Chemistry

Curriculum Intent

We endeavour to provide a pathway for our students to explore and understand the wonderment and awe of the everyday through the chemical sciences.  To develop transferable skills, students require to question evidence and draw conclusions based upon a mixture of logical, practical and theoretical based activities.

Chemistry will inspire the next generation of learners to be able to see the world around them in a new light by encouraging them to discover, appreciate and see their world through the eyes of a scientist.  Through their work, we encourage students to take their place in an ever increasing technological society.

Chemistry is offered as:

  • Core subject Years 7, 8 & 9
  • GCSE Option Years 10 & 11
  • IB Chemistry Year 12 & 13

ks3

ks4

ks5

Key Stage 3 Science

Read more about Key Stage 3 Science

Key Stage 4 Chemistry

Curriculum Overview

Students at Key Stage 4 have two periods a week studying the AQA GCSE Chemistry qualification

 Term 1Term 2Term 3Term 4Term 5Term 6
Year 10Atomic structure and the periodic tableStructure bonding and the properties of matterThe AtmosphereSustainable developmentEnergy ChangesChemical quantities and calculations
Year 11Chemical changesThe rate and extent of chemical changeHydrocarbonsChemical analysisRevision 

 

 

Year 10

Students will explore the basic ideas of chemistry looking at the foundations of GCSE work of Atomic Structure and Bonding within the first 2 terms.  After this the students will then consider some applications of the work by looking at the atmosphere and the sustainable development of the world around us through a chemical perspective.   In terms 5 and terms 6 the basic ideas previously explored will then be dealt with in more detail where the ideas of energy and chemical calculations will then be explored.  At the end of each topic knowledge is tested via an End of Topic test as well as mini assessments that will go on through the topic. These tests will be based around past paper questions about the topic, so students are introduced to exam technique, misconceptions and allows for time to fill in any gaps in knowledge.  At the end of Yr 10 there will be an exam that will test all of the components studied that year.

Year 11

In Year 11 the students will study the final four components of the syllabus in preparation for their forthcoming exams in May and June.  The first 2 components look at the aspect of chemical change as well as the kinetics involved in chemical reactions.  They will then finish off by considering the chemistry of hydrocarbons and chemical analysis.  In these topics, the ideas contained in the other topics are all brought together.

All of the topics taught in Yr 10 and Yr 11 will have examples of industrial contexts to ensure that the student understands how this relates to the world of work within the chemical industry.

Assessment at GCSE

  • The final assessment is split in to two exams:
  • Paper 1 covers topics 1-5, is a written paper and is 1.15 hours in length
  • Paper 2 covers topics 6-10, is a written paper and is 1.15 hours in length

Further Reading/Resources

The text book used for the course is the c=Collins AQA approved AQA GCSE (9-1) Chemistry student book.

We also recommend the following guides to help students with their studies:

Grade 9-1 GCSE Chemistry AQA Complete Revision & Practice with Online Edition (CGP GCSE Chemistry 9-1 Revision) – ISBN 1782945849

Chemistry 9-1 AQA Practical book – This is available from school and students will be notified when these are available

Online resources

BBC Bytesize AQA GCSE – https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/z8xtmnb

www.senecalearning.co.uk – Where students can test their knowledge and revise the concepts being taught.

www.freesciencelessons.co.uk – Students can access short clips that explain concepts via a short video.

Key Stage 5 Chemistry

Students at Key Stage follow the IB Chemistry course as part of the IB Diploma.  This course is available at both the standard and Higher levels

 Term 1Term 2Term 3Term 4Term 5Term 6
Year 12Stoichiometric relationships and Atomic StructurePeriodicity and Organic ChemistryChemical bonding and structure.  Energetics and ThermochemistryAcids and bases.  Also Chemical kineticsRedox processes and EquilibriumIA practical and measurement, data processing and analysis
Year 13Further Organic chemistry and Electrons in atomsEnergy cycles and Entropy.  As well as further equilibria and advanced bondingAdvanced acids and bases

 

 

Electrochemical cells

Revision  

Year 12

In Year 12, the students will study the standard level topics within the chemistry syllabus which look at the basic ideas within Chemistry.  The content is split between two teachers and each topic runs concurrently between the two members of staff.  There is an end of topic test completed based around past papers questions as well as mini assessments within the individual lessons that will focus upon exam technique and misconceptions.  Time is then spent with each class rectifying any errors.  The department also provides a weekly drop in clinic for students to attend for support when required.  In Yr 12 the students will also complete their IA which is a piece of investigative work completed around a topic or idea of their choosing.   In this term the students will also study the option which at Rochester Grammar we study the Biochemistry option.

Year 13

In Year 13 students are able to build upon the knowledge gained in Year 12, where the higher concepts of the standard level topics are taught.  In these lessons, the information studied in Yr 12 is developed with more advanced ideas being considered.  These topics are also assessed via an end of topic test which will use past paper questions to assess the knowledge, improve exam technique as well as identify any misconceptions that the students may have.

Assessment at IB

The Chemistry course is assessed in two ways.  There is the IA component which is 20% of the final mark and there are 3 examinations:

Standard Level

Paper 1 – 35 Multiple choice questions (without a calculator) – 45 mins SL – 20%

Paper 2 – Structured examination questions 1.15hrs SL – 36%

Paper 3 – Data and the options paper – 1 hr SL – 24%

Higher Level

Paper 1 – 40 Multiple choice questions (without a calculator) – 1Hr HL – 20%

Paper 2 – Structured examination questions 2.15hrs HL – 40%

Paper 3 – Data and the options paper – 1.15hrs HL – 20%

Further Reading/Resources:

The textbook provided is Pearson Baccalaureate Higher Level Chemistry Starter Pack (Pearson International Baccalaureate Diploma: International Editions)

Calculations in AS / A Level Chemistry – Jim Clark ISBN 0582411270 – This provides lots of examples of calculations with how to guides an excellent resource

Online resources

www.chemguide.co.uk – This website contains lots and lots of very clear explanations for the topics being taught

www.docbrown.info – Another excellent online explanation website with examples for students to try.

British Values

British Values in Chemistry

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs: Global warming and climate change – analysing different peoples values , needs and beliefs. Evidence for the age of the Earth