Welcome to the Chemistry Department
Chemistry Department Vision
Welcome to the Chemistry Department, where our primary aim is to inspire a passion for understanding everyday reactions and to use chemistry to address real-world challenges. Chemistry is often described as the "central science," connecting biology, physics, and materials science. It is through this lens that we strive to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to explore, question, and contribute meaningfully to scientific advancements.
Our department is dedicated to fostering an environment where every pupil can achieve their full potential while upholding the school’s core values. We aim to motivate, support and inspire students to seek for solutions beyond their textbooks; to use the knowledge they obtain in class to solve real-life problems such as developing sustainable energy sources, creating new medicines and designing environmentally friendly materials.
We place a strong emphasis on hands-on learning through experiments, allowing students to develop precision, teamwork, and safety awareness in the laboratory. Additionally, our curriculum is designed to promote cross-disciplinary connections, encouraging students to see how chemistry interacts with and enhances their understanding of other scientific and technological fields.
Departmental Aims and Ethos
Curriculum
IGCSE Chemistry 9-1 (Edexcel)
The Edexcel IGCSE in Chemistry (4CH1) is followed in Years 4-5.
Assessed externally through two written papers- 4CH1/1C and 4CH1/2C.
Year 4 topics
Year 5 topics
IAS Chemistry (Edexcel)
International AS-level Chemistry specification (XCH11), taught in Year 6.
Assessed externally through three written papers (Units 1-3).
Theory teaching is complemented by a structured program of preparatory and core practicals.
Topics covered:
IAL Chemistry (Edexcel)
International A-level Chemistry specification (YCH11).
Assessed externally through three written papers (Units 4-6).
Students need to have completed Units 1-3 prior to continuing with Units 4-6.
Theory teaching is complemented by a structured program of preparatory and core practicals.
Topics covered:
Welcome to the Chemistry Department, where our primary aim is to inspire a passion for understanding everyday reactions and to use chemistry to address real-world challenges. Chemistry is often described as the "central science," connecting biology, physics, and materials science. It is through this lens that we strive to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to explore, question, and contribute meaningfully to scientific advancements.
Our department is dedicated to fostering an environment where every pupil can achieve their full potential while upholding the school’s core values. We aim to motivate, support and inspire students to seek for solutions beyond their textbooks; to use the knowledge they obtain in class to solve real-life problems such as developing sustainable energy sources, creating new medicines and designing environmentally friendly materials.
We place a strong emphasis on hands-on learning through experiments, allowing students to develop precision, teamwork, and safety awareness in the laboratory. Additionally, our curriculum is designed to promote cross-disciplinary connections, encouraging students to see how chemistry interacts with and enhances their understanding of other scientific and technological fields.
Departmental Aims and Ethos
- Instil confidence in students in the handling of hazardous chemicals and laboratory equipment, by carrying out risk assessments and knowing each material’s safety data profile.
- Encourage pupils to become more inquisitive, organised, meticulous and observant through the tackling of theory and practical related problems.
- Encourage pupils to become independent learners who can think critically and solve problems of unfamiliar situations.
- Develop a wide range of transferable skills for the world of employment such as ability to improvise, work as part of a team and be an effective communicator.
- Be aware of the responsibility that chemists have towards environmental concerns and in finding solutions to address real-world problems stemming from chemical use.
- Fully prepare pupils of all ages for their next level of scientific study or training either within the school (IGCSE or IAL) or in higher education in a chemistry related discipline.
Curriculum
IGCSE Chemistry 9-1 (Edexcel)
The Edexcel IGCSE in Chemistry (4CH1) is followed in Years 4-5.
Assessed externally through two written papers- 4CH1/1C and 4CH1/2C.
Year 4 topics
- States of matter
- Elements, Compounds and Mixtures
- Atomic Structure & the Periodic Table
- Bonding- ionic, covalent, metallic
- Formulae and Equations
- Gases in the Atmosphere
- Reactivity series
- Acids, Alkalis and Salt Preparation
- Chemical Tests
- Group 1 (Alkali Metals)
- Group 7 (Halogens)
Year 5 topics
- Organic Chemistry
- Energetics
- Rates of reaction
- Chemical Equilibria
- Electrolysis
- Extraction and use of metals
IAS Chemistry (Edexcel)
International AS-level Chemistry specification (XCH11), taught in Year 6.
Assessed externally through three written papers (Units 1-3).
Theory teaching is complemented by a structured program of preparatory and core practicals.
Topics covered:
- Formulae, Equations and Amount of substance
- Atomic Structure & the Periodic Table
- Bonding & Structure
- Organic Chemistry I (Intro, Alkanes, Alkenes, Polymers)
- Energetics
- Intermolecular Forces
- Redox Chemistry and Groups 1,2 & 7
- Kinetics I and Equilibria I
- Organic Chemistry II (Halogenoalkanes, Alcohols, MS and IR)
IAL Chemistry (Edexcel)
International A-level Chemistry specification (YCH11).
Assessed externally through three written papers (Units 4-6).
Students need to have completed Units 1-3 prior to continuing with Units 4-6.
Theory teaching is complemented by a structured program of preparatory and core practicals.
Topics covered:
- Kinetics II
- Entropy
- Energetics II
- Chemical Equilibria II
- Acid-Base Equilibria
- Organic Chemistry I (Carbonyls, Carboxylic acids, Chirality)
- Redox Equilibria
- Transition metals
- Organic Chemistry II (Arenes, Amines, Amides, Amino Acids and Proteins, Organic Synthesis)
