Chemistry - KS5

Modules: 

1. Development of Practical Skills in Chemistry – You’ll spend plenty of time in the lab learning how to carry out experiments safely and accurately, analyse results, and evaluate methods — skills that are essential for both the exams and the practical endorsement.

2. Foundations in Chemistry – This module gives you the building blocks: atomic structure, bonding, moles, equations, and the mathematical principles that underpin the rest of the course.

3. Periodic Table and Energy – You’ll explore the patterns and reactivity of the elements, discover why chemical reactions release or absorb energy, and learn how these ideas link to real-world applications such as fuel efficiency and materials design.

4. Core Organic Chemistry – Carbon chemistry takes centre stage here, from hydrocarbons and alcohols to haloalkanes. You’ll study reaction mechanisms and functional groups that form the basis of medicines, polymers, and everyday chemicals.

5. Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements – This module develops your understanding of reaction rates, equilibria, acids and bases, and redox reactions, while also exploring the striking colours and catalytic powers of transition metals.

6. Organic Chemistry and Analysis – In your final module, you’ll study more complex molecules such as aromatic compounds, polymers, and amino acids, while mastering analytical tools like infrared (IR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to identify unknown compounds.

Practical Work

Regular lab sessions; students build a lab-book; practical skills are both taught and assessed. There is a Practical Endorsement (PAG's) which is reported separately but critical.

• Strong understanding of chemical theory: atomic structure, bonding, organic reactions, thermodynamics, kinetics, etc.

• Practical laboratory skills: safe handling of chemicals, accurate measurement, experimental design, data collection and analysis.

• Mathematical skills: calculations in energetics, rates, equilibria, pH, etc.

• Analytical and problem-solving skills: applying chemistry to unfamiliar cases, interpreting spectroscopy, working with quantitative data.

• Transferable skills: precision, critical thinking, written and oral communication, scientific thinking.

• Excellent preparation for STEM degrees (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Medicine, Pharmacy, Materials Science etc.) and related careers.

Essential:

• GCSE Grade 7 in Chemistry (or 7-7 in Combined Science if not doing separate sciences) 

Desirable:

• GCSE Grade 6 in Mathematics

• Strong performance in relevant science topics (chemistry, physics, biology) at GCSE

• Evidence of interest/skills in mathematics or work involving problem solving and quantitative reasoning

• Good organisational skills and ability to work independently

Typical Profile of Successful Candidates:

Students who thrive are those who are curious about how things work at molecular and atomic levels; who enjoy practical experimentation; who don’t shy away from the mathematical aspects; who can sustain effort outside lessons for reading, problem practice, and revision.