Chemistry

Chemistry is unusual for its combination of practical skills with both logical and conceptual thinking. The A Level course is spiral in structure with each level of learning building on the last, with many topics from the GCSE revisited and explored in more detail. Students will begin to picture the atom as more than just a disc on a piece of paper, and understand how the interactions of protons and electrons can explain everything from the colour of a crystal to the structure of a pharmaceutical drug. Although challenging, Chemistry A Level provides the tools to understand the world around us whilst also teaching a range of skills applicable to almost any university course. Chemistry is compulsory for all those wishing to study Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Sciences at university.

Course content and assessment

We study the OCR A course which challenges students with a well balanced mix of theoretical and practical content.

The course is split into six modules and, although there is no longer any examined coursework, students are expected to be able to answer exam questions on practical work and are awarded a practical endorsement as part of the A Level.

Facilities

The Chemistry Department is equipped with five modern laboratories with superb

technical support. The students also have access to the Stone Library, the Science ICT facilities and the Kendrew lecture theatre.

Additional features

Clinics are held in the library each Tuesday afternoon by a member of the Chemistry Department for anyone wishing to have some extra help or tuition. Students also take part, and have had considerable success, in both the RSC Chemistry Olympiad and Cambridge Chemistry Challenge competitions. There are also opportunities to compete against other schools in the RSC Analytical Chemistry Competition and visit the University of Bristol and their chemistry laboratories. The research without-borders trip which we have organised in recent academic years enables students to interact with real life researchers and develop their communication skills.

What subjects does Chemistry combine with?

Chemistry is most often chosen alongside other science subjects. It is also advantageous to study Mathematics to assist with the high mathematical content of the specification. If choosing Chemistry to continue studying the subject at degree level, Mathematics is essential.

Entry Requirements

Grade 7 (or A) in GCSE Chemistry and Mathematics.

Course Offered

A Level OCR A Chemistry

Potential careers

Research scientist, doctor, pharmaceutical R&D and quality assurance, veterinary science, materials scientist, chemical engineer analytical chemist, accountant, patent attorney, teacher to name a few popular examples.

Chemistry is unusual for its combination of practical skills with both logical and conceptual thinking.

Matthew Deacon Head of Chemistry