Chemistry

Course summary

Too often Chemistry is seen as a large body of facts that defies straightforward rationalization. This course emphasises the underlying fundamental concepts which unify the subject and seeks to examine them through their application to modern chemical situations. Being the central and a mature science, Chemistry has largely become a collaborative subject for the emerging fields of molecular genetics, biotechnology and nanotechnology. It is in this light that this course aims to teach pupils to be able to solve chemical problems in a variety of scientific contexts. The overall aim is to create in pupils a passion for science, to encourage reflection on the nature, history and philosophy of science and to allow the interested and independent pupil to take the subject further with confidence. Over the two years, all the work defined across the nineteen topics of the specification is taught in an integrated and logical way. However, material outside this is also covered wherever it helps in the understanding of the chemistry involved or reflects the interests and talents of the students.