Chemistry
Ever wondered how a life-saving drug targets a specific part of your body or how we can engineer materials with very specific properties?. If you want to understand the fundamental mechanisms of the world and be on the cutting edge of technological change and important discoveries – Chemistry is the place to be!
Chemistry also provides a deeper dive into the how and why of the universe on a molecular scale that provides a basis for many other fields such as medicine, agriculture, environmental science and forensics to name only a few! This subject is at the heart of discovery and innovation, so if you have a curious mind and an interest in solving complex problems – this is the subject for you!
Topics Covered
YEARS 1 and 2
- Atomic structure
- Bonding
- Periodic table
- Mole theory
- Organic chemistry
- Analysis
- Equilibria
- Rates (kinetics)
- Energetics
Course Essentials
Courses Available
A Level
Entry Requirements
PLUS
PLUS
Students may also need to attend additional Maths support class, as required.
How The Course is Assessed
100% exam, includes a separate practical component.
Career Pathways
Many students go on to degree courses in STEM in subjects such as Chemistry, Biochemistry and Medicine or other medically related subjects. Other areas include Food Technology, Environmental Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Law and Forensic Science.
Transferable Skills
A-Level Chemistry is steeped in analytical thinking. You’ll learn to break down complex problems, interpret intricate data sets, and communicate technical findings with precision. These skills and the resilience you build through lab work and mathematical problem solving are highly transferable to a wide range of careers.
Other Information
We regularly participate in activities such as RSC Chemistry Olympiad, Cambridge C3L6 and the RSC Analytical competitions as well as a wide variety of lectures and trips throughout the year.
Enquiries To
Roseanne Briffitt: reb@varndean.ac.uk
News
Varndean Students Excel in Chemistry Olympiad
Varndean Sixth Form A Level and IB Chemistry students enter the Royal Society of Chemistry Olympiad each year and win an array of Gold, Silver and Bronze awards.
The Chemistry Olympiad is open to schools and colleges throughout the UK, aimed at those students in their last year of study before higher education. The competition is designed to challenge students, develop their thinking and problem-solving skills, and test their knowledge of chemistry in real-world situations. To receive a Bronze award, participants have to score between 10-17 marks, Silver 18-29, and for the prestigious Gold award 30 plus.
There are a around a staggering 14,915 applicants from 1,025 schools across the UK.
Pictured are just some of the students who took part, alongside their Chemistry tutor, Roseanne Briffitt. Congratulations to everyone, very well deserved.
Student Success & Alumni
Polly Ashton-Prevett
Studied: Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Fine Art (2023-2025)
Progression: Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh
“When attending the open day, I found Varndean to be a really supportive and friendly environment. Hoping to study Veterinary Medicine at university, the Med/Vet/Dent program is also what particularly appealed to me and during my time at Varndean, not only has this program given me the skills and opportunity to build a strong application, but provided a social environment in which I have made lifelong friendships. The Med/Vet/Dent coordinator supported me throughout my whole application, from my personal statement writing to many mock interviews, all of which I am extremely grateful and enabled me to succeed in my application.
I have always enjoyed STEM subjects, but also wanted to keep a creative subject, so chose Fine Art because the art room at Varndean is one of the most impressive in the college. I’m lucky to attend a college in which both the STEM and Creative Arts departments are both excellent.
I competed in both the Biology and Chemistry Olympiad, achieving a bronze and silver award. I also competed in the Oxford Uehiro Ethics and Responsibility Competition in which my team came top 10 internationally. These opportunities presented helped to boost my uni application, as well as further challenge myself both in confidence and knowledge.
I really enjoyed my time a Varndean, both socially and academically, and I would recommend the college to any prospective student.”
Anya-Niamh Tidey
Studied: Chemistry, Biology, Physics + EPQ (2017-2019)
Progression: Medicine, St George’s College, University of London
“I chose to study at Varndean because of the strong Science department and the support offered for aspiring medicine applicants. I have always been interested in the sciences, so it was a natural progression for me to want to study medicine. I have enjoyed the diversity of teaching methods and the enthusiasm of the teaching staff in supporting us to succeed. I like the practical aspect of each of the sciences; the practicals are engaging and fun and support the theory. I went on a Physics/Maths trip to CERN in Geneva, as well as the United Nations. I also attended the Chemistry Conferences run by Varndean and Brighton University, took part in two Chemistry analytical competitions run by the RSC, as well as the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge. Outside of college, I was also awarded a seven year scholarship by The Army, which entailed interviews, physical ability tests and cognitive assessments. The scholarship provides me with funding for my final year at Varndean and throughout my entire six years medical degree. After this I intend to train as a military doctor in The Army.”
In 2018, Anya-Niamh was the recipient of a seven year bursary from The Army to help fund her studies to become a doctor in the armed forces. Anya-Niamh was also the winner of Uptree’s ‘Young Scientist of the Year’ Future Talent Award.
