Chemistry is a vital and exciting science which is central to our lives. It affects our food and drink, clothing, the air we breathe, fuel for transport and the materials from which the objects around us are made. Chemistry looks at the substances in the world around us and how they react to form new materials. Students studying chemistry should have a curiosity to know more about the natural world.
IGCSE Chemistry is a compulsory subject at King Henry VIII college: all students beginning Year 10 must take it as part of their IGCSE curriculum. It is a highly respected qualification because of the wide variety of skills that are developed in studying for it. These include logical reasoning, problem solving, numeracy and literacy, which are all highly sought after by universities and employers.
This course provides a sound preparation for those who wish to take the subject further. A Level Chemistry is a popular choice at King Henry VIII, and is an essential requirement for careers such as dentistry, medicine, pharmacy and chemical engineering. Many students of chemistry have also pursued successful careers in other professions including law, finance, other types of engineering, various branches of industry, the civil service, research and teaching.
COURSE OUTLINE & ASSESSMENT
Candidates will study the following topics:
The particulate nature of matter
Experimental techniques
Chemical reactions
Atoms, elements and compounds
Stoichiometry
Electricity and chemistry
Air & Water
Sulphur
Chemical energetics
Chemical reactions
Acids, bases and salts
The Periodic Table
Metals
Carbonate
Organic chemistry
Assessment is entirely by examination at the end of Year 11.
Paper 2
Multiple-choice questions
40 minutes
30% of total marks
Paper 4
Short-answer and
structured-theory questions
1 hour 15 minutes
50% of total marks
Paper 6
Questions based on experimental skills
1 hour
20% of total marks
The Cambridge Assessment International Education website has additional information, including the full syllabus details: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-chemistry-0620/