Chemistry
Chemistry is a vibrant and ever-popular subject that invites students to explore the building blocks of matter and the reactions that shape our world. From the structure of atoms to the complexities of organic synthesis, our curriculum across offers a rich and stimulating journey through the central science.
Students develop their understanding through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experimentation. They learn to handle chemicals safely, design and carry out investigations, and interpret results with precision and insight. Our experienced subject specialists foster a supportive learning environment where curiosity is encouraged and scientific thinking is nurtured, helping students to make connections between classroom learning and real-world applications such as climate change, pharmaceuticals, materials science and energy production.
Chemistry opens doors to a wide range of exciting careers, including in medicine, veterinary science, forensic science, chemical engineering and environmental research. It equips students with analytical skills, attention to detail and a methodical approach to problem-solving which are transferable to and highly valued in many professions. At LGGS, students are inspired by Chemistry, discovering not only how the world works at a molecular level but also how they can shape its future.
Key Stage 3
Course Overview
At Key Stage 3 students are introduced to the fundamental concepts of Science, encompassing Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. Students are taught all three science subjects by one teacher, which allows them to see the links between each branch and develop a holistic understanding of science. The curriculum at LGGS aims to provide students with a robust foundation in scientific knowledge, skills, and vocabulary and to inspire a genuine interest in science. At LGGS, we encourage our students to foster curiosity and a love for learning, ensuring that they are equipped with the critical thinking skills necessary for future scientific endeavors. Through engaging and interactive lessons, students explore a variety of topics that help them understand the world around them and develop critical thinking skills.
What can I do to support my child?
In KS3 Science students are explicitly taught how to revise actively. Time is set aside after each cycle of topics to consolidate and allow students to practice their active revision skills. This builds good study habits and puts them in a strong position going forwards into KS4 and 5 studies.
We recommend the following strategies to help support your child in their Science studies:
· Encourage regular review of class notes and/or textbooks and revision guides.
· Encourage your child to attend the subject-specific drop in sessions at lunchtime if they have questions or are struggling
· Encourage them to sign up for our peer mentoring system (Science Aid)
Additionally the following websites have excellent, free resources available to use:
Science Doctor Physics and Maths Tutor Save My Exams
YouTube channels:
How will students be assessed?
Topics in KS3 are generally short, so students will be taught three short topics (one topic from each of Chemistry, Biology, and Physics) then sit a combined test on all three. These assessments will help track their understanding and progress in the subject without overloading students by testing too frequently
Key Stage 4 (GCSE)
Exam Board and details
Exam Board: AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462)
Specification
AQA | Chemistry | GCSE | GCSE Chemistry
Course Overview
Chemistry is a compulsory subject until the end of Key Stage 4, reflecting its essential role in helping young people understand the world around them. It is crucial in inspiring the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and critical thinkers. The GCSE Chemistry course covers a wide range of topics that deepen students’ understanding of natural phenomena, including:
1. Atomic structure and the periodic table
2. Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter
3. Quantitative chemistry
4. Chemical changes
5. Energy changes
6. The rate and extent of chemical change
7. Organic chemistry
8. Chemical analysis
9. Chemistry of the atmosphere
10. Using resources
Students will also complete required practicals to develop their experimental skills and understanding of scientific methods. The course aims to challenge students and help them make significant progress in their understanding of Chemistry, preparing them for further studies and future career opportunities.
How will students be assessed?
Students will be assessed through two written exams at the end of the course:
· Paper 1: Covers topics 1-5 and is 1 hour 45 minutes long, worth 100 marks, and accounts for 50% of the GCSE.
· Paper 2: Covers topics 6-10 and is 1 hour 45 minutes long, worth 100 marks, and accounts for 50% of the GCSE.
Both papers include multiple-choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response questions. An understanding of the required practicals is also needed.
Additionally, there will be end-of-topic tests throughout the course to track students' progress and understanding.
Key Stage 5 (A Level)
Exam Board and details
Exam Board: AQA Chemistry (7405)
Specification:
AQA | Chemistry | A-Level | A-level Chemistry
Course Overview
Though not compulsory beyond KS4, Chemistry remains an extremely popular A-Level choice among our students. The A Level Chemistry course builds directly on knowledge from the GCSE and is designed to challenge and inspire students, broadening their knowledge and understanding of the subject and preparing them for potential future studies. The curriculum includes three main areas of study:
Section 3.1 - Physical Chemistry:
- 3.1.1 Atomic structure
- 3.1.2 Amount of substance
- 3.1.3 Bonding
- 3.1.4 Energetics
- 3.1.5 Kinetics
- 3.1.6 Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle, and Kc
- 3.1.7 Oxidation, reduction, and redox equations
- 3.1.8 Thermodynamics
- 3.1.9 Rate equations
- 3.1.10 Equilibrium constant Kp for homogeneous systems
- 3.1.11 Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells
- 3.1.12 Acids and bases
Section 3.2 - Inorganic Chemistry:
- 3.2.1 Periodicity
- 3.2.2 Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
- 3.2.3 Group 7 (17), the halogens
- 3.2.4 Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides
- 3.2.5 Transition metals
- 3.2.6 Reactions of ions in aqueous solution
2. Organic Chemistry:
- 3.3.1 Introduction to organic chemistry
- 3.3.2 Alkanes
- 3.3.3 Halogenoalkanes
- 3.3.4 Alkenes
- 3.3.5 Alcohols
- 3.3.6 Organic analysis
- 3.3.7 Optical isomerism
- 3.3.8 Aldehydes and ketones
- 3.3.9 Carboxylic acids and derivatives
- 3.3.10 Aromatic chemistry
- 3.3.11 Amines
- 3.3.12 Polymers
- 3.3.13 Amino acids, proteins, and DNA
- 3.3.14 Organic synthesis
- 3.3.15 Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
- 3.3.16 Chromatography
Practical Endorsement: Practical work is at the heart of Chemistry, and the A Level Chemistry course places significant emphasis on developing excellent practical skills. Students will complete a series of required practical activities that will be assessed by their teachers. These practical skills are not directly assessed in the written exams but are crucial for developing a deep understanding of the subject. The practical endorsement is reported separately on the A Level certificate and is based on direct observation of students' competency in a range of practical skills, including:
· Using appropriate apparatus to record measurements (mass, time, volume, temperature)
· Using a water bath or electric heater for heating
· Measuring pH using pH charts, meters, or probes
· Performing titrations, distillations, and qualitative tests for ions and organic functional groups
· Using volumetric flasks to make standard solutions
· Using acid-base indicators in titrations
· Purifying substances
How will students be assessed?
Students will be assessed through three written exams at the end of the course:
· Paper 1: Covers relevant physical chemistry topics (sections 3.1.1 to 3.1.4, 3.1.6 to 3.1.8 and 3.1.10 to 3.1.12), inorganic chemistry (section 3.2), and relevant practical skills. The exam is 2 hours long, worth 105 marks, and accounts for 35% of the A Level.
· Paper 2: Covers relevant physical chemistry topics (sections 3.1.2 to 3.1.6 and 3.1.9), organic chemistry (section 3.3), and relevant practical skills. The exam is 2 hours long, worth 105 marks, and accounts for 35% of the A Level.
· Paper 3: Covers any content and practical skills. The exam is 2 hours long, worth 90 marks, and accounts for 30% of the A Level.
Both Papers 1 and 2 include short and long answer questions, while Paper 3 includes questions on practical techniques, data analysis, and synoptic questions covering the entire specification.