Chemistry
Chemistry is the central science and impacts on all aspects of our lives. An understanding of Chemistry is necessary to all other sciences from astronomy to zoology. All of the materials used by engineers and technologists are made by chemical reactions and we all experience chemical reactions continuously, whether it be breathing or baking a cake, driving a car or listening to a battery driven MP3 player. Chemistry is concerned with all aspects of molecules, their physical and chemical properties, their composition and structure, their synthesis and use in the 21st century.
Chemistry is an essential A-level subject for those planning to apply for Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry and Pharmacy. However it is a subject that can be combined not only with Mathematics and other Science subjects, but also with many from the Arts and Humanities. It is always highly regarded by universities and employers alike.
Chemistry Courses
Chemistry is one of the most popular subjects in the college and the department is thriving, with over 100 students studying the subject at A level.
The department offers a variety of courses, including:
- a standard two-year A level
- a one year intensive A level
- an upper sixth transfer, for those who wish to study A level at Brampton having studied AS elsewhere
- GCSE (one year)
Students are studying the OCR GCE Chemistry A specification. The content is split into six teaching modules:
- Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry
- Module 2 – Foundations chemistry
- Module 3 – Periodic table and energy
- Module 4 – Core organic chemistry
- Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements
- Module 6 – Organic chemistry
The specification has been designed to be co-teachable with the stand alone AS Level in Chemistry A qualification at the end of the first year. The first four modules comprise the AS Level in Chemistry A course and students studying the A Level continue with the content of modules 5 and 6.
There are 3 written examination papers at the end of the two year course covering all content from Year 1 and 2.
| Paper 1 | Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry | 100 marks 37% of total A level | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Paper 2 | Synthesis and analytical techniques | 100 marks 37% of total A level | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Paper 3 | Unified chemistry | 70 marks 26% of total A level | 1 hour 30 minutes |
The internally assessed Practical Endorsement skills also form part of the full A level. Students are keeping a log book that demonstrates how they have developed their skills. The written papers will be including questions on practical work.
Chemistry Departmental Features
The Chemistry Department is housed in its own two fully equipped laboratories with an extensive range of equipment close at hand. Each teaching group is timetabled to have at least two sessions in the laboratory every week.
Teaching is provided by a highly experienced and committed team of teachers. The department offers weekly tutorials and provides detailed feedback from regular tests and homework.
A level Results
2017-21 | A*/A | A*-B |
| 51% | 84% |
Special Achievements
The Chemistry Olympiad is organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry. This national competition provides an opportunity to stretch and challenge post-16 students studying chemistry. It is a demanding written test of chemical knowledge. The questions are based on real world chemistry problems and often stimulate much debate, raising awareness of what Chemistry is all about. They provide a good opportunity to develop some of the skills required to study at university and beyond.
We had 25 students taking on the competition of 6600 other students nationwide. The college had the most successful year in the history of participating. Jasmine Teoh was the top scorer in the college, achieving a Silver Award. A further 8 students were awarded a Bronze Award.
Ramsey Curtis
Ramsey has recently moved back to London after teaching internationally in South Korea, where he was Head of Chemistry at NLCS Jeju. He is a committed and experienced teacher whose motivation is to enthuse students and nurture a love of the subject. He has helped numerous students achieve excellent academic results and supported Chemistry related applications to Oxbridge and other institutions. Ramsey graduated with a BSc in Chemistry from Kings College London and completed a PGCE at the Institute of Education. In his spare time he greatly enjoys brewing craft beer, cooking and cycling.
Mark Butcher
Mark has been teaching A level Chemistry for the majority of his career in a variety of schools and colleges. He has joined Brampton for his second stint and is excited to return to the fun, friendly and focused classes with students who enjoy their learning. In his spare time Mark enjoys writing books, playing chess and running around after his young family. He is also running the Brampton chess club.
Chandan Shah
Chandan joins Brampton College after returning from teaching internationally in Dubai, where she was the Head of Chemistry at NLCS Dubai. Chandan was born in the UK and spent her formative years in Nairobi, Kenya. Her family are originally from Gujarat, India, and as a result Chandan is fascinated by different cultures and loves to travel. Chandan graduated from The University of Nottingham with a BSc. Honors in Chemistry followed by a PCGE from the Institute of Education. Chandan’s educational philosophy is to help each individual to flourish academically and pastorally. Over the last 11 years, Chandan has refined her teaching and learning strategies to fulfil this vision. In her spare time, Chandan enjoys spending time with her two young nephews, cooking and swimming.
Lindsay Jacobs
Lindsay has experience of teaching Chemistry in a variety of schools in London and the South East. She has had various leadership roles in previous schools including Assistant Director of Sixth form and Head of KS5 Science, giving her extensive knowledge of the examination and UCAS processes. She is married with three children and in her spare time she runs a parent and toddler group, helps in a youth group, sings in a choir and enjoys writing and blogging.
