Why Study Chemistry?
Chemistry is fun and involves a lot of practical activities and games. Some of the topics that we cover over the two years are: Amount of substance; Redox; Acids, bases and buffers; Bonding and structure; The periodic table; Thermodynamics; Kinetics; Equilibria; Organic chemistry; Analytical chemistry, using a range of techniques; Aromatic chemistry; Transition metals; Electrochemistry.
Throughout the two years you will also complete the practical endorsement where you need to demonstrate your ability to complete at least 12 practical skills including IT and research skills. The evidence for this will be in the form of written reports in a lab book.
Why Study Chemisty at Worcester Sixth Form College?
All staff are highly qualified A Level specialists, and are available via email, between lessons and in workshops to offer all the support you may need. All textbooks and lesson resources are provided, and there is also a detailed online virtual learning environment (Moodle) which is accessible anywhere. This includes videos of virtually all lessons, which are a handy tool if you need to go over something again.
You will get the opportunity to take part in the Chemistry Challenge and Chemistry Olympiad, and also complete your own research project as part of the STEM academy. As a department, we do more than the compulsory practical activities and have a highly experienced technician to help with them.
To enhance learning, we attend the Big Bang Fair at the NEC, and invite universities to deliver lectures and other activities at the college. We also take part in a practical competition called the School's analyst.
When we asked our students what they most enjoyed about Chemistry at Worcester Sixth Form College, they said: the lessons are fun; the course content is taught in an interesting and fun way; the lessons are interactive and include everyone; the teacher remembers if an individual struggles with something and help them out individually; the teacher is always happy to help; the teacher is very inclusive and does not make you feel silly for not knowing things; the positive atmosphere; the quality of teaching; the fact that every lesson is available online; the use of molymods to visualise compound.
Stephani Dennis
Progression Opportunities
Chemistry is well respected by top universities, so it is a good facilitating subject. It is a requirement if you want to study Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry or Pharmacy and will help you to study other sciences. Recent students have gone on to study Medicine, Natural Science, Physics with Astronomy, Biochemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Pharmacy, Biomedical Science, Chemistry with industrial experience/ year abroad, Medicinal Chemistry, Forensic Psychology, Environmental Earth Science, Engineering, Palaeontology, Dietetics and Culinary Arts Management. We have even had someone go on to be a Jockey!
Course Specifics / Entry Requirements
Qualification Name | Maths GCSE Req. | English GCSE Req. | Other Req. | Desirable Qualifications | Skills & Attributes Required for Success | Guidance on Costs or Commitments |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chemistry | 6 | 4 | Grade 6,6 or above in Combined Science or grade 6 or above in GCSE Chemistry and another science. | Chemistry students are advised to study A level Mathematics. If they do not study A level Mathematics, they will be enrolled on Core Maths. Average GCSE score of 5.5 | Willingness to participate in practical work and lecture visits. | Optional trip in year 1 (approx. £8) May need to buy lab coat (approx. £10) |