We can't wait to welcome you to Andover College!
We have created this interactive page to give you a sense of what studying Chemistry at Andover College is like. Scroll down to take a look at just some of the course content you will be engaging with and don't forget to try the interactive 'Magic Trick' experiment with your lecturer Paul!
If you have any questions about the course please email - AskScienceMaths@sparsholt.ac.uk
Check out the pictures of all the trips and extra-curricular activities our students get to experience along with all the help and support we can provide through our experienced Careers and Health & Wellbeing teams.
Meet your lecturer!
About the Course!
As a Chemistry student at Andover College you will be learning in our fantastic on-site laboratories within the Sixth Form Centre, working alongside experienced lecturers and technicians. You will develop an understanding of how chemists seek to utilise the world's natural resources creating innovative solution to collective global problems.
Your lecturer Paul has developed some interesting resources for you below to help aid your progression to A Level studies. Download the PowerPoint below and have a go at the interactive experiment. Make sure you also look into the trips and extra-curricular activities you could experience at Andover College!
Applicant Welcome Activities Chemistry Resources
Why study Chemistry at Andover College?
Chemistry can be useful in many different job families such as engineering and manufacturing, science and research, as well as medicine and nursing and environmental science (UCAS).
In addition to the value of Chemistry as an academic subject at Andover College we prioritise your learning at all stages, including maintaining small class sizes, 6 hours of teaching time a week, and, emphasis on the practical side of the subject with regular experiments and lab time.
For the last 3 years the Value Added to our Chemistry students at Andover College has been within the top 20% in the country - so you are in good hands with us!
Student Testimonials
Current first year Chemistry students Sara, Alfie and Becca, speak about their experience of the course so far, transition tips fro GCSE and their aspirations for the future!
Trips!
At Andover College we appreciate the value in getting out into the 'real world' to aid subject understanding and inspire you for your future post-college!
As a Chemistry student you will get the opportunity to go on a variety of trips throughout the year including, environmental studies at the Sparsholt College campus and seaside excursions, visits to Imperial College and the Science Museum in London for fascinating lecturers on a variety of topics and even a trip to the French Alps - be sure to pack your sunscreen!
Additional Resources
If you are interested in learning more about the various topics you could study as a Chemistry student at Andover College please take a look at the resources below and have a go at home!
The YouTube channel Periodic Videos has some fascinating content about a whole host of elements - take a look at their catalogue here and learn more about diamonds below!
As a Chemistry student you will need to have a comfortable understanding of a variety of mathematical processes. This is a chemistry specific guide to significant figures and decimal places, here.
Take a look at the type of maths you will be using as a Chemistry student, here.
The online resource Chemguide has a large collection of reading material on a variety of topics. Your lecturer, Paul, has picked out the following three guides for you to engage with especially but make sure you take a look around the site for more information.
- A Simple View of Atomic Structure - here.
- Drawing Organic Molecules - here.
- Definitions of Oxidation and Reduction - here.
Chemguide available - here.
Preparing to study Chemistry available - here.
Our Courses:
A Level in Chemistry (2 Years)
Careers Guidance
Our careers guidance aims to expand the horizons of all students enabling you to make informed career decisions in order to progress both during and after college.
Carol is our dedicated Careers Advisor for Andover College!
We also have our Sun Progression Mentor Anna!
Anna works alongside the Southern Universities Network (SUN) to help students recognise the routes of progression available to them, and to continue their journey in education!
We recently launched the new Careers Hub located in the College library so come and say hello to Carol and Anna!
Student wellbeing and support
At Andover College we understand that starting college in these uncertain times can be daunting and we aim to make this process as simple as possible.
We have a dedicated team that provide our students with any additional support they need including;
- Counselling
- Carer support
- Childcare support
- Confidential one-to-one services
We also have at the college Romeo our therapy dog! Romeo is part of the continued effort from Andover College to consistently improve on and add to wellbeing provision for students. Romeo is based on campus with his owner throughout term.
Research has shown that students are significantly less stressed and anxious, and even have increased happiness and energy, immediately following spending time in a drop-in session with a dog present.
Social Media
We love to post about all our students on our platforms including their achievements, trips and excellent work - take a look at some of the highlights below and make sure you follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube!