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.
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | |
Year 7 | Cellular biology | Forces | Chemical reactions | |||
Chemistry fundamentals | Genetics and Evolution | Space and Waves | ||||
Year 8 | Chemical changes | Earth and resources | Ecosystems | |||
Energy | Human organisation | Electricity and magnetism | ||||
Year 9 | Cell biology | Organisation | Infection and response | |||
Atomic structure | The periodic table | Structures and bonding | ||||
Energy | Electricity | Particle Model of Matter |
KS3 Resources
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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.
Specification: |
Assessment Weighting |
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100% Exam | 0% Coursework | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Exam 1: Units 1 – 5 – 50% Exam 2: Units 6 – 10 – 50% |
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SoW and Sequence
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Further Education/Job Destinations:The list of science related careers is endless but includes possible careers in;
Job prospects include, but are not limited to:
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HomeworkHomework 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. |
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Revision Resources/TextbooksThe 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
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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