Chemistry

Academic Overview: Sixth Form: In general somewhere between 30 and 35 Lower Sixth form pupils take the AQA AS Chemistry course, the vast majority of whom continue the subject to A2 Level.

The new GCE course commenced in June 2009, with the first A* qualification being awarded to A2 students in 2010. In both 2010 and 2011 over 20% of the pupils achieved A* grades, with just over 80% achieving A*/B.

This year, as in previous years, at least seven pupils have gone on to study Chemistry at University level, with many more going on to study related degrees such as Engineering, Biochemistry and Natural Sciences as well as Medicine and Veterinary Science. In recent years pupils applying to read Chemistry at Oxford have been particularly successful; three have received offers for 2010 and two received offers for 2009. In the run-up to Oxbridge interviews the Chemistry Department runs mentoring sessions on a twice-weekly basis, where pupils are encouraged how to think on their feet and for themselves regarding problem-solving.

At AS Level pupils take Unit 1 in January (100 marks), Unit 2 in June (140 marks) and Unit 3 (the practical component) is taken over the course of the year (60 marks).

Unit 1 leads directly on from the IGCSE, focusing on Atomic Structure, Bonding and Mole Theory; both are studied in detail and from first principles in this module. Unit 2 looks at Energetics, Kinetics, Equilibrium and links them together to examine aspects of Industrial Chemistry. In addition the Halogens and Group II elements are studied. Both Unit 1 and Unit 2 also encompass Organic Chemistry with the Alkanes, Alkenes, Alcohols and Halogenoalkanes being studied. Unit 3 encompasses six practicals followed by an ISA (practical exam). There is an emphasis on the application of Chemistry (how science works) and the real contribution Chemistry has had, and continues to make, to society.

At A2 Level pupils take Unit 4 in January (120 marks), Unit 5 in June (120 marks) and Unit 6 (the practical component) over the course of the year (60 marks). The whole course equates to 600 marks and to gain the new A* grade pupils must gain over 90% on the aggregate of the A2 modules.

In Unit 4 Organic Chemistry is looked at in much more detail with mechanisms being the main emphasis of the work. Mole Theory is also extended to a much more challenging degree with Kinetics, Equilibrium and Acid-Base calculations being linked together to look at why reactions take place. Unit 5 continues in this vein; Energetics and Redox Equilibrium calculations are studied along with the Periodic Table, in particular the Transition Metals. Both Unit 4 and 5 contain a synoptic element. Unit 6 is similar to Unit 3 although the practicals involved are more challenging. Practical Chemistry, rightly, is a significant part of this interesting and challenging course.

Full details of the specification.
Academic Overview: Lower School: The Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry course is taught over the three years of the Lower School.

In the Fourth Form, the emphasis is on first principles; Atomic Structure, Bonding, Equation Writing are studied, together with looking in some detail at the patterns involved in the Periodic Table.

The skills involved in writing formulae and chemical equations are practised in great detail and these skills are used as the foundation for Mole Theory and Chemical Calculations.

At the end of the fourth form the pupils make the decision whether to take Double Award Science (DAS) or Triple Award Science (TAS). Both awards involve the study of all three scientific disciplines.

In the Lower Fifth and Upper Fifth the pupils will be taught by the same teacher for both these years. The IGCSE course itself looks at a wide range of topics, from Industrial Chemistry and the concepts governing industrial decisions, such as Rates of Reactions, Energetics and Equilibria to Organic Chemistry and its relationship with the environment. The emphasis is very much on working problems through from simple rules and principles rather than straightforward fact learning. Pupils are also encouraged to look at the subject as a whole rather than trying to learn separate topics on their own – looking for the links between the topics gives them a much better picture of the course content and a better idea of what the examiners are looking for. Practical work is an important part of the chemist’s toolbox and practical work is used to encourage the pupils to think through ideas, test the hypothesis and draw conclusions from experimental data, together with an emphasis on best practice and safety in the laboratory. Although not examined as a separate entity, the IGCSE paper contains practical based questions which examine the pupils’ ability to recognise practical techniques and to interpret data.
The IGCSE courses, whether double award or triple award, provide an excellent foundation for those pupils wishing to study Chemistry at GCE.

Full details of the specification for Chemistry (Triple Award)
Full details of the specification for Science (Double Award)
Examination Results: The examination results for Chemistry over the last few years have been excellent.

AS results:
In 2011, 66% of pupils gained A grades with 86% gaining A or B
In 2010, 54% of pupils gained A grades with 79% gaining A or B

A2 results:
In 2011, 75% of pupils gained A*/A grades with 83% gaining A* to B.
In 2010, 83% of pupils gained A*/A grades with 96% gaining A* to B.

GCSE:
Chemistry (Triple Award)
In 2011, 38% of pupils gained A* with 66% gaining A* or A.
In 2010, 38% of pupils gained A* with 61% gaining A* or A.
Departmental Events and News: The Chemistry Department runs regular clinics where pupils can get extra help.

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Chemistry