1. Chemistry is the study of matter and how it behaves, interacts and changes. It is a very old Science with it’s roots in Alchemy. In the modern world it is a vital part of our lives: it affects how we protect our health, feed ourselves, produce wealth and improve the materials we use in our everyday lives. From toothpaste to exploring Titan, Chemistry makes a contribution! The importance of Chemistry is reflected in it’s requirement for many courses. In Medicine. All medical degrees and Pharmacy courses require it.

2. Studying Chemistry at GCSE will introduce you to the following topics: Atoms and their structure. Elements and The Periodic Table. Compounds and how they are formed. Chemical reactions and their speed (how we can control them). The Earth’s atmosphere and water. Metals and how we extract them. How we grow enough food to eat: making artificial Fertilisers. Oil and it’s importance in Chemistry and Industry. The Chemistry of the Earth. Calculations: working out how much energy and material we need, and get. Do I want this to explode?

3. The Chemistry GCSE follows the WJEC Syllabus. As with all GCSE study it is not easy. However, a good grade at this level is always going to impress a collage, sixth form or employer. There is GCSE coursework that accounts for 20% of the marks available. The WJEC syllabus is available from: http://www.wjec.co.uk/gcse.html Good revision sites include: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/chemistry/ www.wpbschoolhouse.btinternet.co.uk/page03/WJECchemistry.htm