How to Revise GCSE Chemistry: 4 Targeted Tips from an Online GCSE Chemistry Tutor
Back in Year 10, I really struggled with GCSE Chemistry. The other sciences – namely GCSE Physics and GCSE Biology – were manageable, but I could never get my head around Chemistry and all the formulas to remember. It seemed like an impossible task.
Things changed in Year 11. I finally understood how to approach GCSE Chemistry the right way, like how to structure 6-markers, remember formulas correctly, and think like an examiner.
I went on to achieve 19 grades above my targets across all my GCSE subjects, the best my school had ever seen. I was even featured in the local newspaper. Predicted Cs and Bs turned into straight As and A*s. I ultimately went on to study Economics at the London School of Economics, one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
That transformation opened lots of doors and as an Online GCSE Chemistry Tutor, I’m here to expose the secrets.
1. Print the Specification of Your GCSE Chemistry Exam
First, identify the exact specification you are following for GCSE Chemistry. You’d be surprised how many students are unsure. Make a detailed list of everything they could ask and leave no stone unturned. Here are the links for your convenience:
- AQA GCSE Chemistry Specification (8462)
- Edexcel GCSE Chemistry Specification (1CH0)
- OCR GCSE Chemistry A Specification (J248)
Tick off each point once you can confidently explain it to someone with no prior knowledge. This method is known as the Feynman Technique, and it’s incredibly powerful for mastering difficult topics.
2. Prioritise the Calculation Topics
All exam boards include different GCSE Chemistry calculations, and many students struggle with these. They often appear as 3-mark questions or more difficult 5-markers. You must be confident with:
- Mole Calculations
- Percentage Yield
- Rate of Reaction Formulas
And many more. If you don’t know your basic formulas, you’re missing out on easy marks. Ask your teacher or GCSE Chemistry tutor to explain them clearly and practise until you’re fluent.
3. Learn the Definitions
Definitions are frequently tested as AO1-style questions, typically worth 1 or 2 marks, but these are essential for achieving top grades. Prioritise learning definitions from your specification, such as isotope, electrolysis, etc.
I recommend writing flashcards with the term on one side and the definition on the other. Test yourself regularly, and avoid cramming before the exam. Instead, use spaced repetition to make the knowledge stick long-term.
4. Use Active Recall Learning Methods
Once you’re revising, you need to spot passive recall techniques. These include:
- Reading
- Highlighting
- Underlining
These methods do not challenge your brain and often result in poor retention. I used these methods in Year 10 and would forget everything as soon as I entered the exam hall.
Now, switch to Active Recall techniques:
- Past Papers – Go through every single paper before the exam and become familiar with question types. This is the most important revision strategy.
- Flashcards – Write clear questions on the front and answers on the back. Peeking is only cheating yourself.
- Mind Maps – Close your book and try to write down everything you remember about a topic (e.g., Quantitative Chemistry). Then compare it with your notes and fill in the gaps using new flashcards.
If you’re struggling, it might be wise to consider working with an Online GCSE Chemistry Tutor. One of the most common things I hear is, one hour of 1-1 tuition covers what a group class does in a week. It’s absolutely true and it’s why we love what we do. We have over 50 5-Star Reviews.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for support in other Science subjects, we also offer Online GCSE Physics Tutors and Online GCSE Biology Tutors.
