Chemistry

Fourths

The Fourth Form curriculum aims to build on the work at Prep School level and take them through a course which will prepare them thoroughly for the start of the GCSE course. Goals for the year include:

  • Familiarising all pupils with the practical skills that they will need for GCSE.
  • Giving basic instruction in IT skills, specifically Word, Excel and searching the Web. This work is done in close liaison with the IT department.
  • Introducing the pupils to key ideas in Chemistry that will be built upon in the GCSE, for example the structure of the atom, balancing equations and mole calculations.
  • Performing a small project to prepare them for GCSE coursework.

Within this we cater for the more able students with optional extension work.

Removes and Fifths - GCSE

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Specialists - Cambridge Pre-U

GCSE Requirements

Because this course builds on the knowledge, understanding and practical skills that are developed in GCSE and  IGCSE it is expected that pupils will have taken Chemistry at this level.

Outline of the course

Too often Chemistry is seen as a large body of facts that defies straightforward rationalization. This course emphasises the underlying fundamental concepts which unify the subject and seeks to examine them through their application to modern chemical situations. The course is notionally divided into four main sections: physical, inorganic, organic and analytical chemistry. Each section is split into Part A and Part B, with the Part A material providing the foundation in the field and the Part B topics providing depth and a greater challenge.

Chemistry, being the central science and being a mature science has largely become a collaborative subject for the emerging fields of molecular genetics, biotechnology and nanotechnology. It is in this light that this course aims to teach pupils to be able to solve chemical problems in a variety of scientific contexts. The overall aim is to invoke in pupils a passion for science, to encourage reflection on the nature, history and philosophy of science and to allow the interested and independent pupil to take the subject further with confidence.

Experimental and Investigative Work

Chemistry is an experimental science and therefore pupils with be engaged in practical work throughout the course. This work has several aims: to reinforce the theoretical content of the syllabus, to instill an understanding of the relationship between experiment and theory in the scientific method and to develop essential manipulative and observational skills. Project work can be highly motivating and it is therefore expected that most pupils will complete a practical investigation during the course.

Combinations with other subjects

There is a significant mathematical element to the course and this must be taken into account when choosing to study Pre-U Chemistry. Although not a prerequisite, studying mathematics is strongly recommended. There are also a number of synergies with the Pre-U Physics course. For pupils planning to apply to read Chemistry at university the best combinations with this course are Mathematics, Physics and Biology.

University courses and careers

The study of Chemistry, with its uniquely wide span within the scientific spectrum, is an excellent way to develop one’s intellect. Pupils will acquire not only a powerful variety of analytical skills for problem solving, but also the ability to analyse critically and to ask pertinent questions. These skills are transferable to almost any context, and are highly valued in the world of commerce, finance, consultancy and law. It is interesting to note that over 50% of chemistry graduates do not work directly in the chemical industry.

E.J. How