Chemistry

If you study chemistry at Claremont you will be drawn into this fascinating world of elements, compounds and reactions.  We are experts in chemistry and we will guide and teach you but, more importantly, we will encourage you to learn by 'doing'.  From key-stages 3 to 4 (GCSE) and on to A-level our emphasis is on experimental work ─ you will be expected to put on your safety glasses and lab coats and 'do' chemistry!

 

At key-stage 3 chemistry is taught as part of a combined course with biology and physics. At key-stage 4 (GCSE) you will have the option to specialise by taking chemistry as a stand-alone subject or to continue with the combined approach.  Most students opt to specialise but in either case the subject is taught by experienced chemistry teachers.  At A-level, chemistry is a very popular, but demanding, subject.  We maintain continuity throughout a student's chemistry studies at Claremont by following a single examining board from GCSE to A-level.

 

GCSE students follow the OCR 21st Century Chemistry A course.  This course provides the opportunity for the students to deepen their understanding of how chemistry works.  Students study a wide range of topics including: chemicals & pollution, molecular structure, patterns & properties of elements, chemicals in the natural environment and synthesis of chemicals.  Those who specialise go on to study areas such as organic chemistry, energy, analysis and reversible reactions & equilibria.

 

A-level students follow the OCR AS/A-Level GCE Chemistry A course.  In the lower sixth students study the following topics: atoms bonds & groups and chains, energy & resources.  In the upper sixth students study: rings, polymers & analysis and equilibria, energetics & elements.  At the end of each year the topics are externally examined and practical skills are assessed internally by experiments under exam conditions.

 

Chemistry A-level is a challenging course and is necessary for those students wishing to study chemistry, medicine, pharmaceutical science etc at university.  It is also a highly regarded A-level for those intending to apply to study other academically rigorous subjects such as law.

 

A successful student of chemistry will not only develop a scientific curiosity and understanding of the world but will accumulate a wide range of transferable skills such as written & oral reporting, analysis & evaluation, numeracy, computing & data handling.  In other words, the study of chemistry provides the student with precisely the range of skills desired not only by the scientific community but by all kinds of prospective employers.