• Block 3 (Year 9)
  • Blocks 4 and 5 (Years 10 and 11)
  • Sixth Form
At Bedales, the exciting journey into the world of Chemistry begins in Block 3.

All students in Block 3 embark on the path toward the IGCSE Double Award in Science, with dedicated double and single lessons each week in Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. The focus in Chemistry is on building a strong foundation of knowledge and practical skills, while sparking curiosity about the subject and its relevance to the real world.
 
Through hands-on experiments, engaging discussions, and real-life applications, students begin to explore the fascinating principles that underpin chemical reactions and materials. Topics covered include:
 
- Particle theory and separation techniques
- Atomic structure
- Rates of reactions
- Chemical bonding
- Testing for unknown substances
 
Assessment is ongoing throughout the year and takes a variety of forms, including assessed preps, practical evaluations, and end of topic or end of year examinations.
In Blocks 4 and 5, students continue working towards the IGCSE Double Award in Science.

For those with a strong passion for science and a desire to explore topics in greater depth, Triple Science is available as an option. Students who choose this route benefit from an additional lesson per week in each of the three sciences and will sit an extra exam in each subject - six exams in total.
 
Practical work remains a central part of the curriculum, helping students to develop essential investigative and analytical skills. Assessment is continuous throughout the year and includes a variety of formats such as assessed preps, practical evaluations, and end-of-topic or mock examinations.
 
Links the to exam board syllabus:
 

Why study Chemistry at A Level?

Chemistry is a fascinating subject with a significant impact on our everyday lives. Studying Chemistry allows you to understand many of the concepts important to modern science. From materials to medicine, biotechnology to biofuels, solar energy to space exploration; Chemistry is shaping our future. Chemistry is a heavily practical subject and there is a strong emphasis on laboratory work, as well as using mathematical skills to solve problems. Chemistry is a fascinating and demanding subject that will enable a deep appreciation of the world around you.

What is studied in Chemistry A Level and how is the course assessed?

Paper 1: Advanced inorganic and Physical ChemistryPaper 2: Advanced organic and Physical ChemistryPaper 3: General and Practical Principles in Chemistry
30% of the total qualification30% of the total qualification40% of the total qualification
Overview of contentOverview of contentOverview of content
  • Atomic Structure and Periodic Table
  • Bonding and Structure
  • Redox 1
  • Inorganic Chemistry and the Periodic Table
  • Formulae, Equations and Amounts of Substance
  • Energetics I
  • Equilibrium I
  • Equilibrium II
  • Acid-base Equillibria
  • Energetics II
  • Redox II
  • Transition Metals
  • Bonding and Structure
  • Redox I
  • Formulae, Equations and Amounts of Substance
  • Organic Chemistry I
  • Modern Analytical Techniques I
  • Kinetics I
  • Kinetics II
  • Organic Chemistry II
  • Organic Chemistry III
  • Modern Analytical Techniques II
  • Questions in this paper may draw on any of the topics in this specification
  • This paper will include synoptic questions that may draw on two or more different topics listed.
  • The paper will include questions that assess conceptual and theoretical understanding of experimental methods (indirect practical skills) that will draw on students' experiences of the core practicals.
Overview of assessmentOverview of assessmentOverview of assessment
  • Assessment is 1hr 45 mins
  • The paper consists of 90 marks
  • The paper may include multiple-choice, short-open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions.
  • Assessment is 1hr 45 mins
  • The paper consists of 90 marks
  • The paper may include multiple-choice, short-open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions.
  • Assessment is 2hrs 30 mins
  • The paper consists of 120 marks
  • The paper may include multiple-choice, short-open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions.

Practical Chemistry at A Level

Students are required to complete 16 core practicals at A Level. The assessment for this is simply pass or fail to ensure that all students can provide evidence of their competency in practical work. Students receive a separate certificate to document that they have met the practical requirements of the course. Furthermore, Paper 3 also tests students’ knowledge and understanding of these practicals. Our teaching is centred on practical laboratory work and we will do far more practical work than the 16 core practicals.

Mathematics in Chemistry A Level

20% of the marks awarded in the assessment of the course are for Level 2 or higher maths skills (equivalent to the standard of 9-4 in GCSE Maths). This is consistent for all A Level Chemistry examining boards.

Link to syllabus: GCE A Level Chemistry
 
Entry requirements:
 
Students will need at least a grade 7 in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and Sciences to study Chemistry at A Level. 
 

Other opportunities for A Level chemists

Each year, we strive to enrich the A Level Chemistry experience for our 6.1 and 6.2 students through a range of trips and guest lectures. These opportunities are designed to broaden their understanding of Chemistry beyond the classroom and connect them with real-world scientific developments. Past highlights include talks from visiting speakers on cutting-edge topics in Chemistry, and twilight sessions at the University of Southampton, where students conduct advanced practical work in undergraduate laboratories - experiments that go beyond what is possible in a school setting.
 
Our Sixth Form chemists also play a key role in outreach, helping to plan and deliver engaging Chemistry sessions for our Prep and Pre-prep students. One of the most popular is the annual fireworks-themed session around 5 November, which never fails to spark excitement.

Life after Bedales

Each year, a number of our students go on to pursue Chemistry-related degrees at university.
Our department is staffed by a team with diverse backgrounds, including both academic and industrial experience. This breadth of expertise allows us to offer informed, personalised guidance to students as they consider their next steps. We maintain strong links with universities and industry professionals, which enables us to support students in choosing the right degree path, securing valuable work experience, and preparing for university interviews with confidence.

Some degree courses will expect or strongly prefer candidates to have studied Chemistry. The problem solving skills, ability to deal with abstract concept and the application of mathematical skills are recognised as highly desirable in many areas of study. 

Medicine

Dentistry

Veterinary science

Chemistry

Natural Sciences

Biochemistry

Chemical engineering

Pharmacy

Pharmacology

Biomedical science

Materials chemistry

Pharmaceutical chemistry

Biology

Environmental chemistry

Forensic chemistry

Pathology and microbiology

Genetics

Molecular and cellular biology

Physiological sciences

Anatomical science

Food science

Ecology

Zoology

Geology

Marine chemistry

Animal science

Agriculture

Forensic biology

Animal biology

Marine and freshwater biology

Biological sciences

Environmental biology

Behavioural biology

Plant science

Sports Science

Examining Board: Edexcel

Head of Faculty: Science, Liz Stacy