Arche Academy

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IGCSE · Chemistry

IGCSE Chemistry, in the words the mark scheme wants.

Students who understand the chemistry still lose marks on equations, state symbols and the precise words examiners look for. That is teachable, and quicker to fix than the syllabus.

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In short. Arche Academy International teaches IGCSE Chemistry for Cambridge (0620) and Pearson Edexcel (4CH1). Groups of five near Kovan MRT, Singapore are from S$125 per 2-hour lesson; one-to-one lessons on Zoom for students overseas, including in Hong Kong and the UAE, are from US$140.

Every lesson is taught by the founder, Glen Teo. Students moving on get the foundations IB Chemistry builds on. Also taught: IGCSE Maths and IGCSE Physics.

The exam

What your child will sit.

The board is set by the school. Both reward exact chemical language.

Cambridge 0620A multiple-choice paper (Paper 1 Core or Paper 2 Extended), a theory paper (Paper 3 Core or Paper 4 Extended) and a practical paper (Paper 5 practical test or Paper 6 Alternative to Practical).
Edexcel 4CH1Paper 1C (2 hours) and Paper 2C (1 hour 15 minutes). Both papers are needed for the full Chemistry award. Graded 9 to 1.
Practical skillsChemical tests, observations, planning and evaluating experiments. Cambridge tests them in Paper 5 (in a lab) or Paper 6 (in writing); Edexcel tests them inside both written papers.

The subject

Where the marks actually go.

The same five problems come up in almost every diagnostic.

We focus on

  • Balanced equations with state symbols, and ionic equations
  • Moles and calculations set out step by step
  • Electrolysis and redox explained in the expected terms
  • Tests and observations described exactly
  • Experimental planning and Alternative to Practical questions

Included at every level

  • Free 30-minute diagnostic before anything is booked
  • A plan worked back from the exam date
  • Past papers from recent series, marked with written feedback
  • Written progress updates to parents
  • Five to a class in Kovan, or one to one online

Questions

What parents ask.

My child understands Chemistry but scores badly. Why?
Usually the language. Examiners credit specific words, equations with state symbols and calculations set out in steps. A student who knows the chemistry but writes it loosely loses marks on almost every question. That is the first thing we fix.
Should my child take Core or Extended Chemistry?
Extended is needed for grades A* and A, and it is the better preparation for IB Chemistry. We recommend a tier after the diagnostic.
Does IGCSE Chemistry prepare students for IB Chemistry?
It covers the foundations: bonding, moles, energetics and basic organic chemistry. IB Chemistry goes deeper fast, so we make sure moles and equations are automatic before the Diploma starts.
Do you teach IGCSE Chemistry online for students in Hong Kong or the UAE?
Yes, one to one on Zoom, at 8pm on school nights in Hong Kong and between 4pm and 8pm in the UAE.
How much does IGCSE Chemistry tuition cost?
Group classes in Kovan, Singapore are from S$125 per 2-hour lesson, five students maximum. One-to-one lessons online are from US$140 per 2-hour lesson. Full terms are on the fees page.

Send us a marked Chemistry paper.

We’ll tell you whether it’s content or technique.

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