IB Chemistry Tutor: SL and HL
One-to-one IB Chemistry tuition for Standard and Higher Level, taught by Mr. Ahmad. Structure and reactivity taught as connected ideas, calculations made reliable, and exam answers written to the IB mark scheme. Online worldwide, or in person in Dubai.
The current IB Chemistry syllabus (first exams 2025) reorganised the course around two big ideas — Structure and Reactivity — and the exam papers reflect that: questions cross topic boundaries, data-based questions test unfamiliar experiments, and the extended-response questions in Paper 2 expect students to link bonding to properties, energetics to equilibrium, and structure to reactivity. Memorising topic by topic no longer works.
Mr. Ahmad’s IB Chemistry lessons teach the syllabus the way it is now examined: as connected ideas with the calculations and explanations that go with them. Mole calculations, energetics, equilibrium and acid-base calculations are drilled until they are automatic; organic mechanisms and the “explain” questions are practised against real IB mark schemes; and the data booklet is used properly from the first lesson so the student knows exactly what they do and do not need to remember.
How IB Chemistry is assessed
- Paper 1A — multiple choice (30 questions SL / 40 HL). Paper 1B — data-based questions on experimental work.
- Paper 2 — short-answer and extended-response questions across the whole syllabus (90 min SL / 150 min HL).
- Internal Assessment (20%) — a scientific investigation marked on research design, data analysis, conclusion and evaluation.
- Data booklet and calculator — used in all papers, so the exam tests application rather than recall.
Syllabus topics covered
- Structure 1: Models of the particulate nature of matter — the mole, atomic structure, electron configurations, ideal gases
- Structure 2: Models of bonding and structure — ionic, covalent and metallic bonding, VSEPR, intermolecular forces, hybridisation (HL), materials
- Structure 3: Classification of matter — the periodic table and periodicity, transition elements (HL), functional groups and organic classification
- Reactivity 1: What drives chemical reactions? — enthalpy, Hess’s law, Born-Haber cycles, entropy and Gibbs energy, electrochemical cells and electrolysis
- Reactivity 2: How much, how fast and how far? — stoichiometry, limiting reagents, rates and rate equations, equilibrium and Kc, Le Chatelier
- Reactivity 3: What are the mechanisms of chemical change? — proton transfer (acids and bases, pH, buffers), electron transfer (redox), electron sharing, nucleophilic and electrophilic substitution and addition, Lewis acids and bases (HL)
How Mr. Ahmad teaches IB Chemistry
- Structure and Reactivity taught as linked ideas, the way Paper 2 questions now combine them
- Calculations (moles, energetics, equilibrium, pH) drilled to full reliability
- Organic mechanisms drawn and explained until curly arrows are second nature
- Data-based questions (Paper 1B) practised weekly, using real experimental contexts
- IA support: a workable research question, sensible data collection, proper uncertainty analysis
- Full timed papers and mark-scheme review before May or November exams
Why students work with Mr. Ahmad
- 13+ years of one-to-one tutoring across British, IB, American, SABIS and Australian curricula
- Exam-focused: every lesson is built around what the mark scheme rewards, not just what the textbook says
- Online lessons that actually work: iPad and digital whiteboard on Zoom or Google Meet, so you see every line of working
- Lesson notes and worksheets after each session, so the student has something to revise from
- Flexible timing across time zones, including evenings and weekends
How lessons work
- Trial lesson at 50% off. A first full lesson at half price, to see where the student is and how we work together.
- Plan. We map the syllabus against the exam date and agree what to cover, in what order.
- Weekly lessons. One-to-one, usually 60 or 90 minutes, with homework set from past-paper questions.
- Exam run-in. Timed papers, mark-scheme review, and a checklist of the mistakes that cost marks.
Book a trial lesson (50% off)
Try a full lesson with Mr. Ahmad at half price before you commit to anything. It is a real lesson, not a sales call: bring a topic the student is stuck on and we will work through it together.
- Online from anywhere in the world, or in person across Dubai
- You get honest feedback on where the student stands and what to fix first
- No card, no contract — if it is not the right fit, that is fine
Prefer to talk? Message on WhatsApp and you will hear back within 24 hours.
Based in Dubai and looking for in-person lessons? See the IB Chemistry tutor in Dubai page for local details.
Frequently asked questions
Do you teach the new IB Chemistry syllabus?
Yes. Lessons follow the current Structure/Reactivity syllabus (first assessment 2025), including the Paper 1A/1B format and the revised IA criteria.
What is the difference between SL and HL chemistry?
HL adds depth in most topics (hybridisation, transition metals, Born-Haber cycles, entropy and Gibbs energy, rate mechanisms, buffers, Lewis acids) and sits longer papers. HL is expected for chemistry, medicine and engineering applications at many universities.
Can you help with the Chemistry IA?
Yes, from choosing a research question that can actually be investigated through to processing the data and evaluating the method, with the work remaining the student’s own.
Do you teach students at IB schools outside Dubai?
Yes. Most IB Chemistry students are taught online across Europe, Asia and the Gulf, at times fixed around their school day.
Make IB Chemistry connect
Book a trial lesson (50% off) and bring the Paper 2 question that made least sense.