Chemistry GCSE Level

Why Choose GCSE Chemistry?

Chemistry lies between Mathematics and Physics on one hand and Medicine and Life Sciences on the other. As a result, the range of careers open to those with a qualification in Chemistry is very extensive.

What will I learn in Chemistry?

You will learn to:

  • Conduct experiments and investigations safely;
  • Understand and use scientific and technical words;
  • Appreciate its technological and environmental uses;
  • Present information in different forms;
  • Understand the importance of health and safety.

What skills will I gain?

You will be able to:

  • Find strategies for solving problems;
  • Think and plan logically;
  • Work effectively with data;
  • Support arguments;
  • Appreciate the wider effects that chemistry has on many aspects of our lives.

Some careers using skills developed through the study of chemistry at GCSE and Advanced Level include: Analyst, Biochemist, Biomedical Scientist, Biotechnologist, Chemical Engineer, Civil Engineering, Dentist, Dietician, Doctor, Food Science Technologist, Geologist, Health Service, Logistics, Materials Scientist, Mechanical Engineering, Medicine, Metallurgist, Ophthalmic Optician / Optometrist, Pharmacist, Photographic work, Systems Engineering, Teacher, Veterinary Nurse, Veterinary Surgeon and Zoologist.

The excellent percentage pass rate and the high number of top grades achieved by pupils studying GCSE and Advanced Level Chemistry reflects outstanding performances by many of our previous chemists.

Further Education colleges usually stipulate a minimum of five GCSE passes and both these institutions and employers value the transferable skills developed through a study of Chemistry.

Areas of the course which are developed from topics introduced in Key Stage 3 include:

  • Atomic Structure, Bonding and the Periodic Table;
  • Acids, Bases and Salts;
  • Reactivity of Metals;
  • Electrolysis, including Industrial Applications;
  • Metals and their Compounds;
  • Non-metals and their Compounds;
  • Industrial Chemistry including Environmental Issues;
  • Quantitative Chemistry;
  • Organic Chemistry.

The GCSE course has a 25% coursework component, most of which is completed in class time.