Chemistry
Chemistry is all around us and touches all aspects of our lives. We aim to make Chemistry relevant to our students, to engage them in a vast subject, and inspire their desire to want to know more.
There are many exciting careers that use the skills taught in science. In Years 10 to 11, pupils are taught Biology, Chemistry and Physics separately by subject specialists within the outstanding teaching environment of our Maths & Science Centre.
GCSE
Why study this subject?
Chemistry helps us understand the materials and processes that shape our world. It develops analytical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills, and is essential for careers in science, healthcare, and engineering. It also
supports learning in Biology and Physics, and is essential for the study of both A Levels Chemistry and Biology.
What will I learn at GCSE?
You will study a wide range of topics that show how chemistry connects to the world around us. These include atomic structure, bonding, chemical reactions, energy changes, rates of reaction, organic chemistry, and chemical analysis.You’ll also explore the chemistry of the atmosphere, sustainable resource use, and environmental impact.
Practical experiments throughout the course will strengthen your investigative and analytical skills, helping you interpret scientific data and understand real-life chemical processes.
How is the course structured?
Chemistry is taught as a single science with a mixture of theoretical, analytical and practical lessons, covering all elements of the GCSE course.
How is the course examined?
Assessment is by two written exams, each 1 hour 45
minutes.
- Paper 1 covers topics 1-5: atomic structure, bonding, quantitative chemistry, chemical changes, and energy changes.
- Paper 2 covers topics 6-10: rates of reaction, organic chemistry, chemical analysis, atmospheric chemistry, and using resources.
Both papers include multiple-choice, structured, and extended-response questions. There is no coursework, but practical skills are tested in the exams through questions based on required practical activities completed during the course.
There are 8 required practicals. Practicals 1-4 can be assessed in Paper 1 and Practicals 5-8 in Paper 2.
A Level
Why study Chemistry?
Chemistry is the science behind life-changing breakthroughs: from curing diseases to creating sustainable energy. It unlocks the secrets of the world around us and powers innovation in everything from tech to textiles. Studying Chemistry hones your curiosity, sharpens your thinking, and opens doors to exciting, high-impact careers.
What will I learn?
You’ll study Physical Chemistry topics like Energetics, Kinetics, and Equilibria, Inorganic Chemistry focusing on Groups 2 and 7 and transition metals, and in OrganicChemistry you will learn about a variety of functional groups including: alkanes, alkenes, haloalkanes, alcohols, carboxylic acids, amines, amides, amino acids, polymers and aromatic compounds including Benzene and Phenol; work will include understanding the chemical and physical properties, reactions and synthetic processes and analytical techniques. Theory is reinforced through practical work and university-led workshops.
How is the course structured?
The course combines theoretical and practical learning across two years. Year 1 (7 lessons a week) covers foundational topics and includes a synthesis and analysis workshop at Bath University. Year 2 (8 lessons a week) builds on this with more quantitative content and advanced practical work,including a visit to Bristol University. Topics are developed progressively across Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry. You will have two teachers one of whom will specialise in Organic Chemistry and the other will specialise in Physical and Inorganic Chemistry.
How is the course examined?
Assessment is through three written papers at the end of Year
2:
- Paper 1 (135 minutes, 100 marks): Inorganic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry
- Paper 2 (135 minutes, 100 marks): Organic Chemistry (Synthesis and analytical techniques)
- Paper 3 (90 minutes, 70 marks): Unified chemistry (Synoptic Questions)
Practical skills are continuously assessed during the course to demonstrate competency in laboratory work.
What could I do next?
Chemistry A Level leads to degrees in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Biological Sciences, Veterinary Science, Medicine, Dentistry, and Engineering—opening exciting pathways into research, healthcare, and industries that tackle real-world challenges and drive innovation.