Chemistry is a physical science that encompasses a broad range of scientific disciplines from Quantum Mechanics, Material Science and Nanotechnology through to Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences. It seeks to search out and answer questions to natural phenomena like: how and why do chemical changes occur? What is colour? What is fire? But it also inspires students to future possibilities and equips them to create new life changing solutions.

Chemistry is a challenging subject that is excellent for developing problem solving skills, it cultivates inquisitiveness and rewards intellectual curiosity. At each of the Key Stages we have a comprehensive program of study which is rich in theory but always undergirded with extensive practical work whenever possible. This is vital to advance their understanding of scientific process and practical skills.

We often digress beyond the scope of examined material to stretch our students’ curiosity, encouraging them to find things out for themselves and cooperate with each other, to research and present ideas in a variety of ways, and very importantly, endeavour to understand the science rather than just blindly learning the facts. This allows them to apply their knowledge to unfamiliar situations - a skill which will  continue to serve them well long after they have left us. The effectiveness of this approach is evidenced in the exceptional results in the RSC Olympiad competition which our students take a year early and the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge.

Information on how Chemistry is taught across the Key Stages can be found below:

Chemistry - KS3 (Years 7 & 8)

Chemistry - KS4 (Years 9, 10 & 11)

Chemistry - KS5 (Years 12 & 13)