The Student Room Group

Should I take higher chemistry

I need 9ne more subject for my time table next year and I'm considering taking higher chemistry as my friends said its easier than national 5 chem (I only got a C at national 5) but I don't know if that's just because they got good grades last year. I need to get at least 3 Bs next year so I'm not sure if I should risk taking chemistry again and get a bad grade.
I also only got a C at N5 maths and failed higher for that so not sure if it's a good idea for chem.

Reply 1

Original post
by Analiese.stevi3
I need 9ne more subject for my time table next year and I'm considering taking higher chemistry as my friends said its easier than national 5 chem (I only got a C at national 5) but I don't know if that's just because they got good grades last year. I need to get at least 3 Bs next year so I'm not sure if I should risk taking chemistry again and get a bad grade.
I also only got a C at N5 maths and failed higher for that so not sure if it's a good idea for chem.

I do not think that you should take higher chem if you need 3 Bs this year and barely passed N5 - it is a big stp up from N5, most people who got decent are failing Higher. That isn't to say you will, but I don;t think it's easier than N5. You're probably better off picking a subject you enjoy and will manage to get a B in
Original post
by Analiese.stevi3
I need 9ne more subject for my time table next year and I'm considering taking higher chemistry as my friends said its easier than national 5 chem (I only got a C at national 5) but I don't know if that's just because they got good grades last year. I need to get at least 3 Bs next year so I'm not sure if I should risk taking chemistry again and get a bad grade.
I also only got a C at N5 maths and failed higher for that so not sure if it's a good idea for chem.

Hi Analiese,
It’s great that you’re thinking carefully about your subject choices! Higher Chemistry is definitely a step up from National 5- it builds on a lot of the same topics but goes into a lot more depth. Personally, I found it okay, but it was still a challenge at times. I took the higher in 2022, so I had some aspects, like the assignment removed due to COVID so I can't comment on how that section is.

The biggest thing I’d say is: pick it if you enjoy it! Chemistry has a lot of content, and if you’re interested in it, you’ll be much more motivated to put in the work. If you’re unsure, maybe look over some Higher Chemistry topics in advance & speak to a teacher about whether they think it’s the right choice for you. If you like Chemistry and are happy to put in the effort, it’s definitely doable! But if you struggled with National 5 and didn’t enjoy it, Higher Chemistry could be quite demanding, especially alongside your other subjects.

At the end of the day, go with what feels right for you- don’t just pick it because your friends say it’s easier, everyone's got different subjects that they find easier than others so best to think about what you feel you'd enjoy.
Hope this helps!


Emily (:
Official University of Strathclyde Rep

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