SubjectsChemistry

The Chemistry curriculum is designed to engage, inspire, and challenge students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to understand the fundamental building blocks of matter and how they interact. Chemistry helps students to develop a deeper understanding of the physical world, from atomic structure to complex organic molecules and prepares them to apply their knowledge to real-world issues such as sustainability, medicine, and technology.

In line with the A Level syllabus, the Chemistry Department aims to ensure that all students:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of key chemical principles, including atomic structure, bonding, and energetics.

• Become proficient in practical skills by conducting hands-on experiments that allow them to plan, execute, and evaluate scientific investigations.

• Apply their knowledge to solve problems in various contexts, including environmental challenges, healthcare, and industrial processes.

• Interpret and communicate scientific data effectively, using the language of chemistry.

Key Stage 5 students can complete an A Level in Chemistry, which covers a broad range of topics across three core areas:

• Physical Chemistry – Atomic structure, bonding, energetics, kinetics, equilibria, thermodynamics, rate equations, and acids and bases.

• Inorganic Chemistry – Periodicity, Group 2 elements, Group 7 halogens, period 3 elements and their oxides, transition metals, and reactions of ions.

• Organic Chemistry – Alkanes, haloalkanes, alkenes, alcohols, organic analysis, organic synthesis, polymers, amino acids, proteins, and DNA.

The A Level course is assessed through three written exams at the end of Year 13, each lasting two hours and carrying equal weight. There is no coursework element in the final assessment.

Students also complete a Practical Endorsement throughout the course, which assesses their practical skills separately from their final A Level grade. This endorsement is essential for students applying to STEM-based university courses.

The Chemistry Department provides a range of dynamic resources, including Knowledge Organisers and practical guides, to support students’ learning and progress. Rigorous assessment gives detailed feedback to students, allowing them to continuously improve in every aspect of their work.

Chemistry opens doors to a wide variety of exciting careers, including:

• Clinical Scientist

• Biochemist

• Crime Scene Investigator

• Forensic Scientist

• Medicinal Chemist

• Nanotechnologist

• Palaeontologist

• Toxicologist

Studying Chemistry at A Level gives students the foundation to pursue further study in the sciences and prepares them to make meaningful contributions in scientific and technological fields.