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Chemistry

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Head of Department: Mr R. Nkomo.

Members of Staff: Mr A. Chamba, Mr I. Marimira, Mrs S. Moyo, Ms S. Rahman.

Form 1 & 2 Science

In Forms 1 and 2, students have opportunities to apply scientific and technological knowledge and ideas, and are able to develop their awareness of the role and importance of science in everyday life.

Building on their earlier experiences in science, their growing scientific knowledge, understanding and increasing maturity, they will have opportunities to study how science is applied in a variety of contexts.

Form 1 and 2 science is a balance curriculum including biology, physics and chemistry, giving students a solid foundation for their IGCSE studies that commence in form 3.

IGCSE Level (Form 3 & 4) Chemistry

Sets 1 – 4 are taught Pure Chemistry with Core and Extended options available dependent on ability and performance. Set 5 sit Core Physical Science which is a combination of Chemistry and Physics

A-level Chemistry is not for the faint-hearted, as it is a rigorous and demanding subject! Pupils use principles and concepts that are within the syllabus and apply them in a logical, reasoned or deductive manner to novel situations. Candidates must have a genuine interest in and enjoyment of chemistry, be prepared to read widely and work independently. In addition, the ability to communicate clearly and unambiguously is vital.

Often, students tend to underestimate the course’s demands. Foundations are laid in lower six and lack of consistency can result in disillusionment and an unfulfilling upper sixth year.

Entry requirements

  1. IGCSE Chemistry – at least a B grade
  2. IGCSE Physical Science – Grade A* or A and Mathematics grade B

AS / A2 (Sixth Form) Chemistry

Chemistry (CIE) 9701

AS topics cover the three main sections of chemistry and three examination papers are written at the end of lower six, including a multiple choice paper, a structured response paper and a practical examination.

A2 topics re-visit AS topics and develop these further. Applications of chemistry forms part of the structured response paper and introduces students to modern techniques used in chemistry and applications in industry. A further paper is written on experimental design, analysis and evaluation of results. These two papers are then written at the end of the upper sixth year.

Suitable combinations

Chemistry is traditionally, but not necessarily, studied in conjunction with other sciences.

Career prospects

Of all the science subjects, chemistry offers the widest range of options. As a discipline (B.Sc.Chem), it has an input into most scientific fields, eg environmental protection, health sciences (including toxicology), biological sciences (including genetic engineering), forensic science, transportation industries (including aviation), teaching, research, development production, industry, marketing, quality control, brewing technology and food processing.

Other degrees for which chemistry is appropriate include chemical engineering, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, bio-chemistry, agriculture, geology and oceanography. A-level chemistry is required by most universities for entry into medical and veterinary studies.