Chemistry

Exam Board : Edexcel International GCSE CHEMISTRY

Dr LH Winning ● Head of Chemistry ● lwinning@kgs.org.uk

Students are encouraged to develop an inquisitive approach to their learning and to explore the subject through practical work. This enables students to acquire knowledge that will eventually allow them to make judgements about social, environmental and political issues in our increasingly technological world.

The IGCSE course

Chemistry is offered both as a single science International GCSE or as part of the Double Award International GCSE (see pages 7-8). In common with the other sciences, Chemistry follows the course offered by the Edexcel examination board (4CH1). There is no coursework but practical skills are assessed within the two written papers taken at the end of the Fifth Year.

Both papers examine students’ knowledge and understanding, the application of their knowledge and their understanding of practical techniques and investigative methods. The course is divided into four areas: • Principles of Chemistry: the structure of the atom, chemical bonding and calculations • Inorganic Chemistry: particularly focusing on groups 1 and 7 • Organic Chemistry: the chemistry of carbon and its compounds • Physical Chemistry: rates of reactions, chemical equilibrium and the theory of acids

Why study Chemistry?

Chemistry is the science of substances – their behaviour, their properties and their transformations. Chemistry permeates every aspect of our lives, from the intricate biochemical reactions occurring in our cells to the industrial-scale extraction of metals and the manufacture of plastics, without which our modern society would be impossible. An understanding of Chemistry is also vital for a full appreciation of the other sciences.

A Chemistry-based degree is an excellent qualification both as an entry to a career in chemistry, and as a springboard into a host of other careers: Chemistry graduates are numerate, analytical and practical, and they are recognised for their problem-solving, communication and presentational skills. Chemistry graduates are to be found working in chemical companies as well as in areas as diverse as finance, advertising, marketing and the IT sector.