Year 11 GCSE Chemistry Tips

Year 11 Chemistry represents a culmination of your entire time spent studying chemistry at school. It’s understandable that students might feel anxious approaching GCSE Chemistry exams when there is so much to know and apply. We’ve put together our top 5 tips for GCSE students to help study Year 11 Chemistry.

Remember if you need help our GCSE Chemistry resources and 1-to-1 tutoring can help you reach your goals.

1. Structure revision around the specification

With all of the GCSE Science subjects, you should make sure you’re referring to the exam board’s specification when you’re revising. This is a pdf document that lists all of the learning objectives that you can be tested in the exam. It’s a useful document and it can be used as a checklist or to structure your revision timetable. By doing this you’ll make sure you don’t miss out any key Year 11 Chemistry topics!

2. Challenge yourself

We all have a tendency to turn to passive studying methods such as highlighting textbooks or copying out large chunks of text. This is a recipe for disaster as you won’t probably won’t remember anything you’ve read for very long! The best studying methods challenge your brain. Keep this in mind when deciding how to revise in Year 11 Chemistry. Things like making mindmaps, flashcards or drawing diagrams are much more efficient studying techniques.

3. Don’t forget the practicals!

Over the past two years of GCSE Chemistry study you will have learnt and done some practical experiments in class. Don’t forget to revise these – especially if they’re on your specification. For each practical in Year 10 and Year 11 Chemistry make a note of how and why you performed each step. Practicals can make up some lengthy questions in the exam so don’t neglect to revise these!

4. Practice balancing equations

Balancing equations is something you should have got to grips with before Year 11 Chemistry. However, it is something that a large number of students still struggle with going into their GCSE Chemistry exams. Balancing equations are easy marks, so make sure you practice this vital skill to avoid losing out. The best way to learn is practice. Why don’t you ask a friend or teacher to make up some equations for you to go through?

5. Look over Year 10 topics first

Year 11 Chemistry builds on all the topics you learnt in the year before. If the fundamental concepts, such as atomic structure and properties of different types of bonds, are still a bit of mystery to you it’s important to review these topics first, for example using our online course.