GCSE Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of the composition, behaviour and properties of matter, and of the elements of the Earth and its atmosphere. From protecting the environment, to curing illness, chemistry underpins many aspects of our society. GCSE Chemistry allows students to gain an understanding of the contribution to society and the need for a culture of sustainable development through the study of elements and the compounds they form.

Exam Board: AQA

This qualification is linear which means that students will sit all their exams at the end of the course.

Content Overview

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.

Assessment Progress Map for KS4

Units of Work and Examinations

A-Level Chemistry

Chemistry is sometimes known as the “central science” because it helps to connect physical sciences, like maths and physics, with applied sciences, like biology, medicine and engineering. All that questioning and experimentation can be really handy when it comes to building a whole range of skills for work.

Chemistry helps you to develop research, problem solving and analytical skills. It helps to you challenge ideas and show how you worked things out through logic and step-by-step reasoning. Chemistry often requires teamwork and communication skills too, which is great for project management.

Chemistry will help you get ahead in most STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) careers and more besides. It is an important subject for careers in medicine, environmental science, engineering, toxicology, developing consumer products, metallurgy (studying how metals behave), space exploration, developing perfumes and cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, energy, teaching, science writing, software development and research.

Exam Board: OCR

This qualification is linear which means students will sit all the A-level exams at the end of their A-level course.                                                                                                                                                             

Subject Content

Foundations in Chemistry; Periodic Table and Energy; Core Organic Chemistry; Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements; Organic Chemistry and Analysis

Units of Work and Examinations