Have you ever wondered how medicines were created, why certain reactions explode and others sizzle, or even how your car runs on fuel? Well, Chemistry ATAR explains just that. It unlocks the fundamental understanding behind everyday phenomena — simultaneously challenging you on how to think critically yet solve real-world problems. But with all these interesting concepts comes the overbearing obstacle of succeeding in it. How will we do that?
What is WACE Chemistry ATAR?
Chemistry ATAR is a rather challenging ATAR subject, filled with fascinating concepts often building on the foundational understanding laid back in Year 11. You’ll learn how substances interact, why they react, what they form, and their applications in our own everyday lives. But on top of this theory includes practical experiments and mathematical calculations — a subject that requires both conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. Do you have what it takes to succeed? I reckon so!
Course Content and Structure:
The WACE Chemistry syllabus is divided into four units—two in Year 11 and two in Year 12. Each unit builds upon the knowledge from the previous one, so don’t forget to always refresh concepts no matter if you’re in Year 12!
Year 11 (Units 1 & 2):
Unit 1: Chemical Fundamentals – Structure, Properties, and Reactions
- Atomic structure: bonding (ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding)
- The periodic table: trends in elements like electronegativity and group names
- Quantifying substances: the mole concept and chemical calculations
- Chemical reactions and reaction types: predicting products and reactions
Unit 2: Molecular Interactions and Reactivity
- Intermolecular forces: their effects on properties of substances
- Solubility: solutions, solubility calculations, and concentration calculations
- Acids and Bases: pH calculations and acid-base reactions
- Spectroscopy and Analytical Techniques: NMR, infrared spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry for compound identification
Year 12 (Units 3 & 4):
Unit 3: Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, and Redox Reactions
- Chemical Equilibrium Systems: the way reactions reach dynamic equilibrium, application of Le Châtelier’s Principle (LCP), predicting changes to concentrations
- Acids and Bases: more pH calculations, strong vs. weak acids/bases, and buffer solutions and titrations
- Redox Reactions: oxidation numbers, electrochemical cells, and industrial applications like fuel cells → galvanic cells vs electrolytic cells
Unit 4: Organic Chemistry and Chemical Synthesis
- Organic Compounds: Functional groups, nomenclature, and reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, and carboxylic acids
- Polymers and Synthesis: Polymerisation processes and industrial production of plastics
- Soap and Detergent: The way soap is used in everyday life, and its reactions in various aspects
Assessment Structure and Final Exam:
Ultimately, this can vary depending on the school you attend, but according to SCSA (School Curriculum and Standards Authority):
For Year 11 (SCSA):
- Science Inquiry (25%) – experiments, data collection, etc.
- Tests (15%) – covering course concepts aligning with syllabus concepts
- Extended Response Tasks (10%) – application of learning onto real-life applications for a deeper understanding
- Examination (50%) – a blend of multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-response questions with all the year’s content
For Year 12 (SCSA):
- Science Inquiry (20%) – experiments, data collection, etc.
- Tests and Exams (20%) – covering course concepts aligning with syllabus concepts
- Extended Response Tasks (10%) – applying chemical concepts to real-world scenarios
- Final WACE Exam (50%) – a blend of multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-response questions with all the year’s content and also known as the finish line (school’s over!)
But that being said, the final exam does require a strong grasp of:
- Theoretical concepts
- Problem-solving skills
- Application knowledge to unfamiliar contexts
What does the final exam for WACE Chemistry entail?
25% of the exam is multiple choice, where you are given the option of four possible answers. With this choice, generally, two of them are illogical and can be eliminated, however using previous knowledge and learnt concepts, you are required to deduce the right answer.
35% of the exam is short answer, generally a one-page question which covers syllabus concepts. This can range from equations to explanations and calculations.
40% of the exam is extended response, where all the answers are dependent on each other. You are often given scenarios where you must apply your knowledge and understanding to figure out possible solutions and provide explanations.
Should you take WACE Chemistry ATAR?
Well, let’s say it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. But I will say, you will enjoy and excel in Chemistry ATAR if:
- You have a strong foundation and understanding of science prior to ATAR Chemistry.
- You are interested in science-based careers like chemistry, pharmacy, medicine, engineering, or biology.
- You enjoy problem-solving and logical thinking; you like to take on a challenge even when it seems unapproachable at times.
- You are comfortable with applying mathematical concepts in science and hold an ability to understand mathematics beyond just formulas but apply it to various scenarios.
Manoj Arachige
How to Ace Chemistry ATAR 101:
It’s a handful, to say the least, but my best advice is to:
- Stay on Top of Content: It’s very important for you to review concepts as soon as you learn them. You’ll realise it when you’re in Chemistry, and the concepts move so fast, that you almost feel like you’re struggling to catch up. If you review your content, by the time it’s exams, you’ll have nothing to learn — just concepts to strengthen! You can check out KIS Academics' study strategies for extra support.
- Math! Math! Math!: I urge you to be confident with calculations involving molar mass, stoichiometry, and equilibrium constants. Doubt only hinders your potential, and Chemistry is a subject that loves to make you doubt. What’s beautiful about Chemistry calculations is that once you get it, you’ll get it — but patience and understanding are required. You’ve got this!
- Understand the concepts:: We’ve moved past middle school. You aren’t here to memorise what a metal is or how to define a chemical reaction. Yes, there are definitions you need to know, but it’s not definitions that drive you far in Chemistry. You need to understand how it works, why it works, how one reaction takes place, or why it doesn’t. Chemistry is a whole world of questions… a lot of them waiting to be answered.
- Use Past Papers: Practice! Practice! Practice! Unlike your previous years, you’ll be showered with past papers, especially in Year 12, and it’s perfect for practising how to answer in test/exam-based scenarios. You can learn what they look for in the marking key, dissect it, and apply it to your next test or exam. If there was one thing I would advise above all, it’s this!
- Engage in Practical Work: Lab work is mandatory and probably the most fun thing besides Chemistry ATAR itself. By engaging, by thinking, by learning, you can enhance conceptual understanding, so actively participate in experiments. Join a group of friends, and classmates, and always be eager to ask teachers questions about practical tasks. You’ll never know how much you can learn without trying.
FAQs
Is Year 12 WACE Chemistry much harder than Year 11?
Yes, but it is manageable with consistent effort. Concepts are more complex, and assessments require higher-order thinking skills. That being said, many Year 12 concepts build upon Year 11, so always make sure to review and refresh!
How important is maths in WACE Chemistry ATAR?
Very important. Many topics involve calculations, including stoichiometry, pH calculations, and equilibrium constants where you must apply lots of formulas. Most are provided in your Data Booklet (this can be found on the SCSA portal). However, with practice, these calculations will come to you with ease.
What should I do if I’m falling behind in Chemistry?
Always reach out for support. Chemistry isn’t a subject that’s easy to grasp. Ask your teacher lots of questions, and always ask your friends if you are unsure. But above all, find a tutor for this subject—it can truly alleviate the stress. Thankfully, KIS Academics is here for you!
To book a tutor, check out KIS Academics!
Want personalised study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!
Written by KIS Academics Tutor for WACE Chemistry, Georgy Nelze. Georgy is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences majoring in Pharmacology at UWA and is a stellar tutor for Chemistry, Maths, English and French. You can view Georgy's profile here and request him as a tutor.
