Chemistry
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| The Science curriculum is designed to equip students with the understanding necessary to explain the world around them. Each year, our schemes of learning are designed to build upon previous knowledge and lay the foundations for the year ahead. We aim to provide a curriculum that allows all students to develop a fundamental understanding of the universe and how it works, but also to foster the same enthusiasm and love of learning that drives the wider scientific community. | |
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A Level
Curriculum Leader: Mr D Bowyer
Exam Board: Edexcel
Specification Number: A level – 9CH0
Course Content:
The Edexcel A level Chemistry course is a linear qualification and all examinations are taken at the end of Year 13. The program of study has been planned to follow a ‘spiral curriculum’ and topics taught in Year 12 are revisited in greater depth and breadth in Year 13. Students will largely be taught by two teachers, splitting the course into the fields of inorganic and organic chemistry. The course also contains a module of independent study work to help develop those skills. Subject content covered in each year is summarised below:
Year 12
Atomic Structure, Structure and Bonding, Redox Reactions, Inorganic Chemistry, Quantitative Chemistry & Calculations, Organic Chemistry: Alkanes, Alkenes, Alcohols and Halogenoalkanes, Modern Analytical Techniques, Energetics, Kinetics, Equilibria
Year 13
Equilibria, Acid Base Equilibria, Energetics, Redox Reactions, Transition Metal Chemistry, Kinetics, Further Organic Chemistry: Chirality, Carbonyls and Carboxylic Acids, Organic Synthesis: Arenes, Amines and Synthetic Routes, Modern Analytical Techniques.
Practical Endorsement
A greater emphasis has been placed on practical skills and in particular competency in carrying out scientific experiments. The Chemistry department is required to ensure that these skills are developed and Edexcel have provided 16 core practical activities that students carry out. The techniques included in these form part of the examinations that students take at the end of Year 13. In addition to a grade, students are also awarded a Practical Endorsement. This is either a Pass or Fail and indicates how competently students can carry out experimental work.
Assessment:
- 3 examinations at the end of Year 13 that cover a combination of topics, practical knowledge and mathematical skills:
- Paper 1: Inorganic and Physical Chemistry – 105 mins, 90 marks
- Paper 2: Organic and Physical Chemistry – 105 mins, 90 marks
- Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Chemistry – 150 mins, 120 marks
- Practical Endorsement to report student’s competency in carrying out experimental work
- Regular tests to track student progress
Why Chemistry at St Albans Girls’ School?:
Students are taught by a team of highly skilled specialist teachers who have vast experience of teaching Chemistry to A level. The department is well resourced and practical activities are at the heart of the
A level Chemistry curriculum. We strongly believe that developing these skills is a key component to motivating and enhancing student's knowledge in Chemistry. The department offers an excellent enrichment programme, regularly participating in such competitions as the National Schools Analyst Competition and the UK Chemistry Olympiad as well as opportunities to support students of the lower school in science. These experiences all provide students with hands-on experience of real life Chemistry and have proven to be very rewarding.
Expectations of Students:
Students are expected to read around the subject, supporting the skills and knowledge being delivered in lessons. Questions are set regularly for preparation, and practical reports must be kept up to date and submitted for marking. Students are expected to ask for help from teachers when required and a drop-in study support session is available to students as well as targeted support for exam skills. There is significant support material available for students and these are posted to or referenced on Google Classroom for students. This is a very interesting, but also demanding course.
What websites are recommended?
What equipment is needed?
A scientific calculator, ruler, pen and pencil are essential at all times.
Career Paths:
Chemistry is likely to be required in the following career areas; biochemistry, pharmacy, medicine, veterinary science, chemical engineering, material science, environmental studies, pharmacology, cybernetics, archaeological conservation, dentistry, psychology, petrochemicals and many others. ‘A’ level Chemistry can provide entry to many occupations, from research science and medicine, to ecological conservation, archaeology and of course teaching.