Chemistry

Key Stage 3

In years 7 to 9, boys follow a course written and developed by the LGS Chemistry department. Experimental work, which the pupils carry out themselves, is an integral part of this course, helping to develop understanding and knowledge, as well as the obvious practical skills. Excellent technical support makes practical experimental work possible in most lessons. Boys are given experimental instructions, keyword summaries and exercises in booklets and on sheets which they add to a file. They are also issued with a text book for reference, containing further examples, applications, summaries and questions. In years 7 and 8 we use "Chemistry First" by Bethell and Coppock. In year 9 we use Longman "Chemistry 11–14" by Brand and Grime. The course contains a lot of straightforward simple Chemistry, but also extends further than required by KS3, aiming to lay a good foundation for the study of Chemistry to GCSE Level, and so there is plenty to stimulate and challenge the more able and inquisitive boys.

GCSE

Most pupils continue with Chemistry to GCSE. All currently follow the AQA 4421 Chemistry specification, taking the examination at the higher tier level with three quarters achieving grades A* or A. The course contains a lot of practical experimental work and includes an Investigative Skills Assignment and Practical Skills Assessment, which together count for 25% of the final GCSE mark. Boys work on A4 paper and are given printed experiment instructions, notes and worksheets which they add to a file. They are also issued with a text book, "GCSE Chemistry" by B. Earl & L.D.R. Wilford, used for reference and as a source of extra explanations, examples and questions.

As an extra challenge and to provide more preparation for As level, some boys take Edexcel IGCSE as well as AQA chemistry.

AS and A2

Chemistry is a popular subject in the Sixth Form with 60 to 70 boys taking AS level each year and typically around 55 continuing to A2 (about 50% of these going on to achieve a grade A). The specifcations followed are Edexcel 8CH01 (AS) & Edexcel 9CH01 (A2).

The main text books used are "Introduction to Advanced Chemistry" by Earl & Wilford (in Year 12) "Advanced Chemistry" by Clugston and Flemming (in Year 13) and Collins Advanced Science Chemistry by Conoley & Hills with other popular text books available in the school library. Those who study Chemistry in the Sixth Form will nearly always have a grade A* at GCSE and it is no surprise that those who get A grades at Advanced level are generally those who were strongest at GCSE.

The most able and interested boys have the opportunity to discuss and explore important chemical ideas in a bit more depth during extra lunchtime sessions, and each year some go on to study Chemistry, Natural Sciences or Medicine at Oxford or Cambridge.

Extra-curricular

The department often enters a team in the "Top of the Bench" and National Chemical Analysts competition, organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry, frequently reaching or even winning the regional final. Every year the top few Sixth Form Chemists take part in the first round of the "Chemistry Olympiad" often gaining gold, silver or bronze certificates.

Special events and competitions also take place in school during "National Chemistry Week", including spectacular demonstration lectures and quizzes run jointly with the girls from the High School.