Chemistry

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

Chemistry A-Level AQA

Overview

The aim of the AQA (7404, 7405) course is to stimulate curiosity, interest, and enjoyment of Chemistry and to equip students for further studies requiring a scientific background by developing safe experimental and investigative abilities, and to acquire a systematic body of chemical knowledge, including the uses and limitations of Chemistry. AS Chemistry and A-level Chemistry are now de-coupled. None of the marks obtained for the AS qualification, if taken, are carried forward for the A-level qualification. This means that the A-level examinations will examine the full course after two years of learning.

Content

Practical Skills

These are assessed by the teacher during lessons and laboratory books are moderated by an external assessor from the examination board. If a student passes the practical requirements of the course, they will receive a practical endorsement on their A-level certificate, in addition to their grade achieved in the theory. However, a student may still achieve a very high grade in the course without receiving practical endorsement if their practical work or record keeping is not of a satisfactory standard. Practical questions also appear on the written examinations, as such we do lots of practical work to ensure our students are fully prepared to answer such questions. 

FACILITIES & RESOURCES

Text Books

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.

• 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.
• C6 is used by students for Directed Learning sessions and for after school revision.
• The Chemistry Lecture Theatre, C2 also has a demonstration bench and is used for visiting speakers.
• A general ICT suite (IT1), is also available within the Holden Building andis used for data logging in the sixth form.
• 2 preparation rooms, 1 staff room, 1 Head of Faculty office, 1 flammable liquids store, 1 equipment storage area.

For more information please contact:

Dr. ZM Saunders
Head of Science