Chemistry

Why study Chemistry ?

Chemistry happens all around us, it governs who we are. As you understand it more, you can appreciate how much every bit of our lives depends on simple chemical processes - from the crude oil we use to make plastics to the composition of the air we inhale to keep alive.

Many different careers will involve the study of chemistry. If you wish to study chemistry, medicine or medical sciences e.g. pharmacy, biochemistry, chemical engineering then you NEED chemistry. If you wish to study a biological science, chemistry complements biology extremely well. If you study chemistry beyond GCSE you will demonstrate a higher level of logical thinking and analysis which is very useful in subjects such as business studies or accountancy

Aims & Objectives:

• To foster an interest in and enthusiasm for the study of science
• To develop investigative skills both practically and data handling
• To develop a critical approach to issues affecting Chemistry in modern day society
• To provide a balanced approach to the subject so that pupils will make their own, informed, judgements
• To develop an understanding of fundamental topics in Chemistry
• To prepare pupils for external examinations at the appropriate level for each pupil

You will study:

Year 10

• Elements and the periodic table
• Compounds
• Metals
• Non-metals
• Reactions of acids
• Production & uses of fuels & plastics
• The ever- changing earth
• Atomic structure
• Alkali metals & Halogens
• Bonding
• Rates of chemical change
• Basic organic chemistry
• Chemical calculations
• Water

Year 11

• More organic chemistry
• Industrial processes
• Not-so-simple Chemical Calculations
• Limestone
• Identifying compounds by simple practical analysis

You will learn:

• How atoms combine to form chemical substances, and how the bonding and structure affects the properties and uses of those substances.
• How the manufacturing processes we rely on are carried out, their effects on our environment and how we try to minimise those effects by, for example, limiting waste and recycling.
• How we use chemicals to improve our day to day lives.
• About the latest technological advances and how they may benefit us in the future.

Assessment:

It is intended that students will sit Unit 1 in the January of Year 10. If necessary it can be re-sat in June of Year 10.

It is intended that students will sit Unit 2 in the Summer of Year 10. If necessary, either or both of these units can then be re-sat in January and / or June of Year 11. (Thus allowing maximum benefit from re-sit opportunities. Pupils will be encouraged to re-sit as the best mark is kept for the final accumulation rather than the most recent one). This has been the approach adopted highly successfully over recent years, but there may be some adjustment to the availability dates of each module for the September 2011 cohort. We await confirmation of this from the exam board.

Unit 3 must be sat in June Year 11. Any re-sit would not be possible until June Year 12. Each of these theory units counts for 25% of the total GCSE. 

The Practical Assessment consists of a laboratory-based practical task to be performed on a set day in Year 10 or 11 (of which the student will receive several weeks notice). Unlike in previous years, it is likely that some prior preparation/research will be required by the student, details of which will be provided by the teacher in due time. This practical assessment also makes up 25% of the GCSE.

Regular tests and Past Paper Mock Exams will be used to provide ongoing assessment of achievement and to guide entry for each module at the appropriate level for each pupil.