If your GCSE Chemistry exams are on the horizon, that calls for one thing: revision, revision, revision!
With hard work, determination and the right revision strategy in place, we believe there’s nothing you can’t achieve.
Here, we’ll show you how to revise GCSE Chemistry so that you can pass with the best grade possible – and hopefully even get a 9!
How to revise Chemistry GCSE: 10 top tips
Passing Chemistry GCSE isn’t rocket science – although it will require a lot of hard work and determination!
Follow these 10 tips to ace your GCSE Chemistry revision so that you can walk into that exam room feeling calm and confident.
1. Keep up with your classwork
First things first, don’t be fooled into thinking that classwork doesn’t count.
Rather, the more you concentrate and engage during your chemistry lessons, the easier it will be to recap what you’ve learned later down the line.
Remember, revision shouldn’t be about learning things from scratch – it should be about recapping what you’ve already learned, and further honing your skills.
With that in mind, make sure you understand everything you cover in class and that you talk to a teacher if you’ve missed anything.
That way, you’ll be in the best position possible when you start revising!
2. Recap each lesson afterwards
Similarly, we always recommend taking time to go over what you’ve learned after each lesson.
This doesn’t have to take long – it might just mean taking 10 minutes that evening or at the weekend to go over your notes and make sure you understand it all.
But it’s a great way to keep everything at the front of your mind, and can save you a lot of formal revision time!
3. Start revising early
It can be tempting to leave your GCSE Chemistry revision until just a few months – or even weeks – before the exams.
But you’ll get the best results if you start early.
After all, there’s a lot to learn. And this way, you can spread out your learning across the year instead of panicking when your exams are around the corner.
We always recommend starting revision at the beginning of Year 11. This way, you can start recapping what you learned in Year 10 while you’re still covering new content in Year 11.
It’ll give you a lot less to deal with nearer the exams. And it’ll mean you can revise little and often – so you won’t get burned out and you can cover everything you need to with minimal stress.
4. Make a great revision timetable
Creating a revision timetable – and trying to stick to it! – is one of the best things you can do to help you pass the GCSE Chemistry exams with flying colours.
- Find out your exam timetable
- Calculate how much time you have to study
- Decide which topics you need to spend the most time on
- Allocate time to each topic
- Stick to your revision timetable and revise!
- Reassess as you go
Of course, you won’t just be revising GCSE Chemistry (unless it’s a retake). So, you’ll need to divide your time between various other subjects too.
However, planning exactly when you’re going to revise each chemistry topic is a great way to make sure you cover everything that could come up in the exams and will help you to stress less, knowing your revision is on track.
5. Tick off every topic
It’s important to make sure that you fully cover every GCSE Chemistry topic so that you don’t have any surprises on the big day.
Stick to your revision timetable as closely as possible but bear in mind that some topics will take you longer than you expected – while others may take less time. So, you’ll need to keep tweaking your revision timetable to reflect where you’re at.
Importantly, don’t just tick off a topic once you’ve covered it. Instead, schedule time to come back to the topic nearer your exam, to refresh your revision and make sure the content is at the front of your mind before you sit your paper.
Remember also that just rote learning the content won’t get you those highest grades. Instead, you’ll need to make sure you fully understand all the material covered. Which brings us onto…
6. Ask for help
If you’re struggling to get your head around anything during your revision, don’t just push it to the side.
Instead, make sure you ask for help – whether that’s from a teacher or by finding a GCSE Chemistry tutor to work on those problem areas.
A chemistry tutor is an experienced professional who’ll take the time to explain difficult concepts in a way that will click for you – and they’ll know how to help you fulfil your potential. Many are even trained teachers and examiners!
Your tutor will create tailored lesson plans that take into account your strengths, weaknesses and learning style in order to help prepare you fully for the exams and guide you to the best marks possible. In fact, 90% of Tutorful students improve by at least one grade!
Remember, asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
Browse expert, vetted tutors, message free, and book instantly.
7. Find your preferred revision techniques
Every learner is different. So, don’t just settle for the same revision techniques as your friend or siblings.
Rather, take the time to figure out which revision techniques work best for you.
A few examples include:
- Mind maps
- Teaching someone else
- Recording your notes and listening to them on the move
- Creating flashcards
- Sticking post-it notes around your home
- Asking someone to test you
Often, learners will learn best using a mixture of several different revision techniques.
For instance, you might find it effective to memorise information using flashcards, before getting someone to test you on what you’ve learned.
It can also be useful to explain content in your own words after memorising it, to make sure you really do understand it and you’re not just reciting it word for word.
8. Make use of GCSE Chemistry revision resources
There are lots of resources available to help you pass GCSE Chemistry.
And we don’t just mean the CGP GCSE Chemistry revision guide for your exam board – although that can be a fantastic place to start.
You can also watch engaging revision videos on YouTube, download dedicated apps, or browse resources on websites like BBC Bitesize.
These resources can be a great way to make GCSE Chemistry revision more engaging.
Check out our top chemistry revision resources for the complete lowdown. And don’t forget that a GCSE Chemistry tutor will be able to point you towards the best resources to help you while you’re not being tutored too.
9. Boost your revision with GCSE Chemistry past papers
Past papers are an invaluable tool to boost your revision.
Not only will they familiarise you with the types of questions you might come across in the real GCSE Chemistry exams.
But when you answer them under timed conditions, they’re also an opportunity to practise managing your time and dealing with exam pressure – which can boost your confidence when the big day rolls around.
Always use your past paper and mock exam results to reflect on where you’re at in your learning – for instance, which topics did you do well in, and which topics let you down?
By pinpointing your strengths and weaknesses, you can plan more focused revision that gives you the best chance of improvement before exam day.
10. Look after yourself!
Last but not least, remember that while working hard is important, you need to look after yourself too.
The last thing you want is to end up burnt out.
So, make sure to schedule in plenty of downtime between revision sessions.
Revise in short bursts, plan in regular breaks and be sure to get plenty of exercise and fresh air. Remember, there’s only so much a brain can assimilate in a day!
“I would say don’t cram, take 20 minute study sessions then take a break. Look after yourself and try to stick to regular bedtimes, no computers late at night etc.
“Get some fresh air and exercise to help with pent up energy or nerves too.”
– Katherine R, core subjects tutor
How to pass GCSE Chemistry: on the day
Hopefully, by the time the big day rolls around, you’ll have all that knowledge and understanding up your sleeve.
But there are still a few things you can do to improve your chances of passing GCSE Chemistry with flying colours. Here are our top 7 tips for the day itself.
1. Get the right fuel
Don’t stay up late revising the night before your exams.
Instead, remember how important it is to fuel yourself properly. Get a good night’s sleep and make sure to have a good breakfast so you’re ready and energised for the day ahead.
2. Get in the right mindset
If you’re feeling anxious, try some techniques to help you overcome exam fear.
This might include listening to a calming playlist or trying some meditation. Most importantly, make an effort to focus on trying your best – rather than on achieving specific results.
That way, even if things don’t go how you’d hoped, you can still celebrate your achievements and be proud of yourself for all the hard work you’ve put in.
3. Read every question twice
Make a point of reading each question in the exam room at least twice so that you don’t make any silly mistakes.
Consider underlining key words in the question to keep you focused. In particular, focus on command words – for instance, does the question ask you to state the answer, to describe something or to explain why?
4. Manage your time
Your GCSE Chemistry exams will typically include a range of multiple-choice, structured, closed short answer and open response questions.
So, keep an eye on the clock in the exam room and make sure you divide your time appropriately between them all so you’re not rushing towards the end.
As a general rule, you’ll want to spend the most time on the questions that are worth the most, and vice versa.
5. Attempt every question
If you’re stuck on a certain question, it can be tempting to leave it out thinking that if you don’t attempt it, you won’t put down anything wrong.
But if you leave out a question, you’re guaranteed to get zero marks on it.
On the other hand, trying every question will make sure that you’re accessing all of the marks available.
6. Show your workings
Did you know that, with 3-mark equation questions, you can gain marks from your workings out, even if you don’t have the right answer – and vice versa?
This shows that it’s worth attempting those maths-oriented questions even if you don’t know the answer.
And always clearly show your workings out to give yourself the best chance of unlocking all available marks!
“It is important to realise that a blank answer guarantees zero marks, whereas an attempted answer may gain some marks for working out – and worst case, zero marks, which is no worse than skipping.
“Be brave and have a go. The extra mark here and there is worth it!”
– Dee A, maths tutor
7. Don’t panic!
Once you’re in the exam room, don’t panic. Instead, work through each of the papers calmly and methodically, and don’t rush.
Know you’ve worked hard and be proud of yourself, whatever the outcome.
You can find more tips and tricks in our guide on how to pass GCSE Science.
Revise for GCSE Chemistry with the help of a handpicked tutor
If you’re worried about passing GCSE Chemistry – or getting the best grade possible – you don’t have to worry alone.
A GCSE Chemistry tutor will have the tools, knowledge and experience needed to help you achieve the grade you’re after.
From tailored plans to practice exams, they’ll give you the one-to-one attention and dedicated time you need to ensure you reach your full potential.
Browse expert, vetted tutors, message free, and book instantly.
FAQs
What is the best way to revise for Chemistry GCSE?
The best thing you can do to successfully revise for Chemistry GCSE is to start early. That way, you can revise little and often – and you’ll give yourself the time you need to get confident with all the content.
How to revise Chemistry GCSE in one day?
Ideally, you should give yourself much longer than one day to revise for your Chemistry GCSE. However, if you’ve left it until the last-minute, use past papers to identify your weakest topics and focus on them.
How to get a 9 in GCSE Chemistry?
To get a 9 in GCSE Chemistry, you’ll need to not just memorise the content. Instead, you’ll need to understand it inside out, so that you can ace those ‘explain why’ questions, as well as those that simply ask you to state or describe the answer.
How to revise chemistry easily?
Make your chemistry revision easier by staying organised. Create a detailed revision timetable that allocates time to each topic, but keep tweaking it to reflect where you’re at.
Why is GCSE Chemistry hard?
Many students find GCSE Chemistry hard because it spans such a wide range of topics. There are also maths-based questions that can be challenging for learners who find maths difficult to wrap their heads around.
How to revise last-minute for Chemistry GCSE?
It’s best not to leave your Chemistry GCSE revision to the last-minute. But any last-minute revision should focus on your weakest areas, to give you the biggest chance of improvement before you sit your exams.
Getting the help of a Chemistry GCSE tutor can also make a big difference, even at the eleventh hour, as they’ll be able to focus on the areas where you can make the biggest improvement in the smallest amount of time.
“Even at the eleventh hour, a touch of guidance and a sprinkle of understanding can illuminate complex concepts, turning uncertainties into strengths.
“I focus on identifying key areas where students need the most help and reinforcing their understanding with clear explanations and practice questions.
“Personalised tutoring can boost confidence and ensure students are well-prepared for their exams.”
– Steven R, GCSE Science and Maths tutor
