Can we do anything about global warming?
How and why will I be affected if we run out of oil?
What is combustion?

Chemistry tends to focus on the materials which make up our world, both living and non-living.  If you enjoy asking questions about the world around you, this course will help you to understand the underlying ideas that help us explain what we observe.

What will I study?

This GCSE course is normally studied over 2 years - but at DLD we squeeze all that learning into just one year!  The course consists of theory units (which are subdivided into modules) and a coursework.  Regular practical work (generally weekly) is used to consolidate the concepts introduced in the theory lessons and familiarises students with the techniques required for the coursework and for their further education.

All GCSE science courses have a strong emphasis on 'How science works'.  This has two main areas:

1. Explanations, argument and decisions

1. Practical and enquiry skills

• The course allows pupils to develop as critical and creative thinkers and to become flexible problem-solvers.

How is it assessed?

N.B Some schools would study unit 4 as an alternative to unit 5.

What do I need?

Over the last couple of years we have had excellent results.  To succeed in this course you need a lot of enthusiasm and the capacity to work hard.  The pace is fast so regular work and organisation is needed from the start of the year.