Chemistry

Intent

Chemistry is the science that explains the properties, behaviour and interaction of matter. A good understanding of chemistry supports learning across the sciences, from the biochemistry of photosynthesis to the chemical composition of the stars. In lessons, students are given the opportunity to learn and develop their knowledge of chemistry through investigation, research, practical work and high-quality teaching from subject specialists. Regular revisiting of subject material and a spiral curriculum support the learning of complex concepts over time, as students move through the course from the bespoke Key Stage 3 curriculum to their GCSE studies. The learning of chemistry promotes logical thinking and helps students to understand current affairs such as causes of pollution, the importance of recycling and finding alternatives to plastics. It also opens up many opportunities for further study from medicine to forensics.

KS3

Students have 6 lessons of science per fortnight. In Years 7 and 8, we follow a bespoke curriculum that covers the whole Key Stage 3 requirement whilst building essential knowledge, vocabulary, skills and understanding for the GCSE courses ahead. Our course prepares students for the rigours of GCSE study by introducing more complex scientific ideas at a much earlier stage than before. Separate units of biology, chemistry and physics are covered over the course of each academic year. Regular assessment throughout the course followed by a detailed review of answers allows students to reflect on their learning and improve their examination answers and technique. The Year 9 curriculum builds upon the knowledge and skills developed in Years 7 and 8 as students begin building the foundation knowledge for their Science GCSEs.

The units are taught on a rota examples of which are shown below.

KS3 Resources

Bitesize KS3 Science

Seneca KS3 Science

KS3 Science Education Quizzes

KS4 (GCSE) Chemistry

The information below is for the GCSE in Chemistry. For information on GCSE Biology and Physics visit their subject pages. For the Combined Science Pathway, please visit the Combined Science page.

Students studying for a separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSE cover more course content than those taking the Combined Science GCSEs. The pathway each student follows is carefully selected to suit the academic interests of the individual to give them the best chance of fulfilling their potential in the GCSE examinations. The separate sciences are an excellent preparation for studying one or more A Level science course in the Sixth Form.

Exam Specification	Past Papers	Knowledge Organisers
Lesson Resources	Extra Curricular Clubs	Contact HoD
Seneca GCSE Chemistry	Bitesize GCSE Chemistry	Chemistry Revision Q&A
GCSE Chemistry Revision Videos

Specification: AQA GCSE Chemistry 8462	Assessment Weighting
	100% Exam	0% Coursework
	Exam 1: Units 1 – 5 – 50% Exam 2: Units 6 – 10 – 50%
SoW and Sequence Autumn 1 Autumn 2 Spring 1 Spring 2 Summer 1 Summer 2 Year 10 Chemical Changes Energy Changes Rates of reaction Organic Chemistry Year 11 Chemical Analysis, Earth and Atmosphere Using Resources Threshold Concepts Revision
Further Education/Job Destinations: The list of science related careers is endless but includes possible careers in; Attleborough Academy offers A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics as well as a BTEC in Forensic Investigation. Other post-16 courses for which Chemistry GCSE is helpful include vocational qualifications (such as BTECs) in subjects like applied science, dental technology, medical science, biomedical science and analytical science Job prospects include, but are not limited to: Medicine, dentistry, pharmaceuticals, scientific research Pharmacy, pharmacology, toxicology, environmental chemistry, geochemist Food science, material engineering, chemical engineering, nanotechnology Education, journalism, health care, forensics and many more
Homework Homework is set regularly via Class Charts. Each science teacher will set 30 – 60 minutes of homework per fortnight in order to reinforce and extend learning and prepare students for their GCSE examinations.
Revision Resources/Textbooks The Science department recommends the purchase of the following revision resources and textbooks to help support learning at home. These are not compulsory, but highly recommended AQA GCSE 9-1 Chemistry Revision and Practice Collins Collins ISBN: 978-0008160753

KS5 (A-Level)

We offer A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics as well as a BTEC in Forensic Investigation at our Sixth Form. For more information, visit our Sixth Form Site