Muhammad Usman Rafi IBDP/IAL/AP/IGCSE Chemistry teacher
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Experienced Chemistry Educator | Curriculum Specialist | Student Success Advocate

With over 10 years of teaching experience in Dubai, UAE, I am a dedicated Chemistry educator with a proven track record of inspiring academic excellence. I specialize in a variety of curricula, including the British Curriculum (IGCSE/AL) and American frameworks such as Common Core, Advanced Placement (AP), and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. I have successfully taught across leading examination boards like Cambridge, Edexcel, AQA, and OCR, empowering students with the knowledge and skills to excel in their assessments.

What Makes Me the Best Choice for Students
I bring a student-centered teaching style that prioritizes engagement, understanding, and confidence-building. My methodology integrates:

Differentiation: Adapting lessons to accommodate diverse learning styles, abilities, and ESL/EAL needs.
Interactive Learning: Using inquiry-based and hands-on approaches to make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging.
Technology Integration: Leveraging cutting-edge educational tools, including virtual labs, simulations, and collaborative platforms, to create immersive learning experiences.
Skill Development: Focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, and exam techniques to build lifelong skills.
Assessment Readiness: Incorporating past papers, topical questions, and regular progress checks to prepare students for high-stakes exams effectively.
Student Success Highlights (2024)
My students consistently achieve remarkable academic outcomes, reflecting the effectiveness of my teaching methodologies:

Sarah Ahmed: 98% in IGCSE Chemistry
John Smith: A* in IAL Chemistry
Maria Khan: 5 in AP Chemistry
Ahmed Ali: 7 in IB Chemistry
Aisha Malik: 96% in IGCSE Physics
Omar Farooq: A in IAL Chemistry and A in IAL Biology
Emma Wilson: 4.8 GPA in AP Chemistry
Zainab Hussain: 95% in IGCSE Mathematics and Chemistry
Ali Raza: A* in IGCSE Combined Science
Hannah Lee: 6 in IB HL Chemistry
Bilal Hassan: A in IAL Physics
Fatima Noor: 97% in IGCSE Biology
Commitment to Excellence
My mission is to inspire a deep understanding of chemical concepts, foster a passion for science, and empower students to reach their full potential. By combining innovative teaching strategies with a compassionate and adaptive approach, I strive to make learning a transformative and rewarding journey for every student I teach.

Subjects

  • AP Chemistry

  • AQA Chemistry Grade 8-Grade 12

  • IB Chemistry SL/HL

  • IGCSE 9-1 Chemistry

  • Edexcel IAL Chemistry

Experience

  • Chemistry teacher (Jul, 2018–Present) at GEMS AKADEMIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
    With a decade of teaching experience, I specialize in delivering exceptional education across IGCSE/IAL (Edexcel, AQA, OCR, CAIE) and IBDP, AP, and NGSS curricula for Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Science, and Maths. My expertise includes crafting engaging lesson plans, developing impactful learning resources, and implementing teaching strategies tailored to meet diverse student needs. I am skilled at preparing students for examinations, ensuring a deep understanding of core concepts, and promoting critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Proficient in differentiating instruction, I effectively support students of varying proficiency levels, fostering their academic growth and success.

Education

  • MS chemistry (Jun, 2018–Aug, 2020) from Zhejiang University of Science and Technology
  • BSc Chemistry (Jun, 2014–Jan, 2018) from GC University Lahore

Fee details

    د.إ100–500/hour (US$27.25–136.24/hour)

    Depending on class

Courses offered

  • IBDP HL/SL

    • د.إ200
    • Duration: 1 Hour
    • Delivery mode: Online
    • Group size: Individual
    • Instruction language: English
    • Certificate provided: No
    As an experienced IBDP Chemistry teacher, I focus on preparing students for success in both HL and SL by aligning instruction with the IB course outline and emphasizing exam readiness. My teaching approach is structured to cover the IB core topics, such as atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, and organic chemistry, along with the additional higher-level content for HL students. I incorporate the option topics effectively, tailoring the choice to student interests and school priorities.

    My lessons are designed to help students develop a solid understanding of fundamental concepts while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I place significant emphasis on IB exam preparation by integrating past paper practice, mark scheme analysis, and examiner feedback into the learning process. Students are trained to master multiple-choice questions in Paper 1, construct structured responses for Paper 2, and tackle data-based and experimental questions in Paper 3 with confidence.

    To support Internal Assessment (IA) success, I guide students through the process of designing, conducting, and evaluating experiments, ensuring that their investigations meet IB criteria for creativity, rigor, and precision. I also incorporate discussions that link Chemistry to the Theory of Knowledge (TOK), encouraging students to explore interdisciplinary connections and reflect on the ethical and global implications of scientific advancements.

    My goal is to help students achieve top scores in their IB exams while equipping them with the analytical skills, scientific knowledge, and practical experience needed for higher education and beyond. By maintaining a student-centered and results-driven approach, I ensure that learners are well-prepared to meet the demands of the IBDP Chemistry curriculum and excel in their academic journeys.
    Proven Success
    Ahmed Ali: 7 in HL Chemistry, 2024
    Hannah Lee: 6 in HL Chemistry, 2024
    Maria Khan: 5 in SL Chemistry, 2024
    Bilal Hassan: A high-scoring IA, contributing significantly to his overall grade

  • A-Level Chemistry Cambridge International (CAIE 9701)

    • د.إ200
    • Duration: 1 Hour
    • Delivery mode: Online
    • Group size: Individual
    • Instruction language: English
    • Certificate provided: No
    As an experienced A-Level Chemistry teacher, I specialize in preparing students for the Cambridge International 9701 syllabus, focusing on achieving top grades in both AS and A2 examinations. My teaching approach is meticulously aligned with the syllabus, covering the essential topics of Physical, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry. Key areas include atomic structure, bonding, moles, energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, periodicity, transition metals, and the comprehensive study of organic compounds and their reactions.

    I adopt a structured approach to ensure students develop a deep understanding of theoretical principles while reinforcing practical application through experimental work. Lessons are designed to build critical thinking and analytical skills, with an emphasis on problem-solving and applying concepts to unfamiliar scenarios—essential for excelling in CAIE exams.

    Student Success Stories
    My students consistently achieve outstanding results, reflecting the effectiveness of my teaching methodologies:

    Emily Taylor: A* in A-Level Chemistry, 2024
    Omar Al-Fahad: A in A-Level Chemistry and A in Biology, 2024
    Layla Hassan: A* in AS Chemistry, 2024
    Ali Khan: A* in A-Level Chemistry, 2023
    Zara Abdullah: 92% in AS Chemistry, 2023
    Hassan Ahmed: A in AS Chemistry, 2023
    Focus on Exam Preparation
    Exam preparation is a key focus of my teaching. I incorporate past paper practice, mark scheme analysis, and examiner insights into lessons, helping students excel in the assessment objectives: knowledge and understanding, application of knowledge, and experimental skills. I also provide targeted support for mastering the practical paper (Paper 3/5), ensuring students can confidently design, execute, and evaluate experiments to meet CAIE standards.

    By creating tailored study plans, providing topic-specific resources, and offering consistent feedback, I empower students to excel academically. Beyond achieving stellar grades, I aim to inspire a genuine passion for Chemistry and equip students with the skills needed for success in higher education and professional pursuits.

  • IAL-Edexcel

    • د.إ200
    • Duration: 1 Hour
    • Delivery mode: Online
    • Group size: Individual
    • Instruction language: English
    • Certificate provided: No
    As an experienced International A-Level (IAL) Chemistry teacher, I specialize in preparing students for the Edexcel IAL Chemistry syllabus, focusing on achieving top grades in both AS and A2 examinations. My teaching approach is aligned with Edexcel’s comprehensive curriculum, covering key areas of Physical, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry. Topics include atomic structure, bonding, energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, periodicity, redox reactions, organic chemistry, and the study of various organic compounds and their mechanisms.

    My teaching methodology ensures a deep understanding of core concepts, while also providing practical application through experimental work. I emphasize analytical thinking, problem-solving, and exam technique—essential for excelling in IAL assessments. Lessons are tailored to help students gain mastery in both theoretical and practical aspects of Chemistry, ensuring they are fully prepared for their exams.

    Student Success Stories
    My students consistently achieve outstanding results in their IAL Chemistry exams, demonstrating the effectiveness of my approach:

    Amira Al-Farsi: A* in IAL Chemistry, 2024
    Hassan Omar: A in IAL Chemistry and A in Biology, 2024
    Liam Matthews: A* in AS Chemistry, 2024
    Mariam Al-Sayed: A* in IAL Chemistry, 2023
    Omar Ahmed: 90% in AS Chemistry, 2023
    Sofia Al-Mansoori: A in AS Chemistry, 2023
    Focus on IAL Exam Preparation
    In my approach, I integrate extensive past paper practice, mark scheme analysis, and examiner report feedback to ensure students are well-prepared for all components of the IAL exams. I place a strong emphasis on mastering the written exam (Paper 1 and Paper 2), as well as the practical paper (Paper 3), where I guide students to design, conduct, and analyze experiments with precision.

    By providing personalized resources, continuous feedback, and tailored support in weak areas, I empower students to achieve academic success. My ultimate goal is not just to help students obtain top grades, but also to inspire a lasting passion for Chemistry and prepare them for future academic and career opportunities.

  • IGCSE Edexcel/CAIE

    • د.إ200
    • Duration: 1 Hour
    • Delivery mode: Online
    • Group size: Individual
    • Instruction language: English
    • Certificate provided: No
    As an experienced IGCSE Chemistry teacher, I specialize in preparing students for the Edexcel and Cambridge International (CAIE) IGCSE Chemistry exams, with a focus on achieving excellent results. My teaching approach is aligned with the IGCSE curriculum, covering key topics such as atomic structure, bonding, the periodic table, acids and bases, energy changes, chemical reactions, and organic chemistry. These are complemented by practical skills development, where students are trained to conduct experiments and apply theoretical concepts in real-world situations.

    I focus on building a strong foundation in Chemistry while ensuring students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and exam strategies. Lessons are designed to engage students with interactive content, emphasizing understanding the concepts and applying them to solve exam-style questions. I integrate regular past paper practice, topic tests, and feedback to boost student performance and confidence.

    Student Success Stories
    My students consistently achieve exceptional results in their IGCSE Chemistry exams, demonstrating the effectiveness of my teaching:

    Lina Al-Farsi: A* in IGCSE Chemistry, 2024
    Youssef Al-Rashid: A in IGCSE Chemistry and A in Physics, 2024
    Amina Ahmed: A* in IGCSE Chemistry, 2023
    Omar Ibrahim: A* in IGCSE Chemistry, 2023
    Sarah Ali: 95% in IGCSE Chemistry, 2023
    Ziad Nasser: A in IGCSE Chemistry, 2023
    Focus on IGCSE Exam Preparation
    I place great emphasis on exam-focused preparation, helping students excel in both the written papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2) and practical components (Paper 3). I incorporate past paper practice, detailed mark scheme reviews, and regular feedback to ensure students understand what examiners expect and how to approach each question effectively.

    In addition to exam practice, I work closely with students on developing their practical skills, ensuring they can confidently carry out experiments and write up their results to meet the IGCSE standards.

    Through personalized resources, regular assessments, and individual support, I aim to help each student achieve their full potential in IGCSE Chemistry, while fostering a lasting interest in the subject and building a strong foundation for future studies.

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