TEACHING
Two members of staff teach this course, each building on the other’s work. A variety of teaching methods is used, performing experiments, discussing results and looking for explanations. Students will be asked to present information based on personal research.

ASSESSMENT
Work is set on a regular basis.  This involves taking notes, writing up experiments, answering questions or doing examination questions.  External examinations are taken in June of Year 12 and Year 13 and may be taken in January of both years depending on the ability of the group.  Practical assessment involves an Investigation as well as Carrying Out, Making Observations and Processing Results, and both ‘AS’ and ‘A2’ level have a practical assessment component, similar to the ISA at GCSE.

THE REQUIREMENTS
Students need at least a B in the Chemistry aspect of Additional Science as well as B overall in Additonal Science or a B in Chemistry GCSE and a B in GCSE Maths. A keen interest in finding out why things happen is needed as well as a sense of determination. The ability to communicate with staff and other students also helps.
THE FUTURE
Students who study Chemistry at ‘A’ level often go on to Further Education where Chemistry is a key requirement for many courses.

Those students who do not enter Further Education have an ‘A’ level qualification recognised to develop good analytical, practical and application skills.

FURTHER INFORMATION
See Mr D Dean, Head of KS5 Chemistry.

“Chemistry allows you to show your practised skills as well as your theoretical skills. Chemistry is a very challenging subject with something for everyone.”

“I enjoyed Chemistry at GCSE, and it means that I can carry on my area of interest at ‘A’ level.”

“...enjoyable but challenging...”