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📘 Free Syllabus & Study Guide

IGCSE Chemistry Syllabus & Study Guide (Cambridge 0620 and Edexcel)

Year 10 and Year 11 specialists for international school students

Specialist IGCSE Chemistry tuition for Year 10 and Year 11 students at international schools in Singapore. We coach the Cambridge 0620 Extended and Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry syllabi.

Last updated: · Level: IGCSE · Subject: Chemistry

TL;DR — Key Facts

  • Level: IGCSE.
  • Subject: Chemistry.
  • Cambridge 0620 Extended and Edexcel coverage.
  • Tutors aligned to MOE / SEAB syllabus codes; lessons in your home or online.
  • Free trial lesson, free re-match if the fit is wrong.

Chemistry home tuition rates

Real ranges by level and tutor tier. Free trial lesson; we re-match free if the fit is wrong.

LevelUndergradFull-timeEx-MOE / NIE
Lower Primary (P1–P4)S$30–40/hrS$40–55/hrS$50–65/hr
Upper Primary / PSLE (P5–P6)S$35–50/hrS$45–60/hrS$55–75/hr
Lower Secondary (Sec 1–2)S$35–50/hrS$50–65/hrS$60–80/hr
Upper Secondary / O-Level (Sec 3–4)S$45–60/hrS$55–75/hrS$70–95/hr
Junior College / A-Level (JC1–JC2)S$55–75/hrS$70–95/hrS$85–130/hr
IB Diploma (DP1–DP2) / IGCSES$60–80/hrS$75–110/hrS$95–150/hr

Rates are 2026 Singapore market norms. Final rate is set on tutor match and depends on tutor tier, travel, and lesson frequency. See full pricing page.

Zacharee
Dion
Denzel
Isaac
Toh Boon
Edison
Theon
Koen
Lerk Herng
Lloyd
Hong Ting
Xian Le
Zacharee
Dion
Denzel
Isaac
Toh Boon
Edison
Theon
Koen
Lerk Herng
Lloyd
Hong Ting
Xian Le
Isaac
Toh Boon
Edison
Theon
Koen
Lerk Herng
Lloyd
Hong Ting
Xian Le
Zacharee
Dion
Denzel
Isaac
Toh Boon
Edison
Theon
Koen
Lerk Herng
Lloyd
Hong Ting
Xian Le
Zacharee
Dion
Denzel

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IGCSE Chemistry is taken by international school students in Singapore at the end of Year 11 and is the prerequisite for IB Chemistry HL and A-Level Chemistry. The two dominant exam boards are Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (syllabus 0620, Extended tier) and Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (Specification 4CH1, Higher tier). The Cambridge 0620 Extended format is two papers (Paper 4 Theory and Paper 6 Alternative to Practical or Paper 5 Practical Test). The Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry Higher tier format is two papers (Paper 1H and Paper 2H).

The syllabi cover atomic structure and the periodic table, bonding and structure, stoichiometry and the mole concept, electrochemistry, energetics, rates of reaction, equilibria, acids and bases, redox, organic chemistry (alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters, polymers), atmosphere and environment.

Our IGCSE Chemistry tutors run a structured Year 10 to Year 11 programme. The Year 10 syllabus covers atomic structure, bonding, mole concept and stoichiometry. The Year 11 syllabus then layers electrochemistry, energetics, kinetics, equilibria, organic chemistry and the practical (or Alternative to Practical) component. Tutors are NUS or NTU graduates with strong Chemistry or Chemical Engineering majors, ex-IGCSE students themselves at UWCSEA or Tanglin, or PhD holders with international school tutoring experience.

The Alternative to Practical paper (Paper 6 in Cambridge 0620) is one of the most underprepared sections in IGCSE Chemistry and the cleanest grade-lift opportunity for students at the A to A* boundary. The paper tests apparatus knowledge, observational accuracy, data tabulation, graph plotting and basic uncertainty analysis without requiring a real lab. Students who treat it as an extension of the theory paper score 60 to 70 percent.

Students who drill the apparatus diagrams (gas syringes, burettes, pipettes, condensers, separating funnels, fractional-distillation columns) and the standard observation phrases (white precipitate, effervescence, colour change from blue to green, gas turns limewater milky) consistently score 80 to 90 percent. Our tutors run a 6 to 8 lesson Alternative to Practical block from Year 11 Term 2 onwards, drilling 10 to 15 past-paper variations. For students heading to IB Chemistry HL, this paper is also a useful bridge into the IB IA methodology.

Common IGCSE Chemistry Struggles We Fix

IGCSE Chemistry marks at the A and A* grade levels are decided on theory paper extended-response and the Alternative to Practical paper. The patterns we see most often:

Mole concept calculations break down on multi-step questions involving limiting reagents.

Organic chemistry reactions (substitution, addition, condensation) are confused under exam pressure.

Electrolysis questions confuse the cathode and anode product predictions.

Alternative to Practical paper loses 6 to 10 marks because the student has not been drilled on apparatus selection, observation accuracy and result interpretation.

Extended-response answers are conceptually correct but use wrong vocabulary.

Energy profile diagrams and exothermic vs endothermic questions are drawn incorrectly.

These are the gaps our IGCSE Chemistry tutors fix with structured Year 10 to Year 11 sequencing and weekly past-paper drilling.

IGCSE Chemistry Programme Structure

A Cambridge 0620 Extended or Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry syllabus-aligned programme:

1. Atomic Structure, Bonding, Stoichiometry (foundation)

The Year 10 building blocks for everything else.

  • Atomic structure and electron configuration
  • Periodic table and trends
  • Ionic, covalent and metallic bonding
  • Mole concept and stoichiometry calculations
  • Limiting reagent and percentage yield
  • Empirical and molecular formulae

2. Acids, Bases, Salts, Electrochemistry

High-stakes Year 11 question block.

  • Acid-base reactions and pH
  • Preparation of salts (insoluble and soluble)
  • Solubility rules and precipitation
  • Redox reactions
  • Electrolysis (molten and aqueous)
  • Electrochemical cells (Cambridge 0620 extension)

3. Energetics, Kinetics, Equilibria

Year 11 conceptual topics.

  • Exothermic and endothermic reactions
  • Energy profile diagrams and activation energy
  • Rate of reaction (factors and graphical analysis)
  • Reversible reactions and Le Chatelier principle
  • Catalysis and enzymes

4. Organic Chemistry and Practical

The Year 11 capstone topics.

  • Alkanes (combustion, substitution)
  • Alkenes (addition, polymerisation)
  • Alcohols (oxidation, fermentation)
  • Carboxylic acids and esters
  • Polymers (addition vs condensation)
  • Alternative to Practical (apparatus, observation, interpretation)
  • Practical paper (where applicable)

Why Choose Us for Chemistry?

IGCSE-Specialist Tutors

Our IGCSE Chemistry tutors teach Cambridge 0620 Extended or Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry directly.

Year 10 to Year 11 Continuity

IGCSE Chemistry Year 11 papers assume the Year 10 atomic structure and stoichiometry foundations. We retain the same tutor across both years.

Pathway-Aware Coaching

For students heading to IB Chemistry HL, we shape the Year 11 lessons to bridge directly into HL depth, especially in organic chemistry and equilibria.

Meet One of Our Chemistry Specialists

Denzel Tan

Denzel Tan - Lead Science Specialist Catalyst | Biology Undergraduate | 2 years tutoring | Math & Science Expert P4-Sec4

Credentials: Undergraduate in Biology | Mentored by Dion | Sciences Specialist

Specialises In: Student-Centric Approach, Concept Mastery, Question Encouragement, Supportive Environment, Confidence Building

Track Record: 2 years

A Note from Denzel: "**Lead Science Specialist Who Creates 2-3 Grade Improvements** As Lead Science Specialist at Catalyst Maths and Science with 2 years of proven results, I've helped countless students achieve remarkable 2-3 grade jumps across all Sciences and Mathematics. My student-centric approach, developed through intensive mentorship under expert educator Dion, consistently transforms struggling students into confident high achievers. **Academic Excellence & Expert Training** Currently pursuing my Biology degree while serving as Lead Science Specialist, I bring both academic rigor and practical teaching expertise to every lesson. My two years of direct mentorship under Dion, one of Singapore's most successful Science tutors, has equipped me with proven methodologies that deliver consistent results. This unique combination of ongoing academic study and expert-guided teaching experience ensures I understand both current curriculum demands and effective learning strategies. **My Student-Centric Teaching Philosophy** I believe every student can excel when given the right support and encouragement. My approach focuses on building strong rapport first, then creating a supportive environment where students feel safe to ask questions and explore concepts deeply. I go the extra mile to ensure true concept mastery rather than just memorization, using personalized teaching methods that adapt to each student's unique learning style. This foundation of trust and understanding is what enables my students to achieve those remarkable 2-3 grade improvements. **What Sets My Teaching Apart** My methodology emphasizes genuine understanding over rote learning, helping students build confidence alongside academic skills. I encourage active questioning and critical thinking, ensuring students don't just know the answers but understand the underlying principles. Each lesson is tailored to address individual weaknesses while reinforcing strengths, creating a comprehensive learning experience that prepares students for long-term success. **Proven Track Record & Student Results** • 2-3 grade improvement average across all students within 6 months • Consistent A1/A2 achievements for O-Level Pure Sciences students • Primary students show 15-20 mark improvements in Science and Math • 90% of students achieve their target grades by examination time • Multiple students transformed from failing grades to distinction level **Why Parents Choose Me** ✓ Lead Science Specialist position demonstrates proven expertise and results ✓ Mentored by Dion, ensuring access to Singapore's most effective teaching methods ✓ Student-centric approach that builds confidence alongside academic improvement ✓ Specializes in concept mastery for lasting understanding, not just exam success ✓ Supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions **Subjects & Levels I Specialize In** I teach Mathematics and Science for Primary 4-6, plus Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology for Secondary 1-4 levels. Ready to see your child achieve that 2-3 grade jump? Let's start their transformation today!"

What Our Parents Say

"Mole concept was confusing throughout Year 10. The tutor restarted it from first principles in three lessons and from there stoichiometry became easy. Final IGCSE Chemistry was A*."

- Mrs. Pereira

Parent at SJI International

"Alternative to Practical was killing my marks. The tutor drilled apparatus questions and observation phrasing with 15 past papers. A* in the end."

- Liam

Year 11 student at UWCSEA

Chemistry: Frequently Asked Questions

What does IGCSE Chemistry cover?

States of matter, atoms and bonding, stoichiometry, acids and bases, the periodic table, metals, organic chemistry and experimental techniques.

How is IGCSE Chemistry assessed?

Written papers, with practical skills assessed either through an alternative-to-practical paper or a practical examination, depending on the centre.

How does IGCSE Chemistry compare to O-Level?

They are broadly equivalent international and Singapore-Cambridge qualifications; the syllabus structure differs but the depth is comparable.

Sources & official syllabus

Coaching on this page follows the syllabus published by the relevant Singapore exam authority. Original sources:

IGCSE Chemistry is the Foundation for IB Chemistry HL

A strong IGCSE Chemistry grade is the practical requirement for IB Chemistry HL, which is the gateway to Medicine, Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences globally.

IGCSE Chemistry specialist tutors are a smaller pool than mainstream JC. Book by Term 4 of Year 10 for Year 11 continuity.

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