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Excel in iGCSE Chemistry with Targeted Practice

Build confidence in iGCSE Chemistry with practice on atomic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, and organic chemistry.

Content reviewed February 2026 · Aligned to current specifications

About iGCSE Chemistry

iGCSE Chemistry provides a comprehensive introduction to the study of matter, its properties and the changes it undergoes. Offered internationally by Cambridge and Edexcel, the syllabus covers atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, energetics, chemical reactions, organic chemistry and environmental chemistry, equipping students with a solid foundation in the central science.

Assessment consists of written papers including multiple-choice and structured questions. The iGCSE does not typically include a separately graded practical component, though practical skills are assessed through written questions about experimental procedures and data interpretation. Students studying the Extended curriculum have access to the full grade range (A*-E), while Core students are capped at grade C.

The international context means the syllabus is designed to be relevant regardless of where a student is studying. Topics such as water treatment, industrial chemistry and environmental impacts are explored through a global lens, preparing students for further study at A-Level or IB.

Topics Covered

States of Matter Atomic Structure Chemical Bonding Stoichiometry Electrochemistry Chemical Energetics Rates of Reaction Acids & Bases Periodic Table Organic Chemistry

Exam Boards

iGCSE Chemistry is available from these exam boards

How UpGrades Helps

Adaptive Practice

Questions adapt to your level in Chemistry, focusing on the topics where you need the most improvement.

Spaced Repetition

Review Chemistry topics at optimal intervals to maximise long-term retention for your iGCSE exam.

Progress Tracking

See exactly how you're progressing across all 10 Chemistry topics with detailed analytics.

Study Tips for Chemistry

  • Master balancing chemical equations early - this skill underpins stoichiometry, energetics and reaction chemistry throughout the iGCSE course.
  • Create a revision grid for each group of the periodic table, listing properties, trends and reactions. iGCSE Chemistry heavily tests your knowledge of periodic trends.
  • Practice mole calculations repeatedly until the method feels automatic. Many students lose marks on straightforward calculation questions due to careless errors rather than lack of understanding.
  • Use flashcards for key definitions and formulae. iGCSE Chemistry has many precise definitions that must be memorised verbatim.

Exam Tips for iGCSE Chemistry

  • In calculation questions, always show every step of your working. iGCSE mark schemes award method marks for each correct stage, so even an arithmetic error at the end can still earn most of the marks.
  • When writing word or symbol equations, double-check that they are balanced and that state symbols are included if requested.
  • For questions about trends in the periodic table, always link your answer to atomic structure (number of electron shells, nuclear charge) rather than simply stating the trend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What topics are covered in iGCSE Chemistry? +
The syllabus covers states of matter, atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, electricity and chemistry, energetics, chemical reactions, acids and bases, the periodic table, metals, air and water, organic chemistry and experimental techniques. Extended students cover additional depth in each area.
Is iGCSE Chemistry harder than GCSE Chemistry? +
The content difficulty is similar, but the assessment differs. iGCSE Chemistry has no practical exam counting towards the final grade and uses Core/Extended tiers instead of Foundation/Higher. Some students find the iGCSE more demanding in terms of recall, as fewer formulae and data are provided in the exam.
Can I use a calculator in iGCSE Chemistry? +
Yes, a scientific calculator is permitted and recommended for all iGCSE Chemistry papers. You will need it for mole calculations, percentage composition and other quantitative questions.
How does iGCSE Chemistry prepare me for A-Level? +
iGCSE Chemistry covers the foundational concepts required for A-Level study, including atomic structure, bonding, energetics and organic chemistry. Students who achieve a strong grade at iGCSE (B or above in Extended) are well prepared for the transition.

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