Chemistry
Chemistry is integral to our understanding of the natural world around us; it is a physical science, and is the study of the properties of and interactions between matter and energy. It uses both mathematical and physical concepts to generate ideas important for understanding biological and geographical processes. The varied approaches to learning within the classroom and the strength of the teaching within the department mean that the subject is popular across the age ranges at LOGS.
The new GCSE syllabus builds on topics that will be familiar to KS3 students, such as periodic table and elements, bonding, and chemical reactions as well as introducing more complex new ideas including organic chemistry, heat changes, and analysis of unknown substances. It also includes a study of the chemistry of the atmosphere and use of earth’s (finite) resources.
Built into the GCSE course is a significant measure of practical work involving investigation and analysis. There are eight ‘required practicals’ which give students the opportunity to develop their understanding not only of the topic but also how to investigate a problem.
Chemistry at GCSE contributes to our understanding of the world around us and is a rigorous subject, which requires the learning of certain facts and premises on which the subject builds. There is also a mathematical component to the course which some students will find challenging.
Chemistry enables students to acquire a systematic body of chemical knowledge and an appreciation of its significance. Year 1 of the A-level builds on topics covered at GCSE including atomic structure, bonding, calculations, energetics, periodicity and organic chemistry. Year 2 develops the topics covered in the first year.
As with GCSE, A Level Chemistry incorporates practical experiences to link theory to reality. The importance of practical work within the subject is demonstrated with the students receiving certification of their ability to conduct and analyse investigations alongside their final grade. This is based on teacher evaluation of the progression of students’ practical ability and is called Practical Endorsement on their A-level certificate.
Studying Chemistry at A-level gives the students a chance to learn in detail how different substances react with one another to make new substances. Chemists are responsible for making new medicines, detergents, and all manner of other useful formulations from cosmetics to paints. It is also a highly valued qualification for entry to many university courses and is essential for courses such as medicine.
Although not essential, taking chemistry with A-level maths is always a good idea and a good GCSE grade in maths will make Chemistry A-level more accessible.
We follow the AQA – level specification and assessment is through three papers taken at the end of the two years of study.
© Lewes Old Grammar School | Privacy Policy | Policies | Careers | Term Dates | Contact