CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT
The chemistry department is located within the main science department and currently has four laboratories, including two recently updated. It currently has 5 full time members of staff and a full time technician.
Key Stage 4 Chemistry
All students follow the AQA Chemistry GCSE 4421 (higher tier). The course is divided into 3 units, C1, C2 and C3. Material additional to the specification (GCSE plus) will be taught throughout Key Stage 4 including a greater emphasis on chemical calculations and organic chemistry. This is included to extend and enrich pupil learning, to encourage a greater understanding of chemistry and to better prepare pupils taking science subjects at A Level.The course is supported by frequent practical work and emphasis is placed on developing practical skills and interpreting the results obtained. Throughout the three years of chemistry studies the students attempt several Investigative Skills Assignments (ISAs) which form the final part of their GCSE studies. There is continuing emphasis on How Science Works throughout the GCSE course.
Year 9
In the first two terms students complete a ‘foundation course’ in core aspects of GCSE chemistry including atomic structure, chemical bonding, the periodic table, group chemistry and an introduction to chemical rates. In the summer term all Year 9 students complete material from the first half of the C1 module (C1a).Year 10
Students complete their study of the first GCSE chemistry module and sit their first module paper in November (C1a). Pupils study the remaining material from the C1module (C1b) and start studying C2 material. Pupils also complete at least one ISA practical assessment.Year 11
Year 11 students complete their study of C2 module by half term and are examined in January. Students will then focus on the final C3 module and the completion of the remaining teacher assessed practical activities. The final GCSE chemistry grade is awarded solely on the written exams taken at the end of the each section (C1a, C1b, C2 & C3 worth 75%) and the centre assessed practical work (worth 25%).
Further information about this course can be found at AQA Chemistry GCSE.
Key Stage 5 Chemistry
Chemistry at A level is an essential subject for those who wish to pursue a career in a medicinal field – medicine, veterinary science, optometry, dentistry, pharmacy, pharmacology and forensic sciences. Increasingly an A grade is required for these courses. Chemistry is also a significant component in the study of materials science; engineering; chemical engineering; electronics; metallurgy; natural sciences; earth sciences; agricultural sciences; food technology; bio-sciences & bio-technology; physiotherapy and sports science; environmental management and nanotechnology.We run the AQA 2420 Chemistry course. The A Level is split into 6 units over 2 years. Practical work is undertaken throughout the course and is examined through Practical Skills Assessments (PSAs) and longer Investigative Skills Assignments (ISAs).
At A2 students study another two units: Unit 4 Kinetics, Equilibria and Organic Chemistry and Unit 5 Energetics, Redox and Inorganic Chemistry as well as completing further investigative and practical skills assessments (Unit 6).
Further information about these courses can be found at AQA Chemistry.
Study skills at A level
Students need to be fully conversant with the content of GCSE chemistry. A thorough knowledge of chemical bonding and simple ionic and covalent formulae is assumed from the beginning of the course.The internet provides a huge resource for revision and chemistry notes:
http://www.a-levelchemistry.co.uk/
http://www.creative-chemistry.org.uk/
http://www.mp-docker.demon.co.uk/
http://www.chemsheets.co.uk/
http://www.alevelchemistry.co.uk/
Other websites to broaden your understanding of chemistry;
http://homepage.mac.com/dtrapp/Elements/elements.html
University Chemistry Departments:
http://www.liv.ac.uk/Chemistry/Links/ukchemdepts.html
Students should keep up to date with current developments in science and in particular chemistry. New Scientist is available in the library, Science columns are regularly published in the former ‘broadsheet’ newspapers; The Times (Monday), The Daily Telegraph (Thursday) and The Guardian (Friday). Science programmes are regularly broadcast on television, including Brianiac and Horizon. Students are also encouraged to join the Royal Society of Chemistry and membership is arranged through the school.
Chemistry Careers
Chemistry is all around us: it is about the very essence of life, the quality of life and its continuous improvement. A chemistry degree can take you anywhere. It can open windows of opportunity from marine chemistry to chemical engineering; food science to neurochemistry; environmental chemistry to biological chemistry; pharmaceutical research, development and deployment. It is also an excellent preparation for a business career. There are openings for chemical graduates in marketing, scientific journalism, patent work, lecturing and teaching. From developing life-enhancing drugs to designing a new beer, from the law to the environment; from clothing to food; from health to manufacturing; from aviation to the City, chemistry and chemists make an impact on, and play a vital role in modern life.Additional Chemistry Department Activities
The chemistry department regularly provides revision classes at lunch time and after school and in particular prior to examinations. These sessions are advertised throughout the school.Sixth formers can improve their volumetric accuracy by practising titration techniques at lunch time. These sessions can be arranged with any of the chemistry department teachers.
Chemistry Olympiad – In 2009 we entered 8 students into this competition and the following awards were made: 1 Gold, 3 Silver, 2 Bronze and 2 Commendations.
The department staff organise several sixth form trips; recently these have included university chemistry department visits; 1 day spectroscopy courses; after school lectures. In conjunction with the staff from the Wilson’s Science department regular trips to universities, lectures, courses, engineering and medicine.