Learning about chemistry is both stimulating and fun. Not only does it help us make sense of the world around us, but chemistry also touches upon the main social, ethical and cultural issues affecting our lives today.

We all experience chemical reactions daily: whether it is breathing, baking a cake or driving a car. Studying chemistry helps explain these and many other interactions, enabling us to analyse all the associated elements and the compounds they form.

Given its close links with physics, biology and maths, chemistry also provides a wide-reaching base of scientific knowledge and brings with it great career opportunities in science, industry and commerce.

Staff

  • Mrs S Anderson - Head of Department
  • Dr Y Winder
  • Mr C MacNamara
  • Mrs O Tristanova - Technician

A Level

GCE Chemistry is comprised of two levels: AS and A2. The AS can be taken as a ‘stand-alone’ qualification without progression to A2. However, to obtain the Advanced GCE qualification, students must complete both the AS and A2 levels.

The specification has a modular structure and students are required to study three modules at each level. The modules are listed below and are all compulsory:

AS Level

  • AS 1: Basic Concepts in Physical and Inorganic Chemistry
  • AS 2: Further Physical and Inorganic Chemistry and Introduction to Organic Chemistry
  • AS 3: Internal Assessment

 

A2 Level

  • A2 1: Periodic Trends and Further Organic, Physical and Inorganic Chemistry
  • A2 2: Analytical, Transition Metals, Electrochemistry and Further Organic Chemistry
  • A2 3: Internal Assessment

 

Why study chemistry?

If your child studies chemistry and then decides on a career in another field, they will still benefit from their chemistry studies. They will have, for example:

  • collated and analysed data
  • written up scientific reports
  • used logical thought processes
  • applied prior knowledge to solve problems
  • paid attention to detail when conducting experiments and observations as well as gaining scientific knowledge of the subject.

 

Careers

Chemists work in almost any field you can think of, including:

  • Pharmaceuticals – developing and testing medicines.
  • Food technology – creating foods and food additives.
  • Manufacturing – developing and producing all types of materials.
  • Petrochemicals – oil, gas and their products.
  • Journalism and publishing – scientific books and journals, the popular press, textbooks and general science books.
  • Forensics – examining evidence after a crime.
  • Teaching or research – in academia or industry.