Chemistry

Chemistry is taught as a separate subject from Year 9. This is an option subject and enables pupils to gain a GCSE in each of the three separate Science subjects, graded independently of each other.

AIMS

  • To provide a worthwhile educational experience for all pupils at all levels.
  • To stimulate curiosity, interest, and enjoyment of Chemistry and to equip all students for further studies requiring a scientific background.
  • Develop safe experimental and investigative abilities.
  • Encourage effective communication and social skills in working with others.
  • To acquire a systematic body of Chemical knowledge, including the uses and limitations of Chemistry.
  • Develop an understanding of technological, economic, environmental, social, and ethical applications/implications of chemical processes as well prepared citizens in a scientific and technological world.

OBJECTIVES

Students should be able to:

  • Make use of existing scientific knowledge and ideas where appropriate (e.g. on transitioning from KS3).
  • Understand, recall and apply the knowledge set out in the syllabus for each year group and be well prepared to meet the demands of external examination boards.
  • Communicate chemical, physical, and biological observations, ideas, and arguments, using a range of scientific terms and vocabulary, both orally and in writing.
  • Solve qualitative and quantitative problems where appropriate.
  • Demonstrate a range of practical skills including:
    • following a detailed set of instructions
    • selection and use of apparatus with confidence
    • devising fair tests when working with several variables
    • observation, recording, and manipulation of results
    • concluding and evaluating including suggesting improvements.
  • Develop a degree of responsibility for their learning.
  • Be aware of Health and Safety implications for themselves and others.
  • Have the opportunity for the use of ICT as a source of information and as a tool in the collection and processing of results.

CURRICULUM

Key Stage 4

From Year 9, a mixture of Key Stage 3 and GCSE (AQA 8462) work is covered in line with school policy.

Year 9

Topic Title
Introductory unit Symbols, Valency, Formulae, and Equations
1 Atomic structure and the periodic table
2 Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter
3 Quantitative chemistry

Year 10

4 Chemical changes
5 Energy changes
6 The rate and extent of chemical change

Year 11

7 Organic chemistry
8 Chemical analysis
9 Chemistry of the atmosphere
10 Using resources

FACILITIES & RESOURCES

Text Books

Course BOOK AUTHOR PUBLISHER
GCSE Chemistry AQA Chemistry Third Edition (online Kerboodle access) Ryan and Peacock Oxford
A level Chemistry AQA Chemistry A-Level Year 1 and AS paperback copies issued and online Kerboodle access

AQA Chemistry, A-Level paperback copies issued and  online Kerboodle access

Calculations for A level (optional)

Chemical databook

AQA Revision and Study Guides are available to order at cost price through Scopay

  

Lister & Renshaw

 

 

  

Oxford University Press

 

A selection of textbooks are also available for the pupils in the school library. A selection of reference books are available for staff in the Head of Faculty office.

A class set of Learning by Questions tablets is available to be booked by teachers.

Rooms

C3 is a small laboratory and is mainly used for 6th form groups or small groups in other years
Laboratories C1, C4, and C5 are larger and can be used with any year group.
C1 was refurbished in 1999 and the refurbishment of C4 was completed in 2004.
C6 is used by students for Directed Learning sessions and for after school revision.
The Chemistry Lecture Theatre, C2, has a demonstration bench and was refurbished in 2008.
A general ICT suite (ICT1), is also available (but this is a whole school resource and requires booking in advance).

2 preparation rooms (one for Years 10/11 & A level and one for years 7 – 9).
1 staff room, 1 Head of Faculty office.

1 flammable liquids store.

1 equipment storage area.

TRIPS & VISITS

  • Salters Analytical Chemistry competition
  • Chemquiz Yr 8-10
  • GCSE Science in Action Conference
  • Chemistry in Action A-level conference
  • Visiting speakers e.g David Ellis from HW University (Shapes of molecules and their biological importance)
  • STEM challenge
  • Spectroscopy in a suitcase
  • Olympiads
  • Analyst A-level Chemistry Competitions
  • Flash Bang
  • Big Bang NEC 

EXTRA CURRICULAR

  • Year 11 Revision (Wednesday’s Week A after school in C2)
  • Year 12 Drop in Clinic (Wednesday’s Week B after school in C2)
  • Year 13 Revision (Wednesday’s Week B after school in C4)
  • Chemistry Olympiad

For more information please contact:

Dr. ZM Saunders
Head of Science