CHEMISTRY

Why choose Chemistry?

The study of Chemistry opens our eyes to the composition of the world around us and helps us to make sense of substances and phenomena we encounter in our daily lives. The course combines theory and experimental work and allows students to explore the social, environmental and economic contributions chemistry makes to our society. From discovering why petrol blends are altered in different seasons, to applying ideas about chemical bonding and explaining how straighteners alter the appearance of your hair, you will further your understanding of the world around you. In studying Chemistry you will build up a valuable skill set that is appreciated by both employers and universities. You will improve your problem solving skills and develop your ability to think logically and critically. Working independently and in groups, you will develop your ability to communicate scientifically through research, discussion and practical investigations.

Exam Board AQA

Practical opportunities

Our laboratories are well equipped and we place a high emphasis on practical work, carrying out sticky, smelly and colourful Chemistry every week! You can really get stuck in and explore key ideas for yourself so that you become fully confident when completing practical work. Students will be able to work individually on almost all practical tasks, aiding their practical skills even further.

If you are studying Chemistry to A Level, it is helpful to study another Science subject or Mathematics. Studying Mathematics will improve your numerical chemistry skills and problem-solving techniques, both of which are important skills in the A Level course. Chemistry also helps with the study of Biology and Physics. If you are thinking of studying Chemistry to degree level, A Level Mathematics or Physics are a great advantage and, at top universities, may be essential.

There are lots of opportunities to expand your understanding beyond the syllabus and have fun with people on your course. Students may be entered as a team for the Royal Society of Chemistry’s School Analyst competition.

You do not have to have studied Chemistry as a separate science in order to undertake the A Level course. Many students choose A Level Chemistry having undertaken the Combined Science: Trilogy course at GCSE. However, we do insist upon achieving at least a Grade 6 or above in your Chemistry GCSE or two 6’s in Combined Science GCSE, in order to cope with the demands of the course.

Pupils routinely achieve places on highly competitive courses at university. Recently our students have gone on to study Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Engineering and, of course, Chemistry! It is an essential A level choice if you wish to study either Medicine or Dentistry.

Studying Chemistry at university allows you to develop subject specific and transferable skills which are valued by all employers, meaning your future career does not have to be in a lab. A Chemistry degree will lead you to a wide variety of opportunities including: archaeology, biotechnology, drug discovery, environmental science, food technology, forensics, marine chemistry, engineering and teaching. Chemistry is also excellent training for careers in: business and finance, consultancy, journalism, information technology, law, sales and marketing and much more. Furthermore, it is an essential A Level for acceptance on to courses studying Medicine and Dentistry.