The Chemist’s toolbox is the Periodic Table of 118 elements, which can be connected using chemical bonds to make a limitless number of different compounds. Chemists devise ingenious experiments to understand the behaviour of invisible nanoscopic particles, using their knowledge to find solutions to real world problems.  

Perhaps the greatest challenge to humanity is to mitigate the consequences of climate change and create a sustainable future for our planet. In our curriculum, you will study the origin and impact of pollutants, understanding why we need to modify our behaviour. You will see the vital role that Chemists play in providing technological solutions, including the synthesis of more efficient solar cells and the use of hydrogen as a clean fuel. Chemists are active citizens who are instrumental in solving a range of other global challenges, such as:

• Finding sustainable approaches to feeding a growing population;

• Developing new medicines to improve our quality of life;

• Devising new methods to provide clean water to billions of people.

Our aim is to develop the skills and knowledge required to understand how the world depends on Chemistry. Today’s Research Chemists solve real world problems, but they all started by understanding the key concepts that you will study at Churston:

• The behaviour of atoms and molecules;

• The reactions of elements and compounds.

In Chemistry lessons, you will learn new practical skills and complete increasingly complex experiments. You will combine elements into different compounds and discover how to separate mixtures and produce pure substances. You will learn to write like a Scientist, applying mathematical skills to analyse your experiments. Above all, you will develop skills that will enable you to succeed in a range of exciting careers in Chemistry.