An Updated Overview of Cambridge iGCSE Chemistry for Teachers
A Must-Read for International British School Teachers, including syllabus overview, assessment, teaching focus & top iGCSE resources.
Cambridge iGCSE Chemistry (0620) is a cornerstone qualification in international British schools, offering students a strong grounding in chemical principles, experimental skills, and scientific thinking. Designed for learners aged 14–16, the course balances theoretical understanding with practical application — preparing students for further study at A Level, IB, and beyond.
For teachers, success with iGCSE Chemistry depends on a clear understanding of the latest syllabus requirements, assessment objectives, and access to high-quality iGCSE resources. This guide summarises everything you need to know from the official Cambridge specification starting in 2026.
Why Teach Cambridge iGCSE Chemistry?
Cambridge iGCSE Chemistry is internationally recognised and valued for its academic rigour and clarity. It aims to help students:
- Understand key chemical concepts and principles
- Apply chemistry to real-world and industrial contexts
- Develop practical laboratory and investigative skills
The course is designed to support a wide range of learners, with Core and Supplement pathways, making it ideal for diverse international classrooms.
Overview of the iGCSE Chemistry (0620) Specification
The full syllabus PDF from Cambridge International outlines the subject content, assessment structure, and practical skills required for examination success. As with all Cambridge science qualifications, the emphasis is on understanding, application, and experimentation, rather than rote memorisation.
Key Topics Covered
- 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
Assessment Structure Explained
Cambridge iGCSE Chemistry is assessed through:
- Papers 1/2 consist of 40 multiple-choice questions
- Papers 3/4 consist of short answers and structured questions
- Papers 5/6 consist of questions based on experimental skills
Your students can study the Core subject content or the Supplement subject content.
The exam series is offered in June and November (and March in some regions such as India).
Cambridge and Seneca Learning provide schemes of work, specimen papers, and examiner reports to guide classroom assessment and lesson planning.
Essential iGCSE Teaching Resources
To support your delivery of the Cambridge Chemistry specification, here are key resource types you should integrate:
- Syllabus & official documents
- Free digital platforms
- Past papers & mark schemes
- AI-generated quizzes based on your own resources
- Descriptions of practical activities
Access high-quality Cambridge iGCSE Chemistry resources
Tips for International British School Educators
- Plan with the syllabus in mind. Every lesson should link back to a learning objective from the official document.
- Reinforce command words. Many marks are lost due to misinterpreting exam language.
- Emphasise practical skills early. Students who engage with experiments throughout the course perform better on assessments.
- Share iGCSE resources. Collaborate with colleagues and leverage international teacher networks for fresh ideas.
- Use exam questions regularly. Familiarity builds confidence and accuracy
- Support EAL learners. Chemistry vocabulary can be a barrier without explicit teaching
Final Thoughts
Cambridge iGCSE Chemistry offers a robust, internationally respected curriculum that equips students with both academic knowledge and essential scientific skills. For teachers in international British schools, success lies in clear syllabus alignment, consistent practical work, and the intelligent use of trusted IGCSE resources.
With thoughtful planning and the right support materials, iGCSE Chemistry can become one of the most rewarding and impactful courses you teach.
