Why Study GCSE Chemistry with Us
Our GCSE Chemistry Tutors understand that GCSE Science is divided into Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Among these, Chemistry often stands out for students because it combines hands-on laboratory experience with academic theory. Few teenagers can resist the allure of Bunsen burners, bubbling test tubes, and exciting chemical reactions! Chemistry offers a unique opportunity to develop both practical and analytical skills, making it one of the most engaging GCSE subjects.
However, Chemistry is also one of the more demanding sciences. It requires a strong grasp of numeracy, scientific principles, and experimental techniques. Our GCSE Chemistry tutors bring passion and expertise to their teaching, helping students build confidence and excel in their exams. With years of experience and outstanding qualifications, including degrees from top universities such as Oxbridge, our tutors are well-equipped to guide students through every aspect of the subject.
What Makes Our Tutors Exceptional
- Highly Qualified: All our tutors hold excellent science degrees, with many being current or former teachers from leading independent schools or full-time professional tutors. Many of our team are also first-class graduates from prestigious institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge.
- Rigorous Recruitment: We personally interview all tutors before inviting them to join our team. This process includes taking up at least two references from parents of former students and conducting mandatory DBS Enhanced Checks.
- Tailored Teaching: We only recommend the best tutors who can adapt their teaching styles to suit the individual needs of each student.
Our Teaching Approach
At Hampstead and Frognal Tutors, we take pride in our dynamic and engaging teaching methods. Whether your child needs intensive revision or a fresh introduction to the subject, our lessons are:
- Engaging and Interactive: Tutors make learning exciting while maintaining a focus on academic rigor.
- Personalised: Lessons are tailored to each student’s strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring that gaps in knowledge are addressed and progress is maximised.
- Exam-Focused: With extensive experience in teaching GCSE and IGCSE Chemistry, our tutors are experts in the requirements of all major exam boards, including AQA, OCR, and Edexcel. Students receive thorough preparation with past papers, mark schemes, and effective revision strategies.
Online GCSE Chemistry Tutors option
We also offer online tutoring, a flexible and cost-effective option for many families. Our online GCSE Chemistry tutors use an integrated whiteboard for screen sharing, alongside voice conferencing, to deliver the same high-quality one-to-one tuition as in-person lessons. Benefits of online tutoring include:
- Savings: Online lessons are approximately 30% more affordable than in-person sessions.
- Convenience: Save on travel time and access top tutors from anywhere in the world.
- Consistency: Students can work with the same trusted tutor, whether they are at home or abroad.
Currently, hundreds of students across the UK and internationally are benefiting from our online tuition, preparing for exams, UK boarding school transitions, and university admissions.
Exam boards we cover
Our Chemistry tutors have up-to-date knowledge of the GCSE syllabi and assessment methods for all major exam boards, including:
- AQA
- OCR
- Edexcel
Whether your child is preparing for single, double, or triple science at foundation or higher levels, we have the expertise to support them every step of the way.
Unlock Your Potential with Hampstead and Frognal Tutors Let us help your child achieve their academic goals in GCSE Chemistry. Contact us today to find the perfect tutor and start their journey to success!
OCR:
With this exam board, schools opt for the students to study either the Gateway Science Suite (Chemistry A) or the Twenty First Century Science Suite (Chemistry B). The former covers: particles; elements, compounds and mixtures; chemical reactions; predicting and identifying reactions and products; monitoring and controlling chemical reactions; and global challenges.
The pupils sit two equally-weighted 1 hour 45 minute exams, each having 90 marks.
Meanwhile, the Twenty First Century Science Suite covers: air and water; chemical patterns; chemicals of the naturals environment; material choices; chemical analysis; making useful chemicals; ideas about science; practical skills.
Pupils also sit two equally-weighted 1 hour 45 minute exams, with 90 marks to gain in both.
Revision list for the GCSE OCR Gateway Science Suite – Chemistry A (9-1)
C1: Particles
- The particle model
- Atomic structure
C2: Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures
- Purity and separating mixtures
- Bonding
- Properties of mixtures
C3: Chemical Reactions
- Introducing chemical reactions
- Energetics
- Types of chemical reactions
- Electrolysis
C4: Predicting and Identifying Reactions and Products
- Predicting chemical reactions
- Identifying the products of chemical reactions
C5: Monitoring and Controlling Chemical Reactions
- Monitoring chemical reactions
- Controlling reactions
- Equilibria
C6: Global Challenges
- Improving processes and products
- Organic chemistry
- Interpreting and interacting with Earth systems
C7: Practical Skills
- Developing practical skills through at least eight practical activities
- Using various apparatus and techniques
- Emphasizing safety procedures
- Recording apparatus and procedures using appropriate scientific diagrams
Revision list for the GCSE OCR Twenty First Century Science Suite – Chemistry B (9-1)
C1: Air and Water
- Composition and structure of the atmosphere
- Water purification and treatment
- Chemical reactions involving air and water
C2: Chemical Patterns
- The Periodic Table and periodic trends
- Group properties and reactivity
- Formation and properties of compounds
C3: Chemicals of the Natural Environment
- Earth’s resources and their extraction
- Chemical cycles in the environment
- Impact of human activity on natural cycles
C4: Material Choices
- Properties and uses of materials
- Polymers and composites
- Sustainable use of materials
C5: Chemical Analysis
- Qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques
- Instrumental methods of analysis
- Interpreting analytical data
C6: Making Useful Chemicals
- Industrial chemical processes
- Rates of reaction and factors affecting them
- Energy changes in chemical reactions
C7: Ideas about Science
- Scientific methods and practices
- Evaluating scientific claims and evidence
- Ethical considerations in science
C8: Practical Skills
- Developing practical skills through various activities
- Using scientific apparatus and techniques
- Emphasizing safety procedures
- Recording and analyzing data accurately
AQA:
Students on this course learn about: atomic structures and the periodic table; bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; quantitative chemistry; chemical changes; energy changes; the rate and extent of chemical change; organic chemistry; chemical analysis; chemistry of the atmosphere; and using resources. The pupils are required to sit two, equally-weighted 1 hour 45 minute exams, with a possible 100 marks to be awarded for each. The first examination will be testing the content of the first five topics listed, and the second paper will be testing the other half of the topics. There are a different range of question types, including multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response.
Revision list for GCSE Chemistry AQA 8462
1. Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
- Structure of atoms
- Development of the periodic table
- Electronic structure
- Groups and periods
- Metals and non-metals
- Properties of Group 0, Group 1, and Group 7 elements
2. Bonding, Structure, and the Properties of Matter
- Ionic bonding
- Covalent bonding
- Metallic bonding
- Properties of ionic compounds
- Properties of small molecules
- Giant covalent structures
- Metallic structures
- Polymers
- States of matter
- Changing state
3. Quantitative Chemistry
- Relative formula mass
- The mole concept
- Chemical measurements
- Conservation of mass and balanced chemical equations
- Mass changes when gases are involved
- Chemical calculations involving masses, volumes, and concentrations
4. Chemical Changes
- Reactivity of metals
- Reactions of acids with metals, bases, and carbonates
- The pH scale and neutralization
- Electrolysis of molten ionic compounds and aqueous solutions
5. Energy Changes
- Exothermic and endothermic reactions
- Energy profiles
- Bond energy calculations
- Chemical cells and fuel cells
6. The Rate and Extent of Chemical Change
- Factors affecting the rate of reaction
- Collision theory and activation energy
- Catalysts
- Reversible reactions and dynamic equilibrium
- Le Chatelier’s principle
7. Organic Chemistry
- Carbon compounds as fuels and feedstock
- Properties and reactions of hydrocarbons
- Fractional distillation and petrochemicals
- Properties and uses of alkenes and alcohols
- Synthetic and naturally occurring polymers
8. Chemical Analysis
- Purity and formulations
- Chromatography
- Identification of common gases
- Tests for ions
9. Chemistry of the Atmosphere
- Composition and evolution of the Earth’s atmosphere
- Greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect
- Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources
- Global climate change
- Carbon footprint and its reduction
10. Using Resources
- Earth’s resources and sustainable development
- Potable water and water treatment
- Life cycle assessment and recycling
- Using materials such as metals, glass, ceramics, and polymers
- The Haber process and the use of NPK fertilizers
Edexcel:
This course covers: key concepts in chemistry; states of matter and mixtures; chemical changes; extracting metals and equilibria; groups in the periodic table; rates of reaction and energy changes; and fuels and Earth science. Students sit two equally-weighted 1 hour 45 minutes exams, with 100 marks for each. There’ll be a mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.
Revision List for Edexcel Pearson GCSE Chemistry
1. Key Concepts in Chemistry
- Atomic structure
- The periodic table
- Ionic bonding
- Covalent bonding
- Types of substances
- Calculations involving masses
2. States of Matter and Mixtures
- States of matter
- Methods of separating and purifying substances
3. Chemical Changes
- Reactivity of metals
- Acids, alkalis, and titrations
- Electrolysis
4. Extracting Metals and Equilibria
- Obtaining and using metals
- Reversible reactions and equilibria
5. Separate Chemistry 1
- Transition metals, alloys, and corrosion
- Quantitative analysis
- Dynamic equilibria and calculations involving volumes of gases
- Chemical cells and fuel cells
6. Groups in the Periodic Table
- Group 1 – alkali metals
- Group 7 – halogens
- Group 0 – noble gases
7. Rates of Reaction and Energy Changes
- Rates of reaction
- Heat energy changes in chemical reactions
8. Fuels and Earth Science
- Fuels
- Earth and atmospheric science
9. Separate Chemistry 2
- Qualitative analysis: tests for ions
- Hydrocarbons
- Polymers
- Alcohols and carboxylic acids
- Bulk and surface properties of matter, including nanoparticles
IGCSE:
Our tutors can prepare students for Chemistry IGCSE as well the standard qualification. IGCSEs were introduced 30 years ago by Cambridge Assessment International Education and were created for international students. Several independent schools, as well as some state schools, now offer IGCSEs as an option.
The IGCSe course covers: principles of chemistry; inorganic chemistry; physical chemistry; and organic chemistry.
Pupils sit one 2 hour paper, which is around 60% of the overall GCSE with 110 marks in total. They also sit a 1 hour 15 minute paper, which is around 40% of the overall GSCE with 70 marks in total.
We also highly recommend for the students to try out past papers, with mark schemes included, on each of these exam board websites. Every topic is listed and explained thoroughly, so that pupils can learn everything they need to know in detail, and be more confident before their examinations.
Revision List for the Edexcel Pearson IGCSE Chemistry Syllabus
1. Principles of Chemistry
- States of matter
- Elements, compounds, and mixtures
- Atomic structure
- The Periodic Table
- Chemical formulae, equations, and calculations
- Ionic bonding
- Covalent bonding
- Metallic bonding
- Electrolysis
2. Inorganic Chemistry
- Group 1 (alkali metals)
- Group 7 (halogens)
- Gases in the atmosphere
- Reactivity series
- Extraction and uses of metals
- Acids, alkalis, and titrations
- Acids, bases, and salt preparations
- Chemical tests
3. Physical Chemistry
- Energetics
- Rates of reaction
- Reversible reactions and equilibria
4. Organic Chemistry
- Crude oil
- Alkanes
- Alkenes
- Alcohols
- Carboxylic acids
- Esters
- Synthetic polymers
Is tuition right for your child?
GCSEs and IGCSEs can be stressful for teenagers and parents alike. If you think your child would benefit from some extra support, a one-to-one tutor is a powerful way of learning which helps to maximise academic potential. A tutor can also give teenagers a much needed confidence boost before entering the exam hall.
Our team of specialist tutors are determined to see their pupils succeed – and to showcase the the joys of science. Whether your child is a budding chemist or finds science more of a struggle, our tutors are here to help them flourish.
If you would like to request a tutor or a free assessment please click here.