CHEMISTRY

Vision statement

To not only stimulate and sustain interest and enjoyment in chemistry in all its applications, but also to instil a desire to explore and investigate further.

GCSE Chemistry

GCSE Chemistry at LSS is part of the Edexcel Science suite, following Specification A, the Linear course.
The Extension Materials are identical to both the Linear and Modular [Specification B] courses and are of particular value to those wishing to take Chemistry at AS and A2 Levels since the work focuses on the analytical techniques so essential to advanced practical work and also on more advanced organic chemistry than that met in the Core material.

We use the Longman GCSE Chemistry textbooks as these are thoroughly up-to-date as well as having the rigour necessary for able students. Longman has also published a series of thought-provoking synoptic question sheets to support the course, as well as web access to support teachers.

AS and A Level

EDEXCEL

A Level Chemistry is a stimulating and exciting subject. It follows on from GCSE Double Award Science or GCSE Chemistry. Roughly a third of the teaching time is spent on practical work which pupils often enjoy. We teach the Edexcel course which is a six part modular course. Both AS and A2 Chemistry consist of three unit, the first of which is taken in January. The remaining modules are taken in June which includes a practical exam. There is no coursework.

Full details are available from the Edexcel Website including the specification

It is required that our students will have achieved the minimum of a Grade B in Chemistry or a Grade BB in Science (Double Award).  Grade B in Mathematics at Intermediate or Higher Tier would be an advantage.

The course is delivered in a semi-lecture style, with the theory supported by the hands-on practical work essential to both the understanding of principles and the development of necessary laboratory skills. The teaching of each group is shared between three  members of the Chemistry staff, all of whom are available to provide support and assistance to all students within the department.

We have two specialist laboratories which are well-equipped to deliver the requirements of the AS and A Level specifications and are serviced by a full-time technician.  In addition, students have ready access to a well-resourced Chemistry section in the School Library as well as to a smaller one within the department.  Numerous Chemistry CD-ROMS are available, as is access to the Internet and Chemistry software on the school’s computer networks.

Each student is issued with a CD-ROM at the beginning of the year. This CD-ROM contains notes, revision guides, worksheets that cover the entire course, all past papers & mark scheme from 2002 onwards. It is fully hyperlinked and forms the backbone of materials provided. Here is a screenshot.

An Advanced Level qualification in Chemistry provides entry to careers which include medicine and related disciplines, polymer chemistry, forensic science and chemical engineering.  Moreover, the investigative and problem-solving nature of A Level Chemistry opens the doors to careers other than those of a purely scientific nature, such as philosophy and law.

We look forward to welcoming you.

You will find the structure of the whole course by clicking on the link to the AS/A2 Chemistry Teaching Scheme.

- AS/A2 Chemistry Teaching Scheme -