PSP Chemistry by Playful Scholarship Portfolio - Curriculum

PSP Chemistry

Playful Scholarship Portfolio - Curriculum

Only available to students of Wimbledon High School GDST.

The Chemistry PSP Pathway develops students’ analytical precision, experimental confidence, and conceptual understanding — equipping them for advanced scientific study and for applications in medicine, chemical engineering, materials science, pharmacology, and related fields.

Pathways PSP Chemistry (Years 9–11)

Students begin discrete study of Chemistry in Year 9, building on Combined Science foundations. They explore the fundamental principles of matter, atomic structure, bonding, quantitative chemistry, energetics, rates of reaction, and the periodic table. Through required practicals and investigative tasks, they develop confidence in using laboratory apparatus, observing chemical change, and writing balanced equations.

Students apply mathematical reasoning to chemistry — calculating empirical formulae, concentration, energy change, and reaction yield — while refining skills in scientific writing, evaluation, and graphical analysis. Key themes such as sustainability, energy use, and environmental impact are introduced through the study of topics like crude oil, chemical resources, and life-cycle assessment.

By the end of the course, students are able to interpret data, draw conclusions, and critique experimental methods. They are prepared to analyse both qualitative and quantitative aspects of chemical reactions with growing independence and precision.

Advanced PSP Chemistry (Years 12–13)

At A Level, students deepen their conceptual understanding through advanced study of organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry. Core topics include thermodynamics, kinetics, redox, acid-base equilibria, bonding and structure, spectroscopy, synthetic pathways, transition metals, and reaction mechanisms. Students complete twelve required practicals, learning to handle hazards, write risk assessments, evaluate experimental design, and analyse data using precise calculations and appropriate units.

The course trains students to write elegant, structured responses to complex problems, integrating abstract theory with practical reasoning. They develop the confidence to solve multistep problems, evaluate uncertainty, and use mathematical skills in stoichiometry, pH, titration, equilibrium, and energetics.

Advanced PSP Chemistry also explicitly supports students applying to Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Natural Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, and Biochemistry. The curriculum fosters the resilience, logic, and clarity of thought required for success in university interviews, admissions tests, and rigorous undergraduate courses. Students are encouraged to take part in Chemistry Olympiads, masterclasses, lectures, and competitions that build their independence and interest in the subject beyond the specification.