If you are a DSE chemistry student hoping to take the IGCSE chemistry exams, and are wondering about the similarities and differences in the syllabi, you have come to the right place. The below details the two courses, as well as some challenges to be aware of when switching from DSE to IGCSE chemistry.
The Basics
HKDSE chemistry is typically taught over 3 years compared to IGCSE’s 2. Therefore, the content taught in IGCSE is typically easier compared to HKDSE. Its approximate level of difficulty is similar to the old Hong Kong curriculum - HKCEE.
There are two exam boards for IGCSE chemistry available in Hong Kong which students can choose between: Edexcel or Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). There are very few differences between IGCSE CIE and Edexcel. The topics and content are mostly similar, and the only differences lie in the structure of exam papers and test techniques.
In the new IGCSE curriculum, students are marked from grades 1 to 9, with grade 1 being the lowest and grade 9 being the highest. Students must earn approximately 80% of the marks in their exams to get grade 9. In comparison, HKDSE Chemistry requires students to earn 90% of marks in the examinations to get their highest grading - 5**. Typically, it is easier to get the highest grade in IGCSE than in HKDSE.
Self-Study Tips
It is recommend that DSE students in years 10-11 (中三，中四）start putting aside time for extra study and prepare for IGCSE examinations, since the process will take approximately 1 to 2 years. Additionally, the DSE curriculum is less challenging in those years, so students should take advantage of this less stressful period to prepare for the IGCSE.
However, self-study students should note that HKDSE chemistry is taught in a more detailed and complicated way and it typically takes longer to complete one topic. If DSE students try to self-study IGCSE Chemistry during years 10-11, they will usually only have learnt a few similar topics in DSE. For example, local HK students will study atomic structure, bonding and structure, metals, mole calculations, and acid-base topics in years 10-11. Though IGCSE is simpler, they cover a far wider scope of topics in a short period of time. DSE students may have to learn topics such as chemical testing, redox, kinetics, energetics, gas and volume, entirely by themselves, because they would not have studied it yet in HKDSE.
Additionally, HKDSE students should take note of some relevant experiments in IGCSE chemistry. For example, they should learn how to identify/speculate chemicals and their quantity through an experiment’s methodology, and how to compare the rate of reactions through various experimental methods. This is especially relevant for IGCSE CIE’s Paper 3, which is entirely composed of experiment-based questions.
It is suggested that DSE students find a list of practicals on Edexcel and CIE chemistry official websites. Videos of the practicals can be found on Youtube by searching the relevant key terms. Students may mark down the assumption, observation, chemical equations and conclusion for the experiment while watching experiment videos.
It is also effective practice to complete past papers. IGCSE topics, mark schemes, and curriculums may often change, but the fundamental concepts and contents stay the same. Even if the syllabus is new, past papers offer a wealth of material to help you prepare. Moreover, you can get a good idea of which practicals are frequently included in exams.
Lastly, the biggest difference between IGCSE and DSE is the style of exam questions. IGCSE questions will typically be more straightforward. For example, if you get a comparison question on an IGCSE paper, students usually only have to discuss at most 2-3 comparative factors. Additionally, DSE students should familiarise themselves with the mark schemes for IGCSE. In DSE, it is expected that you will write long, comprehensive, and detailed answers. IGCSE does not require this. Instead, use the mark schemes to find out what keywords and answer types they prefer. Then, students will know how to approach IGCSE questions and can limit the amount of time spent on each question.
Hopefully, you now feel you are ready to tackle IGCSE chemistry to go along with your DSE studies. If, however, you are still feeling unsure, CANA Elite’s tutors can provide you with expert guidance so you can prepare for IGCSE chemistry and the pressures that come with taking an extra examination on top of your school pressures. Feel free to contact us for more details.
