Chemistry
Studying chemistry encourages a methodical and practical approach to problem-solving.
In the first two years chemistry is taught using the Framework Science course, published by Oxford University Press. This is a well respected course covering all three sciences at Key Stage 3. Framework lessons are lively and imaginative and involve pupils in a range of activities to develop their scientific knowledge and understanding.
The course includes many practical activities and pupils will develop a full range of practical skills and an understanding of chemical reactions and how they work. They will learn to use chemical symbols and to write balanced chemical equations.
In each year four topics are covered, with each one made up of around eight lessons followed by a test to monitor progress. Lessons have clear objectives and weekly homework is set to test pupils understanding.
During year 9, pupils begin to study GCSE material. This enables them to try the subject and make an informed decision about future option choices. This early start to the GCSE course enables staff to spend extra time on the more difficult concepts. Pupils will also have the opportunity to take their first GCSE module tests in March. This would not be possible in state schools because of the constraints of the National Curriculum tests.
Year 7
Topics include:
Acids and alkalis
Simple chemical reactions
Solids, liquids and gases
Solutions
Year 8
Topics include:
Atoms and elements
Compounds and mixtures
Rocks and weathering
The rock cycle
Years 9, 10 and 11 - GCSE
We follow the AQA Science specifications. The courses on offer are: Core Science (1 GCSE), Additional Science (1 GCSE) or Biology and Chemistry and Physics (3 GCSEs).
The early start to GCSE sciences enables the department to offer the opportunity for all pupils to gain a minimum of two GCSE science qualifications over three years of study.
Pupils in year 9 begin by studying biology, chemistry and physics units, sitting their first round of GCSE Core Science objective tests in March. The GCSE qualification in Core Science is completed by November of year 10.
Those pupils who have a keen interest in Science and who have shown talent in the subject will be encouraged to study GCSE Extension Science also. This, together with the Core and Additional Science modules leads to GCSE qualifications in the separate disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
6th Form
The department enters candidates for the AQA examinations at AS and A Level.
This course gives a thorough grounding in Chemistry suitable for students who wish to study the subject or related courses at university level.
The course is modular. The first three modules are taken in the lower sixth and together with practical assessments lead to a qualification at AS level which is recognised by universities. The second year covers two further modules and more practical assessment which leads to a full A-level.
