The emphasis in the Remove year is to review and extend the many ideas already introduced to explain how and why substances react. The year begins with a detailed treatment of structure and bonding, in particular how this is related to properties. The now familiar words ‘ions’ and ‘molecules’ are used in a full discussion of the periodic table and we take a detailed look at acid, base and salt chemistry. Much of this work also has relevance in both Biology and Physics.

A study of metals and the reactivity series provides ample opportunities for practical work and enables boys to acquire real skill at equation writing. At this stage an investigatory technique is starting to be established and the value of the particle theory (from the Shells) can be seen. This will also prove a valuable foundation to some of the work on Gases covered within the Physics syllabus.

The Fifth Form begins with a full treatment of all aspects of calculations; this is conceptually quite a difficult area, but with the use of practical examples it can prove stimulating.

A thorough revision programme completes the course before the IGCSE papers are sat in June of the Fifth Form.