Chemistry
Chemistry is an enquiry-based discipline involving practical and investigational skills. The chemistry curriculum at The Cedars provides regular opportunity to experience hands-on experimental work. This allows our students to hone their practical and analytical skills.
The KS3 science curriculum embeds a core understanding of the principles of chemistry in year 7 and 8. This provides a strong foundation to begin GCSE chemistry in year 9, taught by a specialist chemistry teacher.
GCSE chemistry is taught as a separate science following the AQA chemistry specification. This specification contains a broad range of chemical topics that are designed to engage and stimulate students’ interest in chemistry whilst providing the knowledge and understanding required for progression to A Level. The specification emphasises scientific knowledge, the application of science and the scientific process. It includes 8 required practicals that students must be able to describe and explain.
Topics include:
- Atomic structure and the periodic table
- Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter
- Quantitative chemistry
- Chemical changes
- Energy changes
- The rate and extent of chemical change
- Organic chemistry
- Chemical analysis
- Chemistry of the atmosphere
- Using resources
Students at The Cedars are provided with opportunities to take part in a wide range of extra-curricular STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities, trips and events organised at school, in London and beyond.
The chemistry GCSE specification can be found linked below. The chemistry A-Level is also a popular choice among sixth form students. The objective of A-Level chemistry is to further enhance and interest pupils who enjoyed the subject at GCSE and wish to take the subject to a deeper and more scientific level.
Chemistry at A Level is the qualification most needed to join a science based degree course. An understanding of chemistry is essential for medicine, dentistry, forensic science, pharmacy, geology and archaeology. The practical skills, experience of data analysis and the ability to express oneself concisely and accurately are useful attributes and help to prepare a young person for a career in a wide variety of fields.
The AQA specification for A-Level chemistry is also linked below.
GCSE AQA Chemistry Specification
A Level AQA Chemistry Specification
Thomas Part
Head of Science
