Author: Penny
Platform: Brashan Chemistry Website
Date: Wednesday, 18 March 2026, 9:00 AM
Topic: Technical STEM Calculation Strategies (Part 1 of 4)

Part 1: Break the Mental Block with the Concrete Approach

Hey there, future scientist! 🚀

Have you ever stared at a multi-step Chemistry titration problem or a complex Physics mechanics question and felt your brain just… freeze? You aren’t alone. Many Year 10-13 students struggle when a calculation moves beyond a simple "plug and play" formula. But what if I told you there’s a simple trick to unlock those high-mark questions?

The secret isn’t just "practising more." It’s about changing how you see the numbers. At Brashan Chemistry, we use a powerful strategy called the Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) method.

Step 1: Get Concrete
Before you even touch your calculator, you need to "see" the science. In the concrete stage, we use physical objects or hands-on models to represent concepts. If you’re stuck on mole ratios in Chemistry, think of them as recipes or physical building blocks. By manipulating the "parts" of a problem physically, you build a foundation that prevents silly errors later.

Elevate your understanding by asking: What is actually happening in the beaker?

When you unleash your ability to visualize the physical world, the math becomes a lot less scary. Ready to soar to new heights in your STEM subjects? Join our community and discover how we make the complex feel simple.

If you want to master these foundations before the next school year, check out our 12-lesson standard program for GCSE to get ahead of the curve!

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive into the power of drawing your way to an A.*

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. BRASHAN CHEMISTRY PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL CONTENT FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES. ENROLLMENT IN SUMMER BOOSTER PROGRAMS IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS. VISIT BRASHANCHEMISTRY.COM FOR FULL POLICY DETAILS.

Author: Penny
Platform: Brashan Chemistry Website
Date: Wednesday, 18 March 2026, 9:00 AM
Topic: Technical STEM Calculation Strategies (Part 2 of 4)

Part 2: Visualizing the Invisible (Representational Stage)

Welcome back! Now that we’ve talked about the physical "feel" of a problem, let’s move to the next stage of the CRA method: Representational.

Unlock your marks by drawing! Many students jump straight from the question text to a formula. This is where the most common mistakes happen. To excel in multi-step calculations, you must bridge the gap with a diagram.

The Power of the Sketch
In Physics, this might be a free-body diagram. In Maths, it could be a graph or a bar model. In Chemistry, it’s often a flow chart showing the journey from mass to moles to concentration.

When you draw the problem, you:

1. Empower your brain to spot missing information.
2. Unleash a clearer path to the solution.
3. Reduce the cognitive load on your working memory.

Don't worry about being an artist! A few boxes and arrows can be the difference between a 1-mark "attempt" and a full-mark solution. We love seeing our students' "aha!" moments when they finally map out a multi-step calculation on paper.

Want to elevate your diagram game? Our Summer Booster programs for Years 10-13 are specifically designed to teach you these visual "shortcuts" that make STEM subjects feel like a breeze.

Coming up in Part 3: Turning your sketches into winning formulas.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. BRASHAN CHEMISTRY PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL CONTENT FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES. ENROLLMENT IN SUMMER BOOSTER PROGRAMS IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS. VISIT BRASHANCHEMISTRY.COM FOR FULL POLICY DETAILS.

Author: Penny
Platform: Brashan Chemistry Website
Date: Wednesday, 18 March 2026, 9:00 AM
Topic: Technical STEM Calculation Strategies (Part 3 of 4)

Part 3: The Final Leap (The Abstract Stage)

We’ve felt the problem (Concrete) and we’ve drawn the problem (Representational). Now, it’s time to empower your calculator! This is the Abstract stage, where we apply formulas and symbolic notation.

The Math Magic
Because you’ve done the heavy lifting in the first two stages, the math now feels like a simple translation. Instead of guessing which formula to use, you are unleashing a strategy you already understand.

To soar through this final stage:

• Write out your formula before substituting numbers.
• Rearrange first, calculate second. (Trust us, it prevents rounding errors!)
• Check your units. Are you working in cm³ or dm³? Joules or Kilojoules?

By breaking the problem down into these three CRA stages, you’ve turned a "scary" 6-mark question into three manageable tasks. This is how the top 1% of STEM students work. They don't have "faster" brains; they have better systems.

Mastering this transition is a core part of our 12-lesson premium program. We don't just teach you the answer; we teach you the process to find any answer.

Join us in Part 4 to learn how collaboration and our Summer Boosters can transform your grades!

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. BRASHAN CHEMISTRY PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL CONTENT FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES. ENROLLMENT IN SUMMER BOOSTER PROGRAMS IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS. VISIT BRASHANCHEMISTRY.COM FOR FULL POLICY DETAILS.

Author: Penny
Platform: Brashan Chemistry Website
Date: Wednesday, 18 March 2026, 9:00 AM
Topic: Technical STEM Calculation Strategies (Part 4 of 4)

Part 4: Join the Community & Boost Your Summer

You’ve learned the CRA method: Concrete, Representational, Abstract. But there is one final "trick" to unlock your full potential: Collaboration.

Research shows that discussing calculation strategies with others helps you recognize why one method works better than another. When you explain your reasoning to a peer, you are literally hard-wiring that knowledge into your brain.

The Brashan Chemistry Journey
This summer, don't just sit in front of a textbook. Journey together with us! Our Summer Booster classes for Years 10 – 13 STEM students are the perfect place to practice these high-level skills in a supportive, high-energy environment.

Whether you are prepping for GCSEs or tackling the A-Level jump, our expert tutors will help you elevate to new heights.

• Discover a community of ambitious students.
• Unleash your full potential with cutting-edge teaching methods.
• Watch your achievements soar as you master the hardest parts of Physics, Chemistry, and Maths.

Ready to start?
Secure your spot in our 2-day crash programme for A-Levels or our 12-week GCSE standard program.

Early-bird bonus: Get 10% off when you book your Summer Booster classes before the end of June.

Let’s make this summer the turning point for your grades. We can't wait to see you there! 🚀

Contact us today at brashanchemistry.com to find the right fit for you.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. BRASHAN CHEMISTRY PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL CONTENT FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES. ENROLLMENT IN SUMMER BOOSTER PROGRAMS IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS. VISIT BRASHANCHEMISTRY.COM FOR FULL POLICY DETAILS.