Chemistry
Years 7 - 9 Chemistry
Years 10 - 11 (GCSE) Chemistry
Years 12 - 13 (A level) Chemistry
Years 7 - 9 (Key Stage 3)
Chemistry is taught as a separate Science within the framework of the Science program at KS3, providing a sound basis for further study at KS4. Topic areas from the previous year are revisited at greater depth and new areas are introduced to widen the pupil’s understanding of the subject and its relevance to every day life. The teaching program is a lively mix of theory, class practical, demonstrations and IT work, with a strong emphasis on practical work. We want the pupils to learn to ask relevant questions and to think rigorously about the topics they study. Pupils who participate in Science Club activities and who are enthusiastic throughout the year may earn a place in the Salters Chemistry Challenge held at Bristol each year.
Topics covered at this level include Acids and Alkalis, Compounds and Mixtures, Particle Theory, Rocks and Weathering, Reactions of Metals and Metal Compounds, Environmental Chemistry and Using Chemistry. Within these topic areas investigative skills are developed in the planning and implementation of experiments, observing and recording experimental data and the interpretation of primary and secondary data.
Years 10 - 11 (GCSE)
Chemistry is the study of the structure and properties of all matter. Pupils follow the AQA Co-ordinated Double Award syllabus which provides a strong academic foundation for further study at Advanced Level.
Whether or not a girl is interested in becoming a chemist (or, in fact, any kind of scientist) if she lives in Britain, she will live in an advanced technological society. Understanding the scientific principles behind that technology will allow her to make informed choices about the use of that technology and to evaluate its potential effects on her life.
The topics in chemistry begin with the structure of the atom, bonding and the arrangement of the Periodic Table. The remaining topics are, essentially, applications of those basic principles in taking materials provided in nature and changing them in some way to make use of them. Other topics include Useful Products from Metal Ores, Changes to the Earth and Atmosphere, Useful Products from Air, Energy Change in Reactions, Useful Products from Oil, Rates of Reactions and Quantitative Chemistry.
