Academic Tutoring

Chemistry

IBDP Chemistry Tutoring

Our experienced IB Chemistry tutors have a proven track record in aiding students to excel in the subject. Our tutors can help students to develop and apply understanding of scientific concepts and methods, and to hone their analytical skills so they can succeed in their internal and external assessments. 

Private one-on-one and semi-private classes are available, both in person at our centre or online. 

Contact us to see how we can help. Want to meet some of our tutors? Click here.

About IBDP Chemistry

IBDP Chemistry seeks to help students identify and understand patterns at a microscopic level, and to extend those patterns to make predictions on the behaviour of matter. With a strong emphasis on the development of representative models and explanatory theories, students have to be both creative and rational.

The syllabus is divided into two main areas, namely Structure and Reactivity, which are each divided into three sub-topics:

  • Structure 1: Models of the particulate nature of matter
  • Structure 2: Models of bonding and structure
  • Structure 3: Classification of matter
  • Reactivity 1: What drives chemical reactions?
  • Reactivity 2: How much, how fast and how far?
  • Reactivity 3: What are the mechanisms of chemical change?

Both SL and HL students of IB Chemistry study the same areas, but HL students examine them in more depth. Additional content for HL students can be conceptually more demanding, but it also means that students will be able to develop a more thorough understanding of the subject. We understand that this is a challenging course, and our experienced IB Chemistry private tutors are always here to help.

Assessments

IB Chemistry is assessed both internally and externally. Students are required to demonstrate and apply knowledge of terms, concepts, skills, and methodologies. They are also expected to analyse and evaluate experimental procedures, data and trends.

The external assessment takes up 80% of the final grade. It consists of two written papers. Paper 1 contains multiple-choice and data-based questions, while Paper 2 has short-answer and extended-response questions. Both SL and HL students have to sit the papers, but HL students will have a longer test, as they are expected to demonstrate a higher level of understanding and analysis. As the written exams take up a large part of the weighting, you may wish to engage one of our IB Chemistry tutors to support your child, to make sure that they are well prepared for the exams.

The other 20% is taken up by an internal assessment, where students conduct their own scientific investigation. They have to formulate their own research question, then collect and analyse data, and write a 3,000 word report. It is a challenging task, so if you find that your child is struggling with practical work and lab reports at school, it might be a good idea to get some help to brush up their scientific skills.

IB Chemistry can be a challenging course. Contact us to see how our IBDP Chemistry tutors can help.