Chemistry is the central science with an impact on all facets of our lives and it is a fascinating field of study. Studying the behaviour of atoms, molecules and ions allows us to understand so many things that make up the world.
The Chemistry Department at Ipswich School helps pupils to acquire not only a powerful scientific understanding, but also the ability to analyse critically, ask pertinent questions and problem solve.
In the Sixth Form, Chemistry is a popular option, being chosen by around fifty students each year. Our aim is to make the subject stimulating and interesting by making links with everyday life. Pupils’ learning is enhanced by regular practical work.
Lower School
The Chemistry course covers much of the content of the KS3 National Curriculum. Pupils study a range of topics that includes Solids, Liquids and Gases, Separating Mixtures, Acids and Alkalis and Earth Resources. Pupils learn how to work safely in a laboratory and how to use specific equipment. Regular practical work aids learning and develops the skills needed for examination at GCSE and beyond. In Year 7 Chemistry is taught as part of the Principles of Science course, which integrates Chemistry, Biology and Physics, and in Year 8 it is taught as a single subject.
“Today we start with my favourite subject…science. It has made me realise just how amazing nature is.” Lower School Chemistry student
Middle School and GCSE
From Years 9 to 11 pupils follow the AQA Chemistry GCSE course, building on the ideas covered in Lower School as well as introducing new topics, such as Organic Reactions and Quantitive Chemistry. We develop the analytical and practical skills of the pupils, offering a weekly clinic and extra appointments to support individuals in achieving their potential. Pupils prepare thoroughly for their final examinations, with regular past paper practice and with active use of the exam board mark schemes. They build firm foundations for study at A Level. Each year we send a team of chemists to Norwich for the RSC Top of the Bench analytical competition, which we have won twice in the last four years.
Sixth Form and A Level
Chemistry at A Level can be divided into three areas: Physical, Inorganic and Organic. Students follow the popular and well resourced OCR A course. The development of practical skills is an integral part of the course and forms part of the final examinations.
During Year 12, we take a team of chemists to UEA for an analytical practical challenge. At the end of Year 12, students showing great promise are entered for the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge which is a demanding paper that takes students significantly beyond the A Level specification and encourages them to think about science in the way they would at university.
Year 13 students have an opportunity to take part in the especially challenging but ultimately rewarding Chemistry Olympiad, which stretches the most able A2 candidates and enables them to really demonstrate their scientific flair.
“Thank you for all the help you have given me over the past year and for making your lessons so memorable!” Upper Sixth Form chemist
Exam results
The average of the results in Chemistry over the most recent three year period (2023, 2022, 2021) is:
| GCSE | |
| 9 | 22% |
| 9-8 | 51% |
| 9-7 | 69% |
| 9-4 | 100% |
| A Level | |
| A* | 18% |
| A* – A | 55% |
| A* – B | 84% |
