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The science department aims to develop pupils that exceed their potential by delivering an inclusive, engaging and challenging curriculum. We strive to foster a spirit of enquiry, nurture our pupils’ curiosity and bring relevant real-world science into the classroom with the purpose of creating practically minded problem solvers that go on to make the world a better place.
OVERVIEW OF COURSE
Chemistry is a wide-ranging science concerned with matter at the atomic and molecular scale. Chemists are a constant source of innovation: it is hard to imagine any product introduced in recent times that did not require the creative efforts of a chemist. The great thing about Chemistry is that you learn about the fundamental aspects of the world we live in. Some of the biggest problems that face humanity are solved – via medicine, or via social and economic improvements – by the discoveries made by chemists.
Within the AQA specification, topics fall into three main categories: physical Chemistry, inorganic Chemistry, and organic Chemistry. Specific areas of study may include aspects such as atomic structure, energetics, kinetics, oxidation, alkanes and alkenes, thermodynamics, polymers and amino acids, proteins, and DNA.
Chemistry provides an excellent opportunity for the development of your critical faculties and intellect, and instils important transferable skills that will serve you well, whatever your subsequent choice of career.
At Key stage 5, all students will follow a balanced and broad curriculum. As well as developing our students’ knowledge and understanding of scientific theory, our curriculum has integrated working scientifically with a clear focus on literacy and communication that seeks to develop students’ confidence in articulating their ideas.
Schemes of work and resources have been developed by specialist teachers within the department and are tailored to meet the needs of all students to ensure each child makes expected levels of progress. Schemes of work will help you solve problems.
PROGRAMME OF STUDY
ASSESSMENT
A-level Chemistry is assessed purely on exams taken at the end of Year 13. At the end of A level, there are three, 2-hour exams. Although there is no coursework, there are assessed practicals which will give students the confidence and skills needed to investigate how things work.
Students are assessed regularly at KS5 Chemistry through a combination of formative and summative assessments. Students receive timely written and verbal feedback after each assessment which allow students to reflect and act upon the feedback and complete an improvement and/or challenge tasks to improve and make further progress in their knowledge, skills and understanding.
We will use a range of assessments:
Formal assessments at end of each unit
PIP Assessments during each term
CPACs (required practical)
Non-written feedback that can take the form of verbal, peer and self-assessment.
HOW PARENTS / CARERS CAN HELP
Establish a daily routine of mealtimes with time for homework, chores, and bedtime.
Monitoring of subject folders/notes in terms of the content, presentation, and organisational skills.
Oversee at least 1 hour of the homework sitting by their side.
Regular conversations about science in the news and the world around them.
Maintaining a positive (grow mindset) attitude.
Reinforce learning at home and show your child the skills they are learning are applicable to everyday life.
Model the habits of a lifelong learner by which the students feel more motivated to learn, and their grades improve.
Checking in on pupils to see that they are self-motivated and revising topics they have covered earlier in the course as well as working on current topics.
Encouraging exam practice using past paper questions (A level Chemistry Google classroom, AQA website, PMT).
EXTRA-CURRICULAR
Royal Society of Chemistry Olympiad
Cambridge Chemistry Challenge for Lower Sixth (C3L6)
Top of the Bench Competition
Chemistry in Action trip
Masterclasses and webinars hosted by universities
Windsor Fellowship scheme
CERN Trip- Available to all scientists
RECOMMENDED READING / OTHER RESOURCES
Chemguide
Physics and Maths Tutor
Eliot Rintoul on Youtube
Allery Tutors on Youtube
CGP A-Level Chemistry for AQA
Collins AQA A- level Chemistry
Oxford AQA A- Level Chemistry
Royal Society of Chemistry Community
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