CHEMISTRY
OVERVIEW:
The Aim of this department is to develop learner's curiosity, interest and enthusiasm for Chemistry in the world around, not just in a classroom environment.
The CfE national chemistry courses have embedded The Key Skills of Scientific Enquiry and Investigations and these are developed throughout the subject, as well as developing specific scientific skills, in areas such as experimentation and investigation, learners will also gain valuable transferable skills, for learning, life and work, such as literacy, numeracy and communication.
The importance of Chemistry is highlighted by the study of the Applications of Chemistry in everyday contexts. Throughout the pupils learning journey, we will cover the knowledge required to enable them to become confident scientifically literate citizens who are able form an educated opinion on science-based claims they will come across.
WHAT WE TEACH:
S1/S2: The S1 and S2 science course is in the second year of following the Curriculum for Excellence experience. The pupils cover 4 chemistry topics over the 2 years.
S1 chemistry topics - particles and acids and metals
S2 chemistry topics - elements and reactions.
At the end of each topic there is a test which allows pupils to demonstrate the knowledge they have learned.
S3: This level 4 course allows pupils to have an introduction to Chemistry and decide if this is a subject they wish to continue with in S4. The course comprises of 3 units which mirrors the national 4 and national 5 course content. The introduction to chemistry comprises of 2 periods a week and is filled with experiments and useful skills in the lab.
National 4 & 5: The National 4/5 Chemistry course is taught over four separate units described below:
Unit One: Chemical Changes and Structure. This Unit includes the study of atomic structure, formulae, reaction quantities and acids.
Unit Two: Nature’s Chemistry. This Unit includes the study of energy from fuels, chemical reactions and organic chemistry.
Unit Three: Chemistry in Society. This Unit includes the study of metals, plastics, ceramics, agrochemicals, nuclear chemistry and the techniques involved in chemical analysis.
Unit Four: Added value (AV). In this Unit, learners will draw on and extend the skills they have learned from across the other Units, and demonstrate the breadth of knowledge and skills acquired, in unfamiliar contexts and/or integrated ways.
Nat 5 AV is worth 20 marks of the overall mark, and is sent away to be marked by the SQA. The final exam consists of 80 marks in total comprising of 20 marks from multiple choice and 60 marks from extended questions. National 4 - the AV unit will be marked internally and verified and there is no final exam for pupils.
Higher: The course is available to S5 and S6 for pupils with a pass at National 5 chemistry. The course is practical and allows pupils to develop independent learning and to improve their study skills. Extensive revision notes, homework and weblinks can be found on GLOW. Pupils have their own username and password. The course is split into 4 units, these units consist of 3 PPA's which are practical's whereby one must be written up formally to pass the unit. The NAB is the end of unit assessment that must be passed by the second attempt, in order to sit the final exam. The 4 units are 1/2 unit Chemical changes and structures, 1/2 unit researching chemistry and the final 2 full units are natures chemistry, chemistry in society. There will also be an added value assignment which will be sent off to the SQA to be marked and 20% of the overall mark.