Chemistry

Chemistry is taught within a rotation of the three sciences in Year 7 and Year 8 and by subject specialists from Years 9 to 13. GCSE pathways are chosen and begun in Year 10. Chemistry maintains its important position in school curricula as it is the science of the molecular scale, and it is at the molecular level that major advancements are being made in areas such as medicine, nanotechnology, new materials, and the environment. It follows that a firm understanding of Chemistry is required in order to participate in these exciting developments.

GCSE

Almost all girls follow either the single Chemistry or Trilogy (combined sciences) programmes from the AQA, with some Mayfield embellishments designed to ensure that the girls find the subject interesting and motivating. On completion of these pathways the girls will have been prepared for further study at A level of this or other closely related subjects, should they so choose. Learning objectives centre on introductions to atomic structure, reactivity, bonding and substance property, in both inorganic and organic worlds, often explored through experimentation. The mole concept and the calculation of ‘how much’ is contrasted with ‘how fast’ before these ideas are applied to everyday contexts, environmental issues, and interesting industrial processes, old and new.

A Level

At A Level, the Department has chosen the OCR Chemistry A specification because of the experimental and problem-solving approach it facilitates. The greater level of detail and depth of knowledge at this stage reveals the sub-divisions of the subject in to physical, organic and inorganic domains, each with its own emphasis on particular types of content and interpretative skills. It is the acquisition of technical, analytical, numerical and critical thinking skills that is so highly valued, and leads to Chemistry A Level students being sought after by Russell Group universities, high status degree courses and a wide variety of careers.

Chemistry is taught in purpose built, subject specific laboratories with interactive white boards, supported by a specialist technician. Science clubs and clinics are available to all pupils across the Years 7-11 while Sixth Form chemists can work towards and take part in the elite Chemistry Olympiad competition, or carry out independent research within the British Science Association CREST Gold award framework.