"Chemistry is the bridge between the perceived world of substances and the imagined world of atoms." Peter Atkins

The study of Chemistry is a fascinating journey from, literally, concrete to the sublimely abstract. Through experimental tasks wherever possible, we aim to illustrate the wonders and complexity of the material world around us.  All this exciting learning takes place in three well-equipped Chemistry laboratories.



In Year 9 students start the first unit of the GCSE Chemistry course. The content relates closely to the chemistry in everyday life, from understanding how we make building materials such as concrete, cement and glass to the importance of crude oil. The use of crude oil extends to understanding how we make plastics and students have the opportunity to make ‘slime' and Perspex.

They study plant oils as an alternative fuel, along with their other uses as emulsions, such as mayonnaise and hair cream. Finally, they learn how the Earth provides all these resources and how the shape of our world has changed.  Year 9 trips have included a visit to the Plastics exhibition at the Science Museum, London.


In Years 10 and 11 the concepts become more abstract and mathematical, stretching students to use their imaginations to understand principles such as reaction rates, electrolysis, molar calculations and chemical bonding and structures.  Typically, Chemistry trips include a lecture at Bristol University on the ‘Molecules of Murder'.

At A level, topics are grouped according to chemical concepts and within the context of the scientific area to which they apply. There is also an emphasis on practical work, since this equates to 20% of the qualification.  New inorganic and organic synthesis methods are introduced, along with advanced analytical techniques. Students take a personal tour of the spectroscopic instruments held by the School of Chemistry, University of Bristol.