Chemistry

Course summary

Chemistry is everywhere in the world around us. It is in the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the medicines we take, and even the art we make. Our bodies and how they work are as much about chemistry as they are about biology. It is exciting to learn about the composition and structure of materials, including biological molecules and the development of smart materials such as thermochromic pigments or carbon nanotubes. Chemists learn to look for patterns and to control chemical changes. They ask questions such as ‘What causes an explosion?’ or ‘Why are plants green?’ and they develop new theories, planning investigations to test these theories. Chemistry is taught by subject specialists from Year 7 to Advanced Level. At GCSE, students follow the AQA GCSE Chemistry specifications in Double Award Science or as a Separate Science; current Year 11s continue to study the Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry course. Chemistry is a very popular Advanced Level subject. We follow the OCR Level syllabus and through it, students develop their interest in chemistry, with excellent preparation for further study and careers in chemistry and other related scientific disciplines such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy or engineering.