Chemistry is taught alongside Biology and Physics as separate sciences from Year 7. The emphasis within the Department is to focus upon investigative and analytical skills as well as the more familiar areas of subject content. The aim is to allow a smooth transition from Key Stage 2 into Key Stage 3 and on into Key Stage 4 and GCSE, where these skills are developed further. Many of the tasks in curriculum within Years 7-9 involve problem solving activities to enhance and develop thinking skills.
The Department follows the OCR 21st Century GCSE course and offers both Chemistry as a 
separate GCSE, or the combined option of GCSE Science with GCSE Additional Science. Both courses deliver their content in a more context based approach and allow many opportunities for investigative work as well as the development of thinking skills through the “How Science Works” content. Each GCSE has a controlled assessment task associated with it that will be carried out throughout Years 10 and 11. A detailed account of the subject content can be found at the following address: http://www.ocr.org.uk/download/kd/ocr_40689_kd_gcse_spec.pdf
Both of the GCSE options available allow progression to study A-level.
The 21st Century Science Suite has been specifically developed to enhance the learning experiences of pupils and is backed up with excellent resources and support from the University of York and the Nuffield Foundation.