You might suspect that a lot of the things you are told at GCSE are untrue, and you would be right! The most acidic pH is not 0, since hydrochloric acid was used in the labs has a pH of lower than 0; metals and non-metals don’t always react to make ionic compounds, since aluminium chloride is covalent; the third electron shell doesn’t hold 8 electrons but 18. A Level of Chemistry is where you will find out how things are. There is a big jump from GCSE because we plunge straight into new and challenging concepts using powerful tools which we then apply to familiar topics such as electron structure, bonding and periodicity. This makes Chemistry both difficult - because there are a lot of new principles to understand and apply - and satisfying since it explains many familiar observations in a thought-provoking way. The syllabus followed is OCR. Although the the course contains a lot of factual material, the emphasis is on the recognition and appreciation of the interlinking patterns which form a distinctive feature of this subject; for this reason, it is highly regarded by non-related subjects at university and in a variety of careers. Students who intend to read Medicine, Veterinary Science or Dentistry at a university must take A Level Chemistry, and those intending to read paramedical subjects or biological sciences are strongly advised to take it.
Current South Hampstead pupils transferring to the Sixth Form must achieve a minimum of six GCSE grades at grade 7 or equivalent, and at least a grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language. Individual requirements are set for different subjects, with some requiring at least a grade 8 or equivalent. For external candidates, places are offered based on the result of the entrance examinations, interviews and projected GCSE grades. Offers are conditional on achieving the required standard, with specific conditions outlined in individual offer letters. The expected standard is high – offers are usually made on the condition of\ candidates achieving at least seven GCSEs at grade 8 or equivalent, including in your chosen subjects. We require a minimum of grade 8 at GCSE in Chemistry or an 8/8 in Trilogy for external applicants. Students should possess good Mathematics skills.
Teaching at A Level consists of a lot of discussion of new concepts and their application to the familiar pattern of knowledge, with ongoing questions in both directions and, of course, practical work. There is little note-taking or dictation. There is no practical examination or coursework since practical skills are internally assessed by teachers during the course. There are opportunities to attend lectures, such as those held at the Royal Society of Chemistry, King’s College London and the Royal Institution and to visit the Chemistry department at University College London.
About Education Provider
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | Camden |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Girls |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £22,764 |
| Address | 3 Maresfield Gardens, London, NW3 5SS |
You might suspect that a lot of the things you are told at GCSE are untrue, and you would be right! The most acidic pH is not 0, since hydrochloric acid was used in the labs has a pH of lower than 0; metals and non-metals don’t always react to make ionic compounds, since aluminium chloride is covalent; the third electron shell doesn’t hold 8 electrons but 18. A Level of Chemistry is where you will find out how things are. There is a big jump from GCSE because we plunge straight into new and challenging concepts using powerful tools which we then apply to familiar topics such as electron structure, bonding and periodicity. This makes Chemistry both difficult - because there are a lot of new principles to understand and apply - and satisfying since it explains many familiar observations in a thought-provoking way. The syllabus followed is OCR. Although the the course contains a lot of factual material, the emphasis is on the recognition and appreciation of the interlinking patterns which form a distinctive feature of this subject; for this reason, it is highly regarded by non-related subjects at university and in a variety of careers. Students who intend to read Medicine, Veterinary Science or Dentistry at a university must take A Level Chemistry, and those intending to read paramedical subjects or biological sciences are strongly advised to take it.
Current South Hampstead pupils transferring to the Sixth Form must achieve a minimum of six GCSE grades at grade 7 or equivalent, and at least a grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language. Individual requirements are set for different subjects, with some requiring at least a grade 8 or equivalent. For external candidates, places are offered based on the result of the entrance examinations, interviews and projected GCSE grades. Offers are conditional on achieving the required standard, with specific conditions outlined in individual offer letters. The expected standard is high – offers are usually made on the condition of\ candidates achieving at least seven GCSEs at grade 8 or equivalent, including in your chosen subjects. We require a minimum of grade 8 at GCSE in Chemistry or an 8/8 in Trilogy for external applicants. Students should possess good Mathematics skills.
Teaching at A Level consists of a lot of discussion of new concepts and their application to the familiar pattern of knowledge, with ongoing questions in both directions and, of course, practical work. There is little note-taking or dictation. There is no practical examination or coursework since practical skills are internally assessed by teachers during the course. There are opportunities to attend lectures, such as those held at the Royal Society of Chemistry, King’s College London and the Royal Institution and to visit the Chemistry department at University College London.
