Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of matter and the chemical reactions between substances. Here at St George’s, students explore this through creating squeaky pops, spectacular flames and rainbows of colour changes. We encourage our students to become powerful analysts who approach challenges with an enquiring and critical mind. They develop as forward-thinking problem solvers who have the opportunity to move into careers such as Medicine, Chemical Engineering or Pharmacology.

 

Curriculum
Inside the classroom
Extension and Support
Beyond the classroom

Chemistry is taught to our Year 7 and 8 pupils as part of the General Science Curriculum. Girls acquire a broad range of Scientific skills through experimental work and cover fundamental topics such as Chemical Reactions, The Periodic Table and States of Matter.

All pupils study Biology, Chemistry and Physics at GCSE either in preparation for a Combined Science examination, gaining two GCSEs across the three disciplines, or with a view to taking GCSE examinations in the three disciplines separately.

In Year 9, girls start the GCSE course in which three main branches of Chemistry are taught: Physical, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry. A diverse range of topics are covered such as Atomic Structure, Chemistry of the Atmosphere and Energy Changes.

A Level Chemistry is a popular subject where key theories from GCSE are built on and their complexities explored. It is a broad curriculum covering three main areas: Physical, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry. As part of the course all girls take part in the Practical Endorsement in which key practical skills will be developed and assessed.

Chemistry is taught in purpose built laboratories which are bright, airy and extremely well-resourced. Comprehensive textbooks are provided along with a full suite of online provision which includes kerboodle, Focus Science and GCSEPod. We work with the girls to develop a range of transferable skills including regular opportunities to present to class, understanding experimental procedure and working in groups to foster resilience and strong independent thinking. Our teaching is tailored to each pupil and we are proud of the excellent examination support we provide.

To facilitate academic stretch, girls are encouraged to take part in many competitions throughout the year including the UK Chemistry Olympiad and The Cambridge Chemistry Challenge. Our most academically able pupils will also take part in the Salters Festival of Chemistry each year where they are encouraged to develop a long term interest in chemistry and its applications in modern life.

We host an annual Science Week in which a number of exciting talks are given by eminent scientists and there are opportunities for girls to enter Science fair competitions. A Level Chemists are always encouraged to study above the specification and to facilitate this we have subscriptions to Chemistry Review.

As part of our excellent support and co-curricular offering, we provide weekly Chemistry clinics for all year groups with a subject specialist. Girls can take part in an extensive range of weekly clubs which take place after time-tabled lessons such as Science Club, Dissection club and Future Medics Club. We also arrange for Sixth Form pupils to attend Chemistry in Action lectures and pupils in Years 9 and 10 to attend GCSE Science in Action study days.