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Chemistry

Everything is made of chemicals, including our bodies, food, air, rocks and water. Chemistry is the study of these substances and how they can be made into different substances.

Aims of the Department

  1. We aim to give pupils a thorough grounding in the distinctive concepts, principles and applications of Chemistry, whilst in the process, conveying the excitement and fascination found within the Chemical world. 

  2. We aim to make pupils aware that the applications of Chemistry may be both beneficial and detrimental to the individual, the community and the environment.  In this way they may become confident citizens in an increasingly technological world, able to take an informed interest in matters relating to Chemistry. 

  3. We view Chemistry as an experimental science.  We believe, therefore, in a rich diet of experimental and demonstration work designed to stimulate curiosity and in interest in methods of enquiry.

  4. We are proud of the long standing popularity and success of Chemistry within the school.  We aim to maintain this tradition through the quality of the educational experience we provide.

Lower School or KS3

At Key Stage 3 we use our own course designed around the textbook Chemistry 11-14.  We also teach CASE lessons which have been shown to accelerate cognitive development leading to improved performance in a wide range of subjects.  We are completely re-writing our course for the new KS3 from September 2008.   We aim to cover KS3 to level 8 as well additional material that we feel is valuable.

Upper School or KS4

At GCSE most students take Biology, Chemistry and Physics as three separate sciences.  In addition, some also study GCSE Astronomy.  A small number of pupils study GCSE Science (Core) and Additional Applied Science instead of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.  We use the AQA specifications.  In Chemistry, we start teaching GCSE in January of Year 9.  Coursework makes up 25% of the final mark for GCSE Chemistry and is done entirely in lessons.

Timing of exams for GCSE Chemistry: 
Module C1a – Year 10 (March)
Module C1b – Year 10 (June)
Module C2 – Year 11 (January)
Module C3 – Year 11 (June)

Sixth Form or Post 16

Over half the Sixth Form study AS/A2 level Chemistry.  We use the AQA specification.  Each teaching group is taught by two teachers.  During the Upper Sixth, a number of students attend extra extension lessons each week in preparation for AEA (Advanced Extension Award) Chemistry and for interviews for the most competitive university courses.

Timing of exams:
AS Module 1 – Lower Sixth (January)
AS Module 2 – Lower Sixth (June)
AS Module 3 – Lower Sixth (April/May) – done via external assessment
A2 Module 4 – Upper Sixth (January)
A2 Module 5 – Upper Sixth (June)
A2 Module 6 – Upper Sixth (April/May) – done via external assessment

Career Opportunities

A wide range of careers require an A level in Chemistry, including careers in medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, the chemical industry, forensics, food science, pharmacy, biology, chemical engineering.   The chemical industry is vital to the UK’s economy and is a major employer in the UK, including people in careers such as research chemistry, analytical chemistry, chemical engineering, management, sales and marketing.

Additional Information

Extra-curricular activities

  • Science/Engineering Club – for Year 7/8 pupils

  • Salters’ Festivals – each year we enter a team in this Chemistry competition for KS3 pupils

  • Salters’ Camps – we regularly send GCSE pupils to Salters’ chemistry camps where pupils stay at a university for several days

  • Extension Chemistry – weekly lessons for Sixth formers in preparation for AEA (Advanced Extension Award) Chemistry and for interviews for the most competitive university courses

Internet links

www.chemsheets.co.uk - Dr Grime’s website
www.amazing-grades.com - web portal containing the best sites for all subjects at GCSE and A level, including Chemistry (free access from the school network)
www.wpbschoolhouse.btinternet.co.uk - Doc Brown’s Chem Clinic – fantastic collection of GCSE/A level materials
www.creative-chemistry.org.uk - Dr Saunders’ (from Harrogate High School - not ours!) web site
www.chemguide.co.uk - excellent A level site
www.s-cool.co.uk - excellent GCSE site
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/chemistry - excellent BBC GCSE site
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize/science/chemistry - excellent BBC KS3 site