Chemistry

Chemistry is taught for two lessons each week, and within each topic there are numerous experiments to help the pupils understand the theory and enable them to develop confidence in practical work. A range of simple chemical reactions is investigated and these are linked to everyday examples in the world around us, and used to introduce word equations to represent chemical changes.

The Periodic Table is introduced along with the basic concept of how atoms combine to form compounds. Pupils begin to use formulae in chemical equations and learn how to use particle diagrams to represent different substances, focusing on several important types of chemical reaction, including neutralisation, precipitation and thermal decomposition. Pupils also investigate how the properties of mixtures differ from those of the constituent elements, and the effect of impurities on the boiling point and melting point of substances.

Course materials

The course is taught using the broad structure of Activate Chemistry, utilising the online textbook, practical worksheets and assessment materials to provide an accessible and informative route through each area of study. This is supplemented by unique card-sort activities, electronic media and interactive resources developed by the science teachers at Farlington.

Atoms and Elements

Atoms & elements
What the elements are like
Element symbols
Properties of compounds
Naming compounds
Pure substances & mixtures
Air composition and separation

The Periodic Table

Metals and non-metals
Understanding the Periodic Table
The elements of Group 1
The elements of Group 7
The elements of Group 0

Reactions

Reactions of elements
Representing chemical reactions using formulae
Classifying chemical reactions
Combustion reactions
Decomposition reactions
Conservation of mass
Energy changes during chemical reactions

How will I be assessed?

You will have a Chemistry assessment after each topic, which will be 30 marks and will usually include a practical aspect as well.

There will be a Chemistry paper in the End of Year Examinations, which will contain questions on all of the topics you have covered up to that point.

If you have any queries about this curriculum, please contact: Mr Neil Forrest, Head of Chemistry (nf@farlingtonschool.com)