IB Diploma | Chemistry

Chemistry at Leighton Park

Course Requirements

Grade 7 in Chemistry or Grade 8 in Combined Science

Course Overview

IB Chemistry can be studied at Higher Level. 

The IBDP Chemistry course aims to provide the student with the knowledge, methods and techniques that enable students to study Chemistry in a global context, fostering and developing their practical, theoretical, creative and analytical skills.  The material will stimulate them to extend their learning independently, to evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources, including online materials, books, magazines and periodicals.  They will also be encouraged to develop through Science and Technology lectures and presentations arranged either on site or through educational visits. 

Students will study how scientific information is generated and communicated, how it has evolved and how scientific method is deployed in today’s increasingly technologically based society.  They will be expected to be able to analyse the impact of scientific developments on modern society from moral, social, ethical, economic and environmental perspectives.

The aim of the syllabus is to integrate concepts, topic content and the Nature of Science through inquiry. For this reason the course is split into two themes: Structure and Reactivity. Structure refers to the nature of matter from simple to more complex forms. Reactivity refers to how and why chemical reactions occur. In the words of the IB “Structure determines reactivity, which in turn transforms structure”.

The syllabus aims to encourage a hands on inquiry approach wherever possible. Skills are grouped under ‘Tools and Inquiry’. Tools include experimental techniques, technology and mathematics. The inquiry process includes exploring and designing, collecting and processing data and concluding and evaluating. As part of the course a Higher Level student will complete 60 hours of practical work, 10 of which will be Collaborative Sciences project (formally known as the ‘Group 4 project’) and 10 hours will be the Scientific Investigation.

Assessment is by examinations and an individual investigation (10 hours).

External Assesment

Paper 1 - Multiple choice questions, data based questions and questions on experimental work - 2 hours worth 36% of final grade

Paper 2 - Short answer and extended response questions - 2.5 hours worth 44% of final grade

Internal Assesment

Scientific investigation where a student gathers and analyses data to answer their own formulated research question. It is assessed through the form of a 3,000 word written report.

Skills gained on this course

• An open-ended, thinking and questioning approach to Chemistry
• An appreciation of the possibilities, as well as limitations, associated with Chemistry and Chemists and of the importance of international collaboration to resolving issues of a scientific nature
• An awareness of moral, ethical social, economic and environmental implications of using Chemistry in both a national and international context
• An understanding of the interconnection of all scientific disciplines
• Communication, evaluation analysis, ICT and research skills.

Beyond IB

IB Chemistry is recognised as the appropriate route for entry into degree courses in Medicine and related subjects, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Pharmacology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry.  It is a recommended choice for those studying any Physical Science, Environmental Sciences, Forensic Science and Materials Science.  The IBDP course in addition offers the broader perspectives and skills in languages, theory of knowledge, critical thinking, problem-solving and independent learning, all highly valued by both universities and employers.

To find out more about this course please contact Head of Chemistry: Rachel Milhofer

To apply for our Sixth Form please see our Admissions page.