Top 5 Tips Starting A-level Chemistry

The move from GCSE science to A level Chemistry can be quite a leap for some students:

Here are my Top 5 tips every new student should do:

1) Print of a copies of the Periodic Table for your specification:

The Periodic Table is fundamental during the start of the course and you should become familiar and comfortable using it. Have copies stuck in the front and back of your folders. Pin on your wall or board where you study. Try and learn the first 30 elements in order, which group and period are they in. This will save you valuable time in final exams.

2) Go through your notes or rewrite them for every lesson:

It`s too easy to have electronic notes and teacher PowerPoints. Find the relevant topic in a text book and link these to your notes and remember to ask if you are unsure.

3) Find a study buddy:

Research has shown that peer to peer collaborative study activates learning pathways in your brain to help your understanding. Don`t be afraid to ask questions or get a fellow student to explain something to you. Real world science works by collaborations and in teams - do the same in your studies.

4) Read the text book and try the questions:

Your teachers may get you to do this anyway, but if not, do it off your own back. Most text books have summary questions and answers in them and if the answers are not in the book, ask you teacher for them. There are also loads of useful resources and video online.

5) Study Periods/Free periods use them for study.

It`s a real change having less lessons and more free time but a big mistake is to think you have loads of time to learn, especially at the beginning of the course. A-levels are very content heavy and fast paced. Get into good study routines early.

So it all seems like a lot of work........YES IT IS. For every hour of lesson time you should be doing at least an hour outside class.

Good Luck