How to succeed in IGCSE Chemistry: advice from an expert tutor
What is IGCSE Chemistry?
Chemistry is one of three science subjects offered under the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, more commonly known as the IGCSE. It is important that students are aware of which exam board they are taking, as there is not simply one form of IGCSE chemistry. Rather, there are three. These are Cambridge (CIE), OxfordAQA, and Pearson Edexcel. Candidates must be aware from the outset as to what exam board they are taking, as each one differs in terms of course content and the make-up of final exams.
How is IGCSE Chemistry Assessed?
IGCSE chemistry learners typically begin studying the IGCSE syllabus in Year 10 (or Grade 9) and take their IGCSE examinations at the end of Year 11 (or Grade 10). As with the other subjects, the IGCSE chemistry course is graded from 1-9 and the number of papers, as well as the specific content taught, varies based on the examination board. For instance, both OxfordAQA and the Edexcel denote two papers for their chemistry exam, whereas Cambridge splits their course across four papers. It should be noted that regardless of the exam board—Cambridge, OxfordAQA, or Edexcel—these are all written papers that will test IGCSE chemistry candidates on both their knowledge of the respective course content and their practical skills.
Tips and Strategies for IGCSE Chemistry
Whether sitting for Cambridge, OxfordAQA, or Edexcel, the IGCSE chemistry course is a happy balance between the application of mathematical knowledge and the scientific understanding of the world. In comparison, IGCSE biology requires more memorisation and IGCSE physics relies quite heavily on mathematical ability.
To revise effectively for the IGCSE chemistry examinations, it can be most effective to employ a mixture of note-taking and making flashcards, as well as utilising past-paper questions. In addition, students should be diligent when they are planning, conducting and writing up the reports for their chemistry lab experiments—practical skills are just as important as syllabus content when it comes to acing the IGCSE chemistry exams. It is important to note that these are not skills that can be acquired in the final weeks leading up to the chemistry exams themselves. Rather, IGCSE chemistry candidates should build and develop them throughout their studies so that they feel confident and ready when it comes time for exams.
Useful Resources for IGCSE Chemistry
To prepare for the IGCSE chemistry exam, students should make extensive use of available resources. Each exam board—Cambridge, OxfordAQA, and Edexcel—has its own set of resources that IGCSE chemistry candidates should familiarise themselves with.
The course guides for Cambridge, OxfordAQA, and Edexcel, allow candidates to understand, at a glance, the content they will cover in their studies as well as how they are assessed. Additionally, Cambridge, OxfordAQA, and Edexcel past exam papers offer the chance to explore common question types and areas of strength and weakness in their learning. It is also beneficial to review the mark schemes for examination papers. In doing so, IGCSE chemistry learners gain an understanding of where points are won and lost.
Considering the volume of materials available, IGCSE chemistry candidates are well positioned to excel in their examinations. However, there are, of course, a number of practical skills required to reach the higher end of the markband.
Key Skills Required for IGCSE Chemistry
In order to do well in the IGCSE Chemistry examinations, students should familiarise themselves with all the key terms, equations, and experimental conditions. They should learn these by heart and regularly practice with flashcard drills and by using IGCSE Chemistry past-paper questions.
Additionally, when it comes to the IGCSE chemistry examinations, students should not underestimate the importance of memorising the colour changes. Colour changes indicate whether a reaction has indeed taken place, as well as the specific type of reactant (e.g. metal) that is present in a reaction—both of which are key skills assessed in the IGCSE Chemistry examinations.
Common Mistakes in IGCSE Chemistry
While spelling and grammar are important, inclusion of relevant key terms, equations and calculations are more crucial in the IGCSE chemistry exams, regardless of whether a candidate is sitting for Cambridge, OxfordAQA, or Edexcel. For example, the word ‘excess’ is often forgotten when it comes to questions on increasing percentage yield or atom economy, but that is precisely what an IGCSE examiner will be looking for. Another common mistake made across the Cambridge, OxfordAQA, and Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry exam is not including the correct state symbols when writing equations. Lastly, it is typical for students to tackle the multiple choice and short questions in an IGCSE exam first and leaving the long calculation questions to the end. However, this can run the risk of running out of time and losing out on what would otherwise be easily achievable marks.
How a BartyED Chemistry Tutor Can Help with the IGCSE
As with other qualifications, the IGCSE requires rigorous and careful preparation. Although the course content is spread out over two years, students should make a habit of revising for the IGCSE chemistry exam throughout this time, rather than leaving it to the last minute.
At BartyED, we recognise the importance of long term planning and regular revision. Moreover, our team of expert IGCSE chemistry tutors understand the unique pressure that young learners are under, particularly as this is their first ever major examination. Consequently, we approach each IGCSE chemistry student, whether they are sitting Cambridge, OxfordAQA, or Edexcel, with consideration. Our experienced chemistry tutors aim to bolster weaknesses, further consolidate strengths, and offer guidance throughout a challenging period in students’ educational careers.
If you think that you or your child could benefit from the guidance and mentorship of a BartyED tutor, reach out to us today by phone (+852 2882 1017) or email (enquiries@bartyed.com).
Frequently Asked Questions
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IGCSE chemistry is a secondary education exam in chemistry based on the British curriculum. Candidates may sit this subject under three distinct exam boards (Cambridge, OxfordAQA, or Edexcel).
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Students typically begin studying for IGCSE chemistry in Year 10, before taking their exams at the end of Year 11. The number of exam papers as well as the content varies depending on the exam board.
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There are many effective ways to study for IGCSE chemistry. Students can use the exam board’s syllabus to determine areas of strength and weakness and structure their chemistry revision accordingly. Many IGCSE chemistry candidates find active recall practice through flashcards to be useful. Finally, our IGCSE chemistry tutors strongly encourage using past paper questions to support revision.
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IGCSE chemistry candidates need to balance excellent theoretical understanding with practical knowledge. This includes memorising the colour changes to chemical tests correctly. Learners should also aim to have an understanding of how mathematics is used to make chemical calculations.