IGCSE Chemistry tips
Core concepts form the basis for all IGCSE Chemistry revision. To truly excel in IGCSE Chemistry, students must ensure a thorough understanding of core content like the distinguishing properties of solids, liquids and gases, and the relative charges and relative masses of a proton, a neutron, and an electron. For those studying Chemistry, or any IGSCE subject for that matter, it can be easy to dive into the more “complex” areas of Chemistry revision and eschew the foundational knowledge. However, this is what forms the bases of all of a student’s learning. Without a solid understanding of such core concepts, only so much can be achieved in the IGCSE Chemistry curriculum.
All IGCSE students revise differently. Yet, what should unite them all, whether they are studying Chemistry or English, is quality note taking. This may sound somewhat ephemeral, and, to an extent, it is. Often, one recognises quality note taking when one sees it, but can struggle to describe it. Simply put, it is the careful refinement of, in this case, Chemistry notes, over time. It is no benefit to IGCSE Chemistry students to highlight and transcribe every piece of information from a textbook and leave it at that. This is hardly effective. Notes must be refined and rewritten over time to ensure that they are the most functional and terse as possible. In this way, memoristion becomes easier and students of IGCSE Chemistry will have less issues recalling information.
Variety is essential to maintaining engagement over long periods of Chemistry revision. All IGCSE Chemistry students should be varying their revision. While it may seem logical to designate multiple hours to studying that one topic that proves most difficult, this can be a hindrance to a student’s overall revision. Aside from it not being the most optimal use of time, revision fatigue sets in more quickly. Ideally, IGCSE students studying Chemistry should keep their daily revision as varied as possible. Although some topics may require that bit more time than others, a well structured revision timetable that pivots between Chemistry topics will ensure that students get the most out of their time and stay engaged for longer.
IGCSE Chemistry students who are aiming for the upper end of the mark band must be engaging with past papers. A serious student cannot avoid them in favour of other revision activities, and time should be set aside during each revision session for Chemistry past paper work. IGCSE past papers allow students to get an idea of the type of questions that are asked, and the mark schemes instructure students in the type of responses IGCSE Chemistry examiners expect from them. Past papers are often accessible online, as are the mark schemes.
With any luck, these tips will have offered some guidance in the IGCSE Chemistry course. However, if you feel as though you, or your child, would benefit from additional support, BartyED’s team of expert tutors is here to help. Reach out today at (852) 2882 1017 or enquiries@bartyed.com to unlock the secrets of IGCSE Chemistry success.