Chemistry continues to be a very popular subject here at Qatar International School, with students producing very strong results at both GCSE and A-Level. The majority of our students achieve grade 9 to 7 (A* to A) at GCSE and often move on to the A-Level Chemistry course where they perform equally as well on the whole.
In 2022, 73% of our students achieved grade 9 to 7 (A* to A) at GCSE , 58% achieved grade A-B at AS-Level and 82% achieved grade A*-B at A2-Level.
In Chemistry we aim to encourage students to learn how knowledge and understanding is rooted in evidence whilst discovering how scientific ideas contribute to change which can affect all areas of society today. Students learn how Chemistry affects industry, technology, business, medicine and general quality of life. They trace the development of science worldwide and recognise its cultural significance and applications, contributing towards their awareness of being a valued global citizen.
The department consists of seven members of teaching staff supported by a team of experienced laboratory technicians. At Key Stage 4 level (Years 10 and 11), students are taught four lessons of Chemistry per week, which increases to eight lessons per week at A-Level (Years 12 and 13). Lessons include both theory and practical components and take place in our well designed and resourced laboratories. At GCSE level, students currently undertake the Pearson Edexcel iGCSE course which is assessed through two written examinations at the end of Year 11.
At A-Level, students also follow the Pearson Edexcel syllabus and this is assessed through modular examinations in both January and June of the academic year.
Mrs G. Hendriks – Head of Science Mr. A. Doran Deputy Head of Science (Chemistry)