Chemistry FAQs

Generally students do find that there is a big ‘jump’ between GCSE - IB, as some of the early-on concepts can be challenging. Students will have some familiarity with the topics, however they go into much greater detail at IB level, and challenge students’ preconceptions. Typically students find the transition from Year 12-13 much more seamless.

Students at standard level (SL) and higher level (HL) undertake a common core syllabus, a common internal assessment (IA) scheme and have some overlapping elements in the option studied. They are presented with a syllabus that encourages the development of certain skills, attributes and attitudes. While the skills and activities of group 4 science subjects are common to students at both SL and HL, students at HL are required to study some topics in greater depth, in the additional higher level (AHL) material and in the common options. The distinction between SL and HL is one of breadth and depth.

SL: 110* hours; HL: 180* hours (*excluding IA time)

There is regular assessment, usually at the end of each topic, and assessments are made from ‘Paper 1’ style questions (multiple choice) and ‘Paper 2’ style questions (longer answer). There is also a regular opportunity for knowledge retention.

If you enjoyed Chemistry at IGCSE level, have a curious mind, and you enjoy practicals, then Chemistry is a good choice for you. It is conceptually more challenging than GCSE however because we explore topics in a greater depth, this helps to develop your understanding of topics. You must however be prepared to work very hard, and do lots of independent and additional reading around the subject.

Chemistry is a very practical subject, and often practical experiments help us to develop our understanding of concepts. On average, there will be at least 2 large practicals to carry out per unit.

As part of the course, both SL and HL students will conduct an Internal Assessment (IA - forms 20% of grade) by which they design and carry out their own experiments. This is carried out over 40 hours. To prepare for this, full practical write ups are regularly submitted and students have the opportunity to develop their ‘academic honesty’.

There is also the Group 4 project, but which students collaborate with other students from each of the other scientific disciplines.

A range of topics from Physical chemistry (E.g energetics, rates of reaction), to Quantitative chemistry (E.g moles, titrations) to Inorganic chemistry (E.g transition metals, redox reactions) to Organic chemistry (E.g oxidation of alcohols, polymers)

Please see the screencast for further details.

Entry requirements are specific to each institution, and will also depend on whether you are choosing to study in the UK/US/Europe.

Typically, the majority of medicine courses require a 6 or 7 at IB.

Of course. Double award science provides you with the knowledge, understanding and skills that are required to access the IBDP biology / chemistry / physics course at standard or higher level. There will be some topics which come up in the IBDP course which students who took triple science will have covered in their IGCSE course already, so may feel more familiar with. However, the lessons are designed so that all students are taught this content to ensure all students are able to access the work and make progress.