The 2024 VCE Chemistry exam prompted a diverse range of reactions from students and teachers. We had the opportunity to discuss the exam with Edrolo teacher-presenter Louis Leonard, an experienced educator with over 16 years in both VCE and IB, and a VCE examiner.
Here's a breakdown of Louis's insights and his guidance for preparing for the 2025 exam. The full exam analysis interview recording is available to Edrolo Daily Practice and Daily Plus subscribers.
Overall reactions to the 2024 Chemistry exam
Generally, students and teachers found the exam to be accessible. However, the new study design introduced in 2024 brought a substantial amount of new content, which some students found challenging. There were questions that appeared beyond the scope of the study design, leading to surprises and a need for clarification from VCAA.
Surprising and challenging questions
Several questions stood out as unexpected or particularly difficult:
- KP expression: A question in the short answer section asked for an expression for the equilibrium constant KP, which had not appeared in prior exams. This was due to the study design's use of capital K as a general equilibrium constant, whereas previous designs used K subscript little c. VCAA compensated for this in the marking.
- Theoretical enthalpy change: The new study design includes average bond enthalpy values in the data book. Questions requiring the calculation of enthalpy change using these values surprised many teachers and students. The sample exam had such a question, but performance was poor due to its novelty.
- Balancing redox equations in alkaline conditions: This new inclusion in the study design proved challenging. The technique involves adding hydroxide ions to both sides of the equation after balancing hydrogen ions.
- High resolution NMR integration curves: A question regarding the relevance and significance of integration curves in proton NMR was not well answered, despite being clearly stated in the study design.
Areas where students performed well
Questions related to sustainability were generally well answered. VCAA included diagrams for linear and circular economy, UN sustainability development goals, and principles of green chemistry in the data book. Questions testing the application of chemistry principles to these areas were accessible to many students.
Section A - Multiple choice
There were two multiple-choice questions out of 30 deemed invalid by VCAA, meaning all students received credit for them. This highlights the importance of time management and not getting fixated on a single question. If a question seems nonsensical, it's best to move on and return to it later if time allows. Always eliminate obvious distractors and make an educated guess if unsure.
Section B - Short answer
- Easiest Question: Question 3A, involving a simple nutrition information panel, was considered the easiest. It required students to find information in the data book and perform a straightforward calculation of energy
. - Hardest Question: Question 8, part B, part 4, asked to compare the resolution of data in two methods. This question was challenging due to confusion regarding the definition of resolution. There are discrepancies between current study design documents and the initial information given to textbook writers.
- Trickiest Question: Question 3C, part 3, involved theoretical bond enthalpy and required qualitative interpretation of numerical data, a novel approach not seen before.
Tips for teachers
- Study Design as a checklist: Use the study design as a comprehensive checklist to ensure all key knowledge and key science points are covered.
- Command terms: Emphasise command terms such as "compare," "analyse," and "evaluate" in SACs to prepare students for exam expectations.
- Variety in SACs: Utilise all five SAC types (scientific investigation and poster, calculations and problem solving, comparison of two practicals, using primary/secondary data, and case study/media article).
- Key science skills: Dedicate lessons to key science skills and integrate them into every key knowledge area. Use Edrolo's key science skills lessons for additional support.
- Address common misconceptions: Discuss the VCAA Examiner's Report with students to highlight common errors and misconceptions.
- Independent and dependent variables: Reinforce understanding of independent and dependent variables through frequent questioning in demonstrations and practical classes.
Tips for students
- Study Design focus: Use the study design as a checklist to ensure comprehensive coverage of all points.
- Practice regularly: Solve a multitude of trial exams and practice papers.
- Exam strategies: Develop effective exam strategies, such as brain dumps at the start of reading time and prioritizing questions you are confident with.
- Don't linger on tricky questions: Move on from questions that seem difficult or unusual and return to them later if time allows.
- Key science skills mastery: Master key science skills such as defining variables, understanding accuracy, precision, validity, resolution, reproducibility, and repeatability.
- Sustainability focus: Practice applying chemistry principles to sustainability and green chemistry, as these topics are heavily emphasised.
- Organic chemistry memory work: Create a map of organic chemistry reaction pathways and regularly review them, as some memory work is still required, particularly in Unit 4.
- Ask questions: Do not hesitate to ask your teacher questions for clarification.
- Master study techniques: Find study techniques and exam strategies that work for you, and stick with them.
Key takeaways
The 2024 VCE Chemistry exam emphasised both key knowledge and key science skills, often pushing students to apply their knowledge in new and unexpected contexts. Preparation should involve not just memorisation but also a deep understanding of concepts, practical application of skills, and effective exam strategies.
