Chemistry – Ages 11-16

Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, how and why substances combine or separate to form other substances, and how substances interact with energy.  Many people think of chemists as being white-coated scientists mixing strange liquids in a laboratory, but the truth is we are all chemists.  Understanding basic chemistry concepts is important for almost every profession. Chemistry is part of everything in our lives. 

At both IGCSE and A Level, our students have achieved examination results and have gone on to study Chemistry, Natural Sciences, Medicine, Dentistry, Architecture and Ophthalmology at university, whilst others have used A Level Chemistry to support a variety of degree choices. 

Why Study Chemistry?

• It helps you to be analytical and logical – these skills are useful for many careers, not just in science 
• It helps in lots of different subjects, can apply to everything and is a great foundation 
• It is a core subject that takes you wherever you want to go in science 
• Compulsory for medicine and other degrees 
• It is an impressive qualification to get 

• It can lead to so many careers 
• You just love chemistry! 

Extra-Curricular Activities

The Chemistry Department plays a full part in the college’s extra-curricular programme through its long standing involvement in: 

Salter’s Institute Festival of Chemistry

A fun event held at universities and colleges throughout the UK and Ireland.  They provide an opportunity for enthusiastic Year 9 students to spend a day in a university Chemistry department and to take part in practical chemistry activities which are fun! 

Royal Society of Chemistry Top of the Bench Competition

Each year, teams of four 13- to 16-year-old students compete for the Top of the Bench trophy.  The competition starts with regional heats which involves competing in a Chemistry quiz.  The regional winners then have a chance to compete against each other in the UK final in a laboratory based event.