Chemistry
Chemistry
The chemistry department has two main goals. Firstly we aim to facilitate a love of Chemistry for the students, based on a want to learn about how the natural world works and secondly we work to develop future Scientists, Engineers, Medics and others involved in these fields.
To achieve these goals the chemistry department makes use of a combination of theoretical and practical work. These are combined in a way to promote independence of learning and intellectual rigour.
Our success is built upon the work of our specialist chemistry teachers, all of whom work hard to achieve the best outcome possible for every single pupil. The department is well resourced with three well-equipped chemistry laboratories. Expectations and levels of commitment from staff and pupils are very high. However, the principal reason for our success is the department’s ability to share its enthusiasm for chemistry in such a way that every pupil believes they have the ability to succeed and is motivated to do so.
Years 7 and 8
Year 7 and 8 are taught in Science classes by one teacher. They rotate between Chemistry, Biology and Physics topics. The Chemistry Topics they cover during this time include:
Year 7: Particles and their Behaviour, Elements & the Periodic Table and Separation Techniques.
Year 8: Chemical Reactions, Acids & Alkalis and the Earth & Resources.
Year 9: The Foundation of Chemistry
During year 9 students will begin to develop the knowledge and skills required to make them successful in their GCSE studies. They begin by studying topics that have strong links with later content during year 9 and into years 10 and 11. They also complete practical work during these topics and there is a focus on the required skills needed during practical work.
The topics covered in Year 9 include: States of Matter & Mixtures, Atomic Structure & the Periodic Table, Bonding & Types of Substance, Fuels and Earth Science, Hydrocarbons and Polymers and Alcohols and Carboxylic Acids.
GCSE Course offered: GCSE Chemistry Board: Edexcel Specification code: 2CH01 Website: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/sciences-2016
Topics covered in Years 10 and 11 include:
Year 10: Calculations involving Masses, Groups in the Periodic Table, Transition Metals, Alloys and Corrosion, Acids, Testing for Ions and Electrolysis. Year 11: Obtaining and Using Metals, Quantitative Analysis, Rates of Reactions, Heat Energy Changes in Chemical Reactions and Reversible Reactions, Equilibria and Cells.
Post 16
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