Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry develops a set of transferable skills including handling data, practical problem-solving, and applying the scientific method.

Learners develop relevant attitudes, such as concern for accuracy and precision, objectivity, integrity, enquiry, initiative, and inventiveness. 

They acquire the essential scientific skills required for progression to further studies or employment.

Our approach in Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry encourages learners to be:

• confident

•  interested in learning about science

•  questioning ideas and using scientific language to communicate their views and opinions responsibly

•  working methodically and safely when working alone or collaboratively with others reflective,

• learning from their experiences and interest in scientific issues that affect the individual

•  the community and the environment innovative

•  solving unfamiliar problems confidently and creatively engaged

•  keen to develop scientific skills, curious about scientific principles and their application in the world.

Aims :

•  acquire scientific knowledge and understanding of scientific theories and practice 

•  develop a range of experimental skills, including handling variables and working safely 

• use scientific data and evidence to solve problems and discuss the limitations of scientific methods 

•  communicate effectively and clearly, using scientific terminology, notation, and conventions 

•  understand that the application of scientific knowledge can benefit people and the environment 

• enjoy science and develop an informed interest in scientific matters which support further study 

Candidates study the following topics: 

1   States of matter 

2   Atoms, elements, and compounds

3   Stoichiometry

4   Electrochemistry 

5   Chemical energetics

6   Chemical reactions

7   Acids, bases, and salts

8   The Periodic Table 

9   Metals 

10  Chemistry of the environment 

11  Organic chemistry 

12  Experimental techniques and chemical analysis

The assessment objectives (AOs) are: 

AO1 Knowledge with understanding

 Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: 

• scientific phenomena, facts, laws, definitions, concepts, and theories

 • scientific vocabulary, terminology, and conventions (including symbols, quantities, and units) 

• scientific instruments and apparatus, including techniques of operation and aspects of safety

 • scientific and technological applications with their social, economic, and environmental implications. 

Subject content defines the factual material that candidates may be required to recall and explain. 

Candidates will also be asked questions that require them to apply this material to unfamiliar contexts and to apply knowledge from one area of the syllabus to another. 

AO2 Handling information and problem-solving

 Candidates should be able, in words or using other written forms of presentation (i.e. symbolic, graphical, and numerical), to: 

• locate, select, organize and present information from a variety of sources 

• translate information from one form to another

 • manipulate numerical and other data

 • use the information to identify patterns, report trends, and form conclusions

 • present reasoned explanations for phenomena, patterns, and relationships

• make predictions based on relationships and patterns

• solve problems, including some of a quantitative nature. Questions testing these skills may be based on information that is unfamiliar to candidates, requiring them to apply the principles and concepts from the syllabus to a new situation, in a logical, deductive way. 

AO3 Experimental skills and investigations

 Candidates should be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge of how to select and safely use techniques, apparatus, and materials (including following a sequence of instructions where appropriate) 

• plan experiments and investigations 

• make and record observations, measurements, and estimates 

• interpret and evaluate experimental observations and data

• evaluate methods and suggest possible improvements.