Chemistry is a subject that has global impact. As a fundamental science it has a profound effect on our planet and is involved in nearly every facet of everyday life. Almost every new technological change and important discovery has its foundation in chemistry. A qualification in Chemistry allows access to many career pathways, including research, medicine, dentistry, forensic science, food technology, polymer science and public health analysis. Chemical research is breaking new ground at an ever increasing pace, particularly in the fields of environmental science and nanotechnology, making Chemistry more exciting than ever and opening new opportunities for careers in these and other related areas.

Modules:

• Development of Practical skills
• Core Principles: Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations; Amount of substance; Acid–base and redox reactions; Electrons, bonding and structure.
• Periodic table and energy: The Periodic table and periodicity; Group 2 and the halogens; Qualitative analysis; Enthalpy changes; Reaction rates and equilibrium (qualitative).
• Core Organic Chemistry: Basic concepts; Hydrocarbons; Alcohols and haloalkanes; Organic synthesis; Analytical techniques (IR and MS).
• Physical Chemistry and Transition elements: Reaction rates and equilibrium (quantitative); pH and buffers; Enthalpy, entropy and free energy; Redox and electrode potentials; Transition elements.
• Organic Chemistry and analysis: Aromatic compounds; Carbonyl compounds; Carboxylic acids and esters; Nitrogen compounds; Polymers; Organic synthesis; Chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR).

Learning strategies:

• Actively engaged in enquiry into problems, issues and questions
• Laboratory work during lessons plus additional whole day practical workshops at the end of Year 12
• Group discussions
• Homework including examination questions and research
• Self-study using school resources
• Presentation assignments (individual and group) including use of ICT
• Attendance of weekly after school chemistry sessions
• Out of School visits and lectures
• Opportunities for high achieving students to take part in the Chemistry Olympiad