Introducing the new Neap Assessment Series book for QCE Chemistry Units 3&4
We recently caught up with our authors Brett Steeples and Dominique Ridley to discuss the QCE Chemistry 2025 General senior syllabus and how the Neap Assessment Series will support teachers and students with revision.
What content in the QCE Chemistry 2025 General senior syllabus for Units 3&4 have you most enjoyed sharing with students so far?
BS: My favourite content is right at the beginning in Unit 3, Topic 1. Once students have grasped the concept of equilibrium systems, it’s very rewarding to expand this and teach acid/base behaviour, indicator systems and volumetric analysis. Students often have an ‘aha’ moment when they realise that seemingly different concepts are all applications of the same equilibrium principles. It’s a topic that sets the foundation for success in chemistry.
DR: I love getting to the end of Unit 4, Topic 1 and being able to link equilibrium principles from Unit 3 to chemical synthesis and real-world decisions that chemists make. When a student makes those links, they realise that what they’re learning has a broader purpose. There is also a shared sense of accomplishment that we have made it this far in the syllabus.
How can teachers use Neap Assessment Series: QCE Chemistry Units 3&4 to facilitate student learning and revision?
DR: This resource is fantastic for teachers as it collates questions by topic and sub-topic. The detailed solutions can also help early career chemistry teachers understand the reasoning behind expected responses and help build their confidence in teaching the content.
It can be used as a diagnostic tool to identify areas of weakness, as a starter activity, exit ticket, homework assignment … the options are endless!
BS: The resource is much more than a collection of practice questions. Teachers can use it throughout their teaching of Units 3&4 to introduce unfamiliar question styles, provide targeted revision opportunities and identify common misconceptions before assessment. The questions closely reflect the style, structure and cognitive demands of the external exam, allowing students to become familiar with the language and expectations required.
I particularly like using questions as discussion starters in class rather than simply using them to test knowledge; teachers can get to the reasoning behind correct responses and help students develop the analytical skills required for success in the external exam.
Do you have any tips for how students can use the Neap Assessment Series: QCE Chemistry Units 3&4 to prepare for the end-of-year exam?
BS: I think the best advice I can offer students is to treat every question as an opportunity to improve, not simply as a test of what they already know. When working through the book, students should avoid looking at the solutions immediately and instead attempt each question under exam conditions. After marking their work, they should try to carefully analyse any errors and identify whether the issue was a misunderstanding of chemistry concepts, a problem with calculations or difficulty interpreting the question.
I would also encourage students to revisit questions several weeks later. Being able to answer a question correctly a second time is a great indicator of learning
DR: Because the book has been divided into the different sub-topics, it can be used by students to identify areas of strength and weakness by specific content areas, allowing more targeted revision. Additionally, using the difficulty rating for each question can allow students to develop confidence in their knowledge as they work towards the external exam. The book can also be used for spaced practice and regular retrieval practice to build confidence and improve performance.
What makes the Neap Assessment Series: QCE Chemistry Units 3&4 stand out from other resources?
DR: The Neap Assessment Series is closely aligned to the QCAA syllabus and written by experienced teachers. Each question has been designed to allow students to not only build their confidence but also increase their capability. The depth that the book brings to teachers or students during revision will increase student performance and allow them to walk into the external exam with confidence.
BS: What sets the book apart is the authenticity of its questions. The resource challenges students to apply their knowledge in unfamiliar contexts, which is exactly what they are required to do in the external exam. The breadth of questions allows students to consolidate fundamental concepts while also stretching more capable learners with higher-order thinking tasks. Equally important are the detailed solutions, which help students understand not only what the correct answer is, but why it is correct. In my experience, resources that promote this deeper level of thinking are the ones that have the greatest impact on student achievement.
My goal, when writing the questions, was that when students go through their external exam in perusal time, there should be no surprises!
A must-have resource for the QCE Chemistry 2025 General senior syllabus.
This Neap Assessment Series book will offer comprehensive coverage of the QCE Chemistry Units 3&4 2025 General senior syllabus and feature:
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Unit and Topic summaries and key definitions
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practice questions for every topic in the syllabus
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a difficulty rating for each question
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detailed solutions and marking guides.
Want to learn more about the Neap Assessment Series? Reach out to our team or explore our website for more information.
