Chemistry

AQA

What will I be studying? Some work from GCSE in more depth and some new topics: • Atomic structure • Bonding • Periodicity • Reaction kinetics • Equilibria • Organic chemistry What does the subject involve? Chemistry is a practically based subject. In the new specification practical work is carried out throughout the course and tested in a written examination. You will receive a pass or fail grade for your practical work separate to your main grade. What skills or qualities will I need? • To be able to think logically • To have some basic mathematical skills • To work individually and as part of a team • To enjoy hands-on practical work • To have an enquiring mind • To want to know the answers to important questions about the world around us What about future prospects and careers? Many scientific and medical careers require a qualification in Chemistry. Employers in non-scientific areas regard the skills of problem solving, logical thinking and application of scientific method gained during a Chemistry course very highly indeed. Chemistry therefore fits in well with any combination of subjects at A-Level. Do I need to have studied this for GCSE? Dual award students have an adequate knowledge and separate science students have the advantage of having studied the subject to a greater extent. Additional information Each year we enter students with much success in a number of local and national competitions including the Chemistry Olympiad and Royal Society of Chemistry Young Analyst Competition. We run a trip to Ecton Copper Mine in Derbyshire during Year 12 to look at the reactions of metal complexes. We have various links with the Chemistry Department at the University of Sheffield and take students there when the opportunity allows.