GCE A/L Chemistry study plan

Draw electron configurations (including exceptions such as Cr and Cu) and assign quantum numbers for the first 36 elements without notes

Explain and predict periodic trends in atomic and ionic radius, ionisation energy, electron affinity and electronegativity using effective nuclear charge and shielding

Name and draw straight-chain and branched alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, haloalkanes and alcohols using IUPAC rules, including stereochemical descriptors (E/Z, R/S)

Identify and classify functional groups in unfamiliar structures and state the homologous series and general formula for each

Construct dot-and-cross diagrams and predict molecular geometry and bond angles using VSEPR for molecules with 2-6 electron domains, including lone-pair distortions

Assign hybridisation and describe sigma/pi bonding in given molecules, relating shape to orbital overlap

Rank and justify intermolecular forces (London, dipole-dipole, hydrogen bonding) and predict relative boiling points and solubility

Draw and name carbonyl compounds, carboxylic acids, esters, amines, amides and nitriles, and describe their key physical properties

Apply Le Chatelier's principle to predict the direction of shift for changes in concentration, pressure, temperature and catalyst, and explain the effect on Kc and Kp

Write and manipulate Kc and Kp expressions, including units, and solve equilibrium composition problems from initial amounts

Perform mole calculations involving gases (ideal gas equation, molar volume at RTP), solutions and limiting reagents, with consistent significant figures

Calculate pH of strong and weak acids and bases and of buffer solutions from Ka and the Henderson-Hasselbalch relationship

Explain Brønsted-Lowry and Lewis acid-base behaviour and predict the relative strength of acids from structure and conjugate-base stability

Construct and interpret titration curves for strong/weak acid-base combinations and select suitable indicators

Calculate enthalpy changes from calorimetry data and from standard enthalpy of formation and combustion using Hess's law

Use mean bond enthalpies and Born-Haber cycles to calculate lattice enthalpy and explain deviations from ideal ionic behaviour

Derive rate equations from initial-rate and concentration-time data, determine order and rate constant with units, and deduce half-life behaviour for first-order reactions

Explain collision theory, the effect of temperature and catalysts on rate, and sketch and interpret Maxwell-Boltzmann and energy profile diagrams

Propose stepwise mechanisms consistent with a given rate equation, including SN1, SN2, E1 and E2 for haloalkanes and the role of the intermediate carbocation

Assign oxidation states, balance half-equations and full redox equations in acidic and alkaline media, and calculate cell EMF from standard electrode potentials

Predict products and write balanced equations for nucleophilic substitution, elimination, addition, oxidation and reduction reactions of the functional groups covered so far

Design two- to four-step syntheses from a given starting material to a target molecule, selecting reagents and conditions and justifying each step

Explain electrophilic addition to alkenes including Markovnikov orientation and carbocation stability, and the mechanism of electrophilic substitution in arenes

Predict the products of electrolysis of molten and aqueous electrolytes and calculate masses and volumes using Faraday's laws

Describe the chemistry and conditions of the Haber, Contact and Ostwald processes and explain the economic and equilibrium trade-offs in operating conditions

Explain the chemistry of greenhouse gases, acid deposition, photochemical smog and water treatment, and evaluate one mitigation strategy with data

Select and justify appropriate separation and purification techniques (filtration, recrystallisation, distillation, solvent extraction, chromatography) for given mixtures

Interpret qualitative analysis results for common cations, anions and gases, and plan a quantitative titration or gravimetric procedure including indicator and apparatus choice

Complete two full timed past-paper-style papers under exam conditions and mark them strictly against the scheme

Re-derive the five highest-error topics identified in earlier error logs and solve two fresh questions on each

Consolidate a single revision sheet of formulas, constants, reagents and conditions for all eleven domains

Practise structuring extended written answers with correct terminology, units and significant figures within time limits