Chemistry is one of the most popular subjects at Camp Hill School for Girls with a large number of girls studying the subject at A level.

We have over 60 students in each year of the Sixth Form studying Chemistry and, over the last few years these students have enjoyed considerable success at A level. Traditionally, many go on to study medicine, veterinary science and other chemistry-related degrees at University while a number gain entrance to Oxbridge.

Chemistry is taught as a separate subject from year 9 in two well equipped specialist laboratories which have both been refurbished relatively recently. The Department endeavours to make full use of IT as an aid to teaching and the labs are equipped with computer projectors and interactive white boards.

There are four Chemistry teachers on the staff, including the Subject Leader, the KS4 Co-ordinator, the KS3 Science Co-ordinator and the Assistant Head Teacher who are ably supported by a dedicated team of full time technical staff.

For girls in the junior school, a weekly science club runs at lunch time which explores some of the more fun activities only possible in small groups. In Key Stage 4, girls may opt for weekly sessions in preparation for the West Midlands Chemistry Quiz which we enter each year. For the last few years revision courses have run in the holidays for Y11 GCSE students and also for those taking A level. Sixth form students have also attended revision sessions at Birmingham University led by the AQA examiners. Girls have attended a lunchtime talk given by the Schools Liaison Officer from Birmingham University about Careers in Chemistry. Last year we held a Chemistry Demonstration Lecture for National Science and Engineering Week.

For GCSE we use the AQA GCSE Chemistry Specification and pupils start working towards this during Year 9. The GCSE syllabus includes a basic grounding in important chemical principles including How Science Works and students are encouraged to understand and apply these concepts rather than to just learn material by rote. Practical work plays an important role in Chemistry and students will be encouraged to work safely and independently in the laboratories and to gain experience in handling a wide range of apparatus. All students will carry out coursework during the course, which will contribute 25% towards their final GCSE grade. The other 75% is based on 3 units C1, C2 and C3, the examinations for these are taken throughout the course. At present Year 10 take C1a in March, and C1b in June, then C2 is taken in January of Y11, followed by C3 in June.

During their study of Chemistry, girls will develop transferable skills in the following areas:

• Reading , listening and comprehending
• Researching, reviewing and revising
• Basic mathematical skills
• Problem solving
• Organisation and planning, hypothesising, evaluating
• Safe manipulation of apparatus and chemicals
• Team work

At A level we follow the AQA A/AS-level specification. This is divided up into six units based around physical, inorganic and organic chemistry. Two of these units (one in each Year) assess the pupils in their investigative and practical skills, both of which are externally marked.

For additional information relating to the topics taught in each year and useful websites, please

Chemistry in Y7 and Y8

Y9 to Y11 (GCSE Chemistry Parents Guide)

Sixth form (Advanced Level Chemistry Parents Guide)