How to score a 90+ on QCE/QCAA Chemistry?

Chemistry is known as the central science, and depending on who you ask, it might be the most useful subject for tertiary studies (especially if you’re looking at doing something in the field of science). This is my comprehensive guide to choosing, and ultimately acing QCE chemistry.

Should you study Chemistry?

For those of you in year 10, or even possibly year 11, and considering taking Chemistry as one of your senior subjects, there are some things you should be aware of.

1. Why are you Choosing Chemistry?

The advice I was given by both teachers and KIS Academics tutors was to make sure you have a reason for taking every subject that you choose. The best reason to take Chemistry is:

• You’ve enjoyed science and developed a genuine interest throughout high school, and that you want to further explore the world of science.

If you like the subject but have not been getting good grades, a tutor from KIS Academics can help you achieve your academic goals!

2. What do you want to Study in University?

As I stated before, chemistry is known as the central science, and by that I mean learning anything in science requires a basic understanding of chemistry. This is why it is a common pre-requisite subject for many university courses:

• If you’re looking at doing Medicine at JCU for example, you’ll need to pass year 12 chemistry.
• Make sure to check any course that you think you might be interested in for the pre-requisite subjects, and recommended knowledge subjects.

3. Do you like Hands-on Subjects?

Throughout the course there is plenty of theory, but there are also a series of ‘Mandatory Practicals’ set by the QCAA that each student must complete. These are fun, you get to mix cool stuff together, coat metals with other metals, create your own battery cells, the list goes on. They’re incredibly helpful practical applications to the theory that you’re learning along the way, which often can help topics click in your mind.

If you like hands-on learning, this is the subject for you.

What do you learn in QCE Chemistry?

Chemistry is a pretty content heavy subject, there's no doubt about that. But, if you can keep up each week and trust the process, then when it clicks, you’ll feel like you’ve been a chemist your whole life!

Topics you will learn:

• In year 11, you’ll get introduced to chemistry from the bottom up. You'll learn the structure of atoms, how they interact with each other, how they react with each other, and some of the huge power of the Periodic Table of the Elements. You’ll then learn how these atoms form molecules, how these molecules interact and react (possible explosions) and an introduction to acids and bases.
• In year 12 you’ll build on all this knowledge, with a more in depth knowledge of acids and bases, reactions involving the transfer of electrons, and how to make electricity!!

Here is a more thorough breakdown of the syllabus:

You can find the QCAA syllabus here, and there are also some resources such as KIS Academic's QCE Chemistry online programs.

Study Tips and Tricks

1. Maths-esque Study

• Stoichiometric Calculations are pretty maths-y; you will need to manipulate basic equations to find unknown variables. Remember to always use your variables and units in the equation so you know what you're left with, and nail these calculations.
• Interpreting Graphs/ Data is fairly important for both the Data test and the external. I recommend having a bank of relevant graphs that you expect to come up, such as titrations or pH curves. Use the mandatory practicals to practice drawing up your own graphs, this will improve your overall understanding of graphs.
  

2. Structure your notes and practice Active Recall

• Chemistry is not about rote-learning, but actively applying the knowledge you've learned to solve the equations.
• Note-taking helps with active recall, so make sure you're taking notes in class and revising them as you study.

3. Ask Questions

• If you’re in class and you don’t understand what the teacher said, ask. If you’re studying with your friends and they say something, ask what they mean. If you're at home and you see a question that gets you absolutely stumped, take it to your trusted KIS Academics tutor who will be more than happy to help.
• There’s absolutely no stupid questions, and the more you can expand your understanding of key concepts, the more likely you are to nail that last question on the test.

4. Maximising your Grade

• Chemistry has a 50:50 split between internal and external marks. Take advantage of this!
• Aim for 7+ marks in the data test, and start assignments early. Base your assignments on the QCAA example, follow the criteria, submit a full draft and respond to the recommendations and advice from your teacher, there's no reason that anyone couldn’t get 18+ marks.
• Ideally if you can be sitting on 40/50 marks before the external, that's points in the bank.

Conclusion

Here’s the thing, Chemistry is a great subject. You’re probably not gonna be fascinated by every single topic, but when it all ties together, you might just love it. You’ll thank yourself for the invaluable head start you get in uni by studying, understanding and enjoying this central science.

If you're currently struggling with Chemistry, but aiming to study Medicine in Uni, why not get a tutor to support you? KIS Academics has high-performing tutors who tailor classes to suit your needs.

FAQs

Written by KIS Academics Tutor for QCE Chemistry Maths Ned Woodgate. Ned is currently studying a Bachelor of Medicine/ Bachelor of surgery at JCU and is well on his way to becoming a doctor. You can view Ned's profile here and request him as a tutor.

Want personalised study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!