Chemistry

Course summary

Each year covers the 3 main branches of Chemistry; Physical, Organic and Inorganic chemistry, with required practical tasks running throughout. In Physical Chemistry, we build on the GCSE work of atomic structure, bonding, rates of reaction and quantitative chemistry, in the context of how and why reactions happen. This part of the course will particularly appeal to those who enjoy maths. In Organic Chemistry we learn about how we get chemicals from crude oil and can turn them into materials we use in everyday life such as plastics and medicines. The topic of Inorganic Chemistry expands the work we covered at GCSE on the uses of the different groups of elements found on the periodic table. Over the two years, there are 12 Required Practical tasks to complete which develop skills such as experimental planning, problem-solving, interpreting data, graphical analysis, carrying out risk assessments and manipulation of lab equipment.