguish actual and theoretical yield. Explain these choices in your working. If you can only follow a particular page layout, practise the same idea with a different order of information.

Explain observations at particle level

A strong explanation identifies the relevant particles and interaction. When comparing boiling points, separate intermolecular forces from covalent bonds within molecules. When discussing ionisation energy, consider nuclear charge, shielding and distance rather than saying an atom simply “wants” an electron.

Use the question’s evidence. A colour change, precipitate or temperature rise is an observation; the proposed chemical change is an interpretation. Practise writing both in separate sentences. At A2, extend this habit to equilibrium, rate and electrochemical reasoning, where precise conditions matter more than a memorised slogan.

Turn reaction lists into a usable map

Draw functional groups as connected destinations. On each arrow write the reagent, conditions and type of change required by your course. Then cover one part and retrieve it. Alternate forward questions, starting with a reactant, with reverse questions that ask how a target might be made.

For practical work, connect the apparatus with its purpose: measuring accurately, separating a product, controlling temperature or preventing loss. Practise identifying hazards and suitable precautions for the stated investigation. A mock paper is most useful when you review the reasoning afterwards and revisit the same skill in a new context.

Common mistakes—and how to fix them

Your four-week revision plan

Use this as a focused revision cycle alongside your lessons. If you are still learning the course, give unfamiliar topics more time before attempting full papers.

1. Week 1

   Find the weak links

   • Diagnose moles, bonding and organic recognition separately.
   • Confirm the AS or A2 units in your exam entry.
2. Week 2

   Build connected notes

   • Create a functional-group reaction map from memory.
   • Practise calculations with changing units and sample sizes.
3. Week 3

   Use experimental evidence

   • Explain observations without confusing them with conclusions.
   • Work through practical methods and data interpretation.
4. Week 4

   Test and repair

   • Complete timed papers for theory and practical skills.
   • Reattempt missed reasoning with a different compound or set of numbers.

Your questions, answered