Chemistry

Chemistry offers students the opportunity to explore the physical world we live in, from the abstract level of the atom to the vastness of the chemical composition of our universe. Students will arrive at a better understanding of the cosmos, the biochemical systems that exist here on planet Earth and life itself. They will look at materials and an array of reactions and processes that will ultimately develop their curiosity, creativity and analytical approach to problems. From grade seven onwards they will experience a robust programme of study relating to a variety of topics, experiments and how science works, all the way to grades 12 and 13 should they take A level Chemistry - which will place them in good stead for university applications for a range of courses.

All the world is a laboratory to the inquiring mind. - Martin H. Fischer

KS3

The KS3 Chemistry curriculum is designed to lay the foundation for experimental and theoretical Chemistry at GCSE and beyond. The course builds an understanding of the particulate nature of matter, elements, compounds and mixtures, chemical reactions, materials, the Earth and atmosphere and practical science in general. It models how to approach scientific inquiry and allows students to build and address the natural curiosities that are the lifeblood of a good scientist.

KS4

At KS4 students will cover a wider range of topics that go into some greater detail, whether it is part of our single, double or triple science programme. The four key areas are the principles of chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry and organic chemistry. Once more, these topics build on the KS3 foundation and lay the building blocks for further Chemistry at A Level and beyond, which a lot of our students go on to do.

KS5

Students will study: Energetics, Intermolecular Forces, Redox Chemistry and Groups 1, 2 and 7, as well as an Introduction to Kinetics and Equilibria, and Organic Chemistry: Alcohols, Halogenoalkanes and Spectra. The jump from GCSE is quite big but students will already have an understanding of the fundamental principles such as the science of particles and reaction equilibria for instance.

Head of Department - Mr. Fahim Naser