GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (AQA 8464) - Higher Tier - Chemistry Mark Scheme (Papers 1–6H)

Sep 5, 2026

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GCSE Combined Science (AQA 8464) Higher Tier mark scheme sets out how teachers should award marks across Chemistry Higher questions in Papers 1–6H. It explains the structure of the scheme: marks per question part, total marks, correct answers with permitted variations, extra guidance, and assessment objectives. Guidance covers list marking, symbols and formulae, staged calculations, pronoun interpretation, error carried forward, phonetic spelling, bracketed non-essential information, and rules for ignoring or not allowing responses, followed by level-of-response assessment steps.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages56

Reading Time2 h 21 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

GCSE Mark Scheme: Chemistry Higher

Information for teachers

General

Marking of lists

Use of symbols and formulae

Calculations

Interpretation of ‘it’ and ‘them’

Errors carried forward

Phonetic spelling

Brackets

Ignore / insufficient / do not allow

Level of response: marking instructions

GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (AQA 8464) Higher Tier Mark scheme Introduction The information provided for each question is intended to be a guide to the type of answers students may produce, but can be neither exhaustive nor prescriptive. Award marks according to your professional judgement for all appropriate responses. Disclaimer • These mark schemes and exemplar answer content are entirely the work of the question author and have not been produced by, reviewed by or endorsed by AQA. • Where marks are suggested and levels mapped to particular styles or features of answers, these are intended for guidance only and cannot reflect the full examination marking process, which involves moderation and alignment of level boundaries across a full, national student cohort that cannot be determined from a standalone product such as this set of Practice Papers. • Therefore, mark allocation, mark totals, suggested levels and overall assessments of performance as found in these Practice Papers and Mark Schemes represent only a limited guide to possible outcomes, and are not a reliable indicator of actual performance. GCSE Mark Scheme Chemistry Higher | Papers 1–6H Information for teachers 1. General The mark scheme for each question gives: • the marks available for each part of the question • the total marks available for the question • the correct answer or, if multiple correct answers are possible, a typical correct answer with variations • extra information to help with making decisions about how many marks to award • the Assessment Objective(s) from the GCSE Specification that the part question is intended to cover. The ‘extra information’ is aligned to the appropriate answer and is only intended for consideration with that particular part of the answer. 2. Marking of lists For question parts where a set number of responses is requested, all possible correct answers are stated. Each correct response should be awarded a mark as indicated, up to a maximum for the question part as stated on the question paper and as written in this marks scheme. If a student has provided more than the set number of responses requested, the principle to be followed is that ‘right + wrong = wrong’. Each error or contradictory response negates each correct response. If the number of errors and contradictions equals or exceeds the number of correct responses, no marks can be awarded for that part of the question. 3. Use of symbols and formulae If an accepted scientific symbol or formula is written instead of a required chemical name or unit, award full marks if the symbol or formula is correct and if, in the context of the question, the response is appropriate. 4. Calculations Award marks for each correctly completed stage of a calculation, as students are instructed to show their working. Full marks can be given for a correct numerical answer (including units), even though no working is shown. 5. Interpretation of ‘it’ and ‘them’ Answers using the word ‘it’ or ‘them’ should be awarded marks only if it is clear that the ‘it’or ‘them’ refers to the correct subject. 6. Errors carried forward An error in the answers to a structured question should be penalised once only. Allowances for errors carried forward are usually restricted to calculation questions. Where such allowances are permissible, the mark scheme includes a statement such as ‘allow ecf’. Chemistry Higher | Papers 1–6H 7. Phonetic spelling The phonetic spelling of correct scientific terminology should be awarded marks unless thereis a possible confusion with another technical term. 8. Brackets ( ) in this marks scheme indicates information that is not essential for a mark to be awarded, but is included to help you identify the sense of the required answer. 9. Ignore / insufficient / do not allow ‘Ignore’ or ‘insufficient’ are used in this marks scheme to indicate information that is irrelevant to the question or not e

FAQs

What is the purpose of the mark scheme guidance in this document?

It guides the type of answers students may produce and helps teachers award marks for appropriate responses, but it is neither exhaustive nor prescriptive.

How should teachers mark question parts that require a fixed number of responses?

All possible correct answers are stated and each correct response earns a mark up to the stated maximum; if a student gives more than the required number, apply the principle 'right + wrong = wrong' so contradictions or errors negate correct responses.

What rules apply to calculations and staged marking?

Marks are awarded for each correctly completed stage as instructed for showing working; full marks can still be given for a correct numerical answer even if no working is shown, and error carried forward allowances are followed where permitted (e.g., 'allow ecf').

Sep 5, 2026

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