Chemistry

Intent

The Chemistry curriculum is designed to ignite curiosity about the substances that make up the world around us, their properties and how they interact. From KS3 to KS5, students develop a secure knowledge of atomic structure, chemical reactions and the role of chemistry in society and industry.

The curriculum equips learners with the practical, analytical and mathematical skills needed to test ideas and explain phenomena at both a macroscopic and atomic scale. It builds cultural capital by linking chemistry to sustainability, energy use, materials science, medicine and environmental change. 

The ambition is that students leave as confident, critical thinkers with the scientific literacy to contribute to global discussions and challenges. 

Implementation

• Sequenced progression: 
  • Year 7-9 (MYP): Students are introduced to particles, elements, compounds, mixtures, acids and alkalis, and simple chemical reactions. They develop practical skills through experiments that model real-world contexts, such as separation techniques and testing for gases. 
  • Years 10-11 (KS4 / GCSE): Students deepen understanding through atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, quantitative chemistry, rates of reaction, organic chemistry, chemical analysis and the chemistry of the atmosphere. Mathematical applications—ratios, moles, percentages and equations—are embedded to model and predict chemical behaviour. 
  • Years 12-13 (KS5/ IBDP): Students engage with advanced concepts such as atomic theory, energetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, redox and organic chemistry. Higher-level content includes thermodynamics, transition metals and spectroscopic analysis. Independent investigations, including the Internal Assessment, develop sophisticated data-handling and evaluation skills. 
• Pedagogy: Teaching is sequenced to build knowledge cumulatively, revisiting and extending key concepts with increasing complexity. Practical work, modelling and digital simulations are integral. Misconceptions (e.g. about bonding, conservation of mass or equilibrium) are explicitly addressed. 
• Inclusion and challenge: The curriculum is accessible for all learners, with scaffolding and support as needed, while also stretching high attainers through problem-solving, extended questions and enrichment contexts such as industrial and medical applications. 

Impact 

• Knowledge and understanding: Students develop a strong grasp of chemical principles, from particle theory at KS3 to advanced organic and physical chemistry at KS5.
• Practical and analytical skills: Learners become confident in experimental techniques, data analysis and mathematical applications, developing accuracy, precision and resilience.
• Scientific literacy: Students communicate using chemical vocabulary, equations and symbolic representations, preparing them to engage with scientific and societal debates.
• Cultural capital and global awareness: By exploring applications of chemistry in medicine, industry, energy and the environment, students understand chemistry’s role in tackling sustainability and climate challenges.
• Progression and outcomes: Students achieve strong results at GCSE and IB/DP level, progressing to higher education in chemistry, medicine, engineering and natural sciences. They leave with transferable skills in critical thinking, numeracy and problem-solving.