GCSE Chemistry Tutors

Why study GCSE Chemistry?

Chemistry is all around us and choosing to study GCSE Chemistry is a great way to understand the natural world and the matter which makes up everything we know. Those who want to progress to Chemistry A Level or specifically want to follow a scientific career can choose to study Chemistry, Biology and Physics as three separate GCSEs. It’s also possible, and quite common in fact, to study chemistry as part of a Double Certificate Science GCSE that covers all three subjects but grants two GCSES.

What is chemistry?

Chemistry involves studying:

• the material world
• matter and its properties
• how substances combine or separate to make new ones
• the interaction of energy with substances

What is covered in GCSE Chemistry?

The major examining boards (AQA, EdExcel and OCR) all offer GCSE Chemistry as a single subject, and all have very similar syllabi. This includes the following broad themes:

• atom structure
• how energy and matter interact
• periodic table
• organic chemistry
• chemistry of the atmosphere

The study of chemistry at GCSE level will include both theoretical and practical learning, which includes undertaking experiments and writing reports on these experiments.

How is GCSE Chemistry Assessed?

Although the course has many practical elements, practical coursework is no longer part of any GSCE science assessment. Typically, a GCSE Chemistry grade will be given based upon the performance of two final exams, each providing 50% of the grade.

Will I be able to take a GCSE in Chemistry?

Many schools only offer science as a Double Certificate subject, but one-third of this study will be based upon Chemistry, which means that you will technically have two-thirds of a GCSE in Chemistry. If your school offers GSCE Chemistry as a standalone qualification, you will usually only be able to choose this subject if you have a proven track record of doing well in Science in Key Stage 3.

Double Certificate Science, on the other hand, is usually a core subject which all other students are expected to take. Some of the work will require mathematical knowledge, so you will also need to be in a mid to high set for Maths in order to study Chemistry GCSE. Most students who take GCSE Chemistry also study Physics and Biology, leaving school with three separate science GCSEs.

Where can I use GSCE Chemistry?

GCSE Chemistry is the perfect foundation for progressing to A Level Chemistry which is essential for careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, biochemistry or pharmacology. It also teaches analytical skills and teamwork and offers students a good understanding of the material world which can be useful throughout life.

Is GSCE Chemistry right for me?

If you have enjoyed Chemistry from years 7-9 and shown a particular flair for the subject, then your teacher may well recommend you take this as a single GSCE rather than as part of the Double Certificate option. Remember that if you take three science GCSEs, this may limit the other options you have.

If you choose to study a single GCSE in Chemistry, here at The Profs our expert, specialist tutors can help you to achieve the best possible grade. With options that include face to face, 121 tuition and online tuition, we offer a range of ways to help you perform at your best in GCSE chemistry. We also offer expert advice on what you need to choose according to your chosen career, in addition to tuition on a wide range of other GCSE and A Level subjects.