CHEMISTRY-1CH0 · Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1)
CHEMISTRY-1CH0/11
(Foundation Tier)
Chemistry · 2023 · Variant 1
Relative difficulty
Analysis source: Pearson Edexcel
Analysis aligned to the official syllabus and assessment design.
2.2 / 5
200
210 min
Key Concepts in Chemistry (Atomic Structure, Bonding, and Quantitative Calculations)
Cohort performance
Session statistics from official examination reports
Total marks
200
Duration
210 min
Session difficulty
2.2 / 5
Key examiner messages
Top priorities from the principal examiner before you revise
The Summer 2023 Foundation Tier papers (1F and 2F) present a balanced difficulty curve.
While the majority of the papers consist of highly accessible multiple-choice, matching, and short-response recall questions, they are punctuated by demanding multi-step stoichiometry calculations and 6-mark experimental design questions.
These core areas elevate the difficulty slightly above previous foundation series, pushing it to a 2.2 out of 5 difficulty index.
Question difficulty map
How candidates performed on each question in this series
No data available in official reports
Assessment objectives
Skill and AO weighting from official examiner commentary
Skill weighting
Shows the skill mix this paper tested most heavily.
AO1 - Knowledge w
Weight: 6100%Recall & Understanding
Weight: 583%DeAO2 -
Weight: 467%Apply
Weight: 350%KnowlAO3 -
Weight: 233%Analyse,
Weight: 117%
Method marks watchlist
Where working, steps, or method marks were commonly lost
No data available in official reports
Recurring mistakes across years
Themes examiners flag in multiple recent sessions for this subject
No data available in official reports
Question choice intelligence
Mean scores and popularity for optional questions (HKDSE electives)
No data available in official reports
Level exemplars
What candidate scripts at each grade level looked like
No data available in official reports
Grade & admission context
How marks relate to grade thresholds and entry standards
Report type
Examiner report — national grade boundaries and question-level commentary
Level 9
Approx. 80% of maximum mark
Level 8
Approx. 71% of maximum mark
Level 7
Approx. 63% of maximum mark
Level 6
Approx. 51% of maximum mark
Level 5
Approx. 39% of maximum mark
Level 4
Approx. 27% of maximum mark
Level 3
Approx. 21% of maximum mark
Deep insights
What top candidates did
Techniques and approaches examiners rewarded in this series
No data available in official reports
Command word playbook
How to match each command word to the expected response style
Give reasons and link mechanism to outcome; each point needs a because/so chain.
Show formula, substitution, and unit; method marks need visible working.
State features in sequence or list observable properties — do not explain causes unless asked.
Match the expected response style for “State” questions.
Match the expected response style for “Devise” questions.
Time traps
Sections where candidates spent disproportionate time relative to marks
Min per mark: 1.2
Min per mark: 1.2
Min per mark: 0.8
Syllabus traceability
Topics linked to questions and mark weighting in this session
Key concepts in chemistry (Paper 1)
33 marks this session
Fuels and Earth science (Paper 2)
25 marks this session
Rates of reaction and energy changes (Paper 2)
24 marks this session
MCQ trap analytics
Commonly chosen wrong options from examiner commentary
No data available in official reports
Topic heatmap across years
Mark concentration by topic and exam year for this subject
Mark intensity
Fuels and Earth science (Paper 2)
Key concepts in chemistry (Paper 1)
Chemical changes (Paper 1)
Rates of reaction and energy changes (Paper 2)
Difficulty trend
How session difficulty has shifted across recent years
Paper comparison
Marks and duration breakdown across papers in this session
Paper 1F (Foundation):
Paper 2F (Foundation):
Marks you can still earn
Where valid approaches outside the mark scheme may still gain credit
No data available in official reports
Practise what examiners flagged
Target weak topics from this report inside the Revui app
Key concepts in chemistry (Paper 1)
33 marks this session
Practise in RevuiFuels and Earth science (Paper 2)
25 marks this session
Practise in RevuiRates of reaction and energy changes (Paper 2)
24 marks this session
Practise in RevuiSelf-diagnostic checklist
Key actions before you sit this paper — copy and tick off as you revise
- 1Message
The Summer 2023 Foundation Tier papers (1F and 2F) present a balanced difficulty curve.
- 2Message
While the majority of the papers consist of highly accessible multiple-choice, matching, and short-response recall questions, they are punctuated by demanding multi-step stoichiometry calculations and 6-mark experimental design questions.
- 3Message
These core areas elevate the difficulty slightly above previous foundation series, pushing it to a 2.2 out of 5 difficulty index.
Teacher briefing pack
One-page session summary for tutors and classroom review
2023 2023
Chemistry
The Summer 2023 Foundation Tier papers (1F and 2F) present a balanced difficulty curve. While the majority of the papers consist of highly accessible multiple-choice, matching, and short-response recall questions, they are punctuated by demanding multi-step stoichiometry calculat
The Summer 2023 Foundation Tier papers (1F and 2F) present a balanced difficulty curve.
While the majority of the papers consist of highly accessible multiple-choice, matching, and short-response recall questions, they are punctuated by demanding multi-step stoichiometry calculations and 6-mark experimental design questions.
These core areas elevate the difficulty slightly above previous foundation series, pushing it to a 2.2 out of 5 difficulty index.
- Total marks
- 200
- Duration
- 210 min
- Session difficulty
- 2.2 / 5
Session analysis
The Summer 2023 Foundation Tier papers (1F and 2F) present a balanced difficulty curve. While the majority of the papers consist of highly accessible multiple-choice, matching, and short-response recall questions, they are punctuated by demanding multi-step stoichiometry calculations and 6-mark experimental design questions. These core areas elevate the difficulty slightly above previous foundation series, pushing it to a 2.2 out of 5 difficulty index.
Updated Jun 14, 2026
Paper breakdown
Paper 1F (Foundation):
Paper 2F (Foundation):
Top chapters
Exam structure insights
Marks by chapter
See where the marks were concentrated so revision time goes to the highest-value topics.
Mark accessibility
Estimate which marks were basic, mid-level, or high-difficulty.
84% within easy or medium reach
Command word frequency
Spot common command words so answers match the expected response style.
Question type mix
Compare the mark share of each paper section and question type.
Short Answer
(1-3 Marks)
116·52·58%
Multiple Choice / Match-up
36·32·18%
Calculations
24·12·12%
Extended Writing
(6 Marks)
24·4·12%
Study ROI
Bigger bubbles recur more often; higher bubbles carry more marks, helping you rank revision priorities.
Time vs marks
Compare marks with suggested time allocation to plan exam pacing.
Paper 1F Questions …
0.84 m/minPaper 1F Questions …
1.20 m/minPaper 2F Questions …
0.83 m/minTotal marks
159
Total time
175 min
Avg pace
0.91
Next-year prediction
Topics worth watching next year, with the reason shown directly below each bar.
Chemical Cells and Batteries
85%85%
Dynamic Equilibria & Le Chatelier's Principle
80%80%
Gas Volumes & Molar Calculations
75%75%
Difficulty Verdict
The Summer 2023 Foundation Tier papers (1F and 2F) present a balanced difficulty curve. While the majority of the papers consist of highly accessible multiple-choice, matching, and short-response recall questions, they are punctuated by demanding multi-step stoichiometry calculations and 6-mark experimental design questions. These core areas elevate the difficulty slightly above previous foundation series, pushing it to a 2.2 out of 5 difficulty index.
Where the Marks Are
Marks are heavily concentrated in several key areas:
Exam tips
Paper format
- Duration
- 1h 45min
- Total marks
- 100
- Weighting
- 50%
- Question types
- Multiple Choice, Short Answer / Structured, Extended Writing
Analysis is paraphrased for study purposes. Always verify against the official examiner report and mark scheme.