IGCSE TUTORING
Expert IGCSE Science Tutors
in Hong Kong
Many international schools in Hong Kong choose to offer students the opportunity to study all three sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) in the context of an overall ‘Science’ IGCSE. The name of this qualification can differ depending on the exam board but, fundamentally, all offer the chance for students to acquire the fundamental knowledge and applications of each experimental science in a rigorous and challenging course.
Common IGCSE Science challenges
| The challenge | How BartyED helps |
|---|---|
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Distinguishing between command terms |
Many students find exam technique to be a particularly challenging aspect of IGCSE Science. This is because all IGCSE Science curricula require students to distinguish clearly between command terms in order to obtain all marks on the mark scheme. Understanding the exact difference between terms such as ‘Suggest’ and ‘Outline’ can make all the difference when a student is operating under exam pressure. BartyED’s IGCSE Science tutors work with students to develop a thorough knowledge of each command term and how to respond appropriately. |
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Applying abstract knowledge |
One of the trickiest aspects of IGCSE Science, no matter the curriculum, is in the application of abstract knowledge. This can be in topics like waves in Physics, or moles in Chemistry. The IGCSE Science curriculum is replete with topics that, without careful instruction, can be challenging for students to understand. Our tutors spend time on each topic to ensure a fuller understanding, and offer guidance on the most challenging IGCSE Science topics. |
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A busy curriculum to master |
While the breadth of IGCSE Science is what makes it such a fascinating subject, it also can lead to challenges, particularly when it comes to working through the extensive range of topics and skills required. A BartyED IGCSE Science tutor provides an invaluable resource for students struggling to navigate such a busy curriculum, and an opportunity for rigorous practice of key skills. |
BartyED ensures high-quality IGCSE Science tutoring
From our strict hiring process, through our comprehensive on-going tutor training, BartyED places a strong emphasis on teaching quality. Our reputation for rigour is at the heart of what we do.
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| Quality marker | What it involves | Impact on teaching |
|---|---|---|
3-phase hiring process |
Our 3-phase hiring process consists of a structured interview with Jerome, a written exam across proposed subject areas, and an engagement session to assess teaching style. |
A strong CV is not enough: candidates need to demonstrate strong subject knowledge, resilience and adaptability. We place our bar deliberately high in the full knowledge that most candidates will fail. Our students will benefit from the strong communication skills and pedagogical passion of the best applicants. |
Rigorous training programme |
Once hired, candidates undergo a six-month training programme to ensure deep subject and curriculum knowledge. This is conducted by our Heads of STEM and English/Humanities, and overseen by our Director of Studies. |
The exam boards know their own curricula, so it’s essential that we do, too. Our training programmes are designed to instil strong academic rigour, and consistent teaching across subjects. |
On-going professional development |
Whether in exam board workshops on the latest changes to the IGCSE Science marking criteria, or knowledge sharing across the team in informal sessions to improve our support of SEN students, our IGCSE Science tutors enjoy continued professional development. |
International curricula like the IBDP, A-Levels and IGCSEs are subject to change and adaptation. It’s essential for teaching quality that our IGCSE Science tutors are ready and aware of all developments so we can maintain our exemplary support of all students. |
THE BARTYED DIFFERENCE
Why BartyED for IGCSE Science Tutoring?
Thorough acquisition of topics and exam technique
BartyED’s IGCSE Science tutoring is focused on the mastery of content, and exam technique. Both parts are essential for achieving top marks in the exams. Rather than simply drilling past papers, or lecturing at students about waveforms, our tutors prioritise their interaction with the student to encourage curiosity and mastery over the material and exam structure.
Individualised support
All tutoring support offered by BartyED is bespoke to the student’s needs, and delivered in a one-to-one setting. This means that all the tutor’s focus is on delivering the lesson that the student needs to make progress in their studies. This principle applies to IGCSE Science, where our expert team of science tutors are ready to support across the various curricula on offer.
Invaluable expertise
BartyED’s Maths and Science team, led by our Head of Maths and Science, are qualified experts recruited from some of the top universities in the world. Their alma maters include the University of Durham, HKU and the University of Manchester. Our tutors leverage their extensive experience in studying and teaching science subjects to support student progress in IGCSE Science.
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
Success stories
Our students have gone on to Oxford, Edinburgh, UCL, Duke, Brown, and Harvard.
IGCSE Science exam boards
IGCSE Science is offered by the three main IGCSE exam boards: Cambridge International (CIE), Pearson Edexcel, and OxfordAQA. Exam boards offer a single award version (leading candidates to graduate with a single IGCSE) and a double award (candidates emerge with 2 IGCSEs).
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| Exam Board | Single Award | Double Award | Grading Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
Cambridge International (CIE) |
CIE’s Combined Science IGCSE requires students to study topics from the range of experimental sciences. Designed for students who do not wish to go on to further study in the sciences, students complete the syllabus with one IGCSE. |
CIE’s Co-ordinated Sciences IGCSE offers a rigorous foundation in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This course lays appropriate groundwork for further study at A-Level or IBDP. Students obtain 2 IGCSEs. |
CIE offers two grading scales for their IGCSE science pathways: the A* to G grading scale or the 9 to 1. Core candidates’ scores are limited to a maximum of a C/4. |
Pearson Edexcel |
The Single Award in IGCSE Science from Pearson Edexcel emphasises key principles in the study of science. The questions are clearly structured and emphasise memorisation. |
The Double Award in IGCSE Science from Pearson Edexcel also covers a range of topics from Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students are able to develop strong foundations across the experimental sciences. |
Graded on the 9 to 1 scale. |
OxfordAQA |
N/A |
Similar to Pearson Edexcel, the OxfordAQA IGCSE Combined Science focuses on providing a rigorous foundation for scientific understanding. |
Graded on the 9 to 1 scale. |
WHAT WE COVER
Explore other subjects we tutor
As most candidates sit their IGCSEs (including IGCSE Science) through their school, students do not generally select their own exam board. However, some candidates choose to take IGCSE Science as an individual, private candidate. In this instance, they can select their preferred exam board based on their needs and preferences.
Yes! Pearson Edexcel’s IGCSE Science (Double Award) is designed to enable candidates to take their scientific studies to the next phase of their educational journey (A-Level, IBDP etc). The same applies for CIE’s Co-ordinated Sciences IGCSE, and OxfordAQA’s Combined Science IGCSE.
This decision is often advised by the school, depending on the candidate’s progress. If you have no intention of taking a science subject to further study (e.g. A-Level, IBDP, BTEC), then a Single Award in IGCSE Science (such as CIE’s Combined Science) will be sufficient. However, if you wish to keep more pathways open, then CIE’s Co-ordinated Sciences IGCSE (double award) should be taken.
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FURTHER READING