Chemistry

Course summary

In the Sixth Form, a large number of boys continue with their chemistry studies, at either Standard or Higher Level, and a significant proportion go on to study science-related degrees at top UK universities. The IB course starts by building on ideas introduced at IGCSE before developing a much deeper understanding of chemical reactions and the properties of materials. The same broad topics are studied at both Standard and Higher Levels but the treatment of the topics at Higher Levels includes both greater depth and a more extensive application of mathematics. The main topics studied are quantitative chemistry, atomic structure, periodicity, bonding, energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction, organic chemistry, and measurement. Experimental work is at the heart of the course throughout and both Higher Level and Standard Level chemists complete an extended project of their design. Boys also learn about the application of technology and mathematics to Chemistry and this complements the three specified inquiry skills: exploring and designing; collecting and processing data; concluding and evaluating.