Chemistry

Chemistry is part of the Science department at The Leys, based within the Thomson Building at the heart of the School.

Chemistry is a subject that is fun for pupils and teachers alike, with exam success enjoyed by both. Pupils learn to enjoy using Chemistry and to tackle applications with confidence and a sense of achievement.

Pupils develop an understanding of Chemistry principles and facts, their significance and an ability to communicate what they know and understand. They also develop safe, practical skills in the use of Chemistry and learn to apply these to the solving of relevant and worthwhile problems, through imaginative and creative scientific thinking, group work and co-operation. Pupils understand the capabilities and limitations of Chemistry and the economic and social implications and consequences of its use.

Through our work we emphasise the inter-relationship with the other sciences and the important role of Chemistry as the core science, thus preparing pupils for their future where totally new models of lifestyles will exist.

GCSE

Currently Years 9 – 11 follow the AQA GCSE course. The scheme of assessment is linear with two papers taken at the end of Year 11

A Level

Chemistry is a subject with a high tech future. These days not all chemists wear white coats as their careers are too varied. You are just as likely to find chemists deep-sea diving; on an oil-rig; developing new drugs and agrochemicals; measuring the rate of reactions; probing structures using computers; finding new synthetic routes; or using sophisticated electronics to analyse pollutant levels as you are to find them in a laboratory.

Chemistry is, of course, the study of the enormous variety of materials of which the earth consists, and the changes that they undergo when reacted. If you choose to study Chemistry at The Leys it is our aim to help you succeed in your chosen course by mastering the principles that govern chemical reactions and, through them, to develop your interest in chemistry by stimulating your curiosity.

Course Structure

To gain the A level three papers (two hours each) will be taken at the end of Upper Sixth. These will cover work from the whole course. Paper 1 will cover inorganic and physical chemistry, paper 2 organic and physical chemistry and paper 3 will focus on practical techniques. During the course a significant number of practicals will be carried out in order to teach the necessary skills and these will be recorded in a lab book. The final certificate will state whether a pupil is competent in practical skills.