Chemistry
Chemists make lives better. From medicines and drugs, to new materials for new technologies, chemists design the substances and work out how to make them. Chemists will have a huge contribution to make in answering the big issues over the next few decades such as climate change, feeding the world and caring for the aging population.
“Chlorine is a deadly poisonous gas employed on the battlefields of World War 1. Sodium is a corrosive metal that burns on contact with water. Together they make a placid and non-poisonous material, table salt. Why each of these substances has the properties it does is a subject called Chemistry.”
Carl Sagan
Entry requirements
Alongside the general entry requirements to Sixth Form, students must have a grade 7 in all three Triple Sciences or 7,7 or better in Combined Science, and have 4 x GCSE (or equivalent) at 9-4. We recommend you study Maths at A level.
Course description
The Chemistry course is divided into the three traditional disciplines of Organic, Inorganic and Physical.
Students will study the AS material and sit an internal exam in Year 12, then go on to A Level in Year 13.
The course is assessed each term and has a strong practical content. A level Chemistry can lead to further study of Science at degree level, is a requirement for a career in Medicine and is highly regarded in many areas such as Engineering, Education, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine and Law.
Exam board
Ways to help my child succeed
Encourage them to discuss current topics with you. Watch science documentaries. There are many opportunities for enrichment outside the classroom including lectures, seminars and workshops.
Useful websites
chemrevise.org/revision-guides/
www.docbrown.info/
www.chemguide.co.uk/