Chemistry

Chemistry is an experimental science that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigational skills.  Chemistry is the central science, as chemical principles underpin both the physical environment in which we live and all biological systems. Apart from being a stimulating and challenging subject to study in its own right, chemistry is a pre-requisite for many other courses in higher education including medicine and dentistry, as well as being a highly regarded IB subject by employers in areas such as law and finance.

Skills that will be developed include:

• knowledge and understanding of the physical and chemical behaviour of the substances which make up the world around us

• laboratory procedures and techniques

• the ability to link experimental observation to theory

• imaginative and critical thinking

Higher and Standard levels have a common core covering the fundamental aspects of physical, organic and inorganic chemistry.

At Higher Level there is additional material which goes into greater depth and breadth than material at Standard Level. 

There is no longer a separate option, and topics from the previous options are interleaved into course.  The topics include Medicinal, Biochemistry, Materials, and Green chemistry.

Resources include: Pearson textbooks (hard copy & online), Oxford course companion, Kognity and InThinking.

The external examinations at the end of the course provide 80% of the final grade. The other 20% is based on internal assessment of one practical investigation which will be carried out in the Autumn term of year 13.