Chemistry is an experimental science that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigational skills. It is called the central science, as chemical principles underpin both the physical environment in which we live and all biological systems.
Apart from being a subject worthy of study in its own right, chemistry is a prerequisite for many other courses in higher education, such as medicine, biological science and environmental science, and serves as useful preparation for employment, providing an opportunity to practice important problem solving and analytical skills.
Chemistry can be divided broadly into three areas of study: Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry. Inorganic Chemistry deals with the chemistry of selected elements and their compounds, chosen to illustrate the various patterns of behaviour and the relationship between structure and properties which are an essential part of an overall view of chemistry. Organic Chemistry is concerned with the study of selected compounds of carbon with an emphasis on how reactions occur between them, allowing for the synthesis of more complex molecules; compounds containing a variety of functional groups are studied and an introduction to modern analytical and spectroscopic techniques is also included here. Physical Chemistry deals with the more quantitative side of the theory and the physical laws underpinning Chemistry.
- GCSE CHEMISTRY
Exam board: Edexcel
Pupils at Gresham’s can either complete GCSE Chemistry alongside separate GCSE qualifications in Biology and Physics, or they can choose to complete the Edexcel Double GCSE in Combined Science, equivalent to two GCSE grades – you can read more about this option here.
The GCSE Chemistry course begins in Year 9 with the study of topics which are found in both the Chemistry GCSE and the Combined Science Course. Starting early provides the time to cover the material steadily and increase the pupil’s access to practical work. By the end of Year 9, pupils will have built a solid foundation on which to base their final two years of study. A thorough grounding in necessary practical skills and scientific principles is also provided during this year.
The syllabus is split into 9 broad topic areas:
1. Key concepts in chemistry
2. States of matter and mixtures
3. Chemical changes
4. Extracting metals
5. Separate chemistry 1 (not studied by the combined scientists)
6. Groups in the periodic table
7. Rates of reaction
8. Fuels and Earth science
9. Separate chemistry 2 (not studied by the combined scientists)
The analytical and problem-solving skills taught and honed in chemistry are applicable across the GCSE curriculum and beyond. Apart from being a subject worthy of study in its own right, Chemistry is a prerequisite for many other courses in higher education, such as medicine, biological science, materials science and environmental science.
- A LEVEL CHEMISTRY
Entry requirements: Grade 6 in Chemistry or 6:6 in Combined Science or equivalent
Chemistry is divided into three disciplines:
Organic – study of carbon-based molecules.
Inorganic – study of the rest of the periodic table.
Physical – study of the laws underlying what atoms and molecules do.
- IB CHEMISTRY
Exam board: AQA
Entry requirements: Grade 6 in Chemistry or 6:6 in Combined Science or equivalent
The IB Chemistry course includes the essential principles of the subject but also, through selection of options, allows some flexibility to tailor the course to meet the needs of the pupils. The course is available at both standard level (SL) and higher level (HL), and therefore accommodates pupils who wish to study Science in higher education and those who do not.
The course is normally taught by one or two subject specialists in five periods per week, in a mixture of theory and practical lessons that link to the topic being covered. Practical work is equally important to IB and a similar proportion of the course is given over to practical work as for those studying A level. Pupils produce an internal assessment where they design and complete a project, collect data, and present it to others. This is a fundamental skill for professional scientists and the IA allows pupils to get a taste.
The new Dyson Building will mean that IB pupils will spend a significant amount of time in a stimulating environment which will draw together the threads of a great deal of their learning.