Chemistry
Learn about what is involved in studying Chemistry at KS3, KS4 and KS5.
Key Stage 3
The Key Stage 3 Chemistry course aims to develop students’ chemistry knowledge and understanding through a range of different types of scientific enquiry.
- In Year 8, students develop ideas about the periodic table and how the different elements react to make new compounds. They then look at different types of chemical change and study the processes that shape our planet and the rocks around us.
- In Year 9, students look at the structure of the atom and how that influences chemical reactivity. They then investigate the reactions and properties of acids and the properties and uses of a range of new materials.
The Key Stage 4 course starts in the summer term of Year 9.
Key Stage 4
Why study Chemistry?
Chemistry has a significant impact on everyday life. We all use chemical knowledge on a daily basis and chemists play a vital role in developing many of the everyday products that we take for granted, as well as developing the new technologies of the future. As a result, there is a significant demand for chemists.
Introduction
All students take GCSE Chemistry and we follow the AQA GCSE Chemistry specification. This is a linear qualification and students will sit all their exams at the end of the course. The qualification provides an excellent grounding in chemistry and is an ideal preparation for further study at A level.
What will it be like?
The specification covers the following topics:
- Atomic structure and the periodic table
- Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter
- Quantitative chemistry
- Chemical changes
- Energy changes
- The rate and extent of chemical change
- Organic chemistry
- Chemical analysis
- Chemistry of the atmosphere
- Using resources
An important emphasis of the specification is to develop an appreciation of the methods of scientific enquiry and the vital application of science and technology in our society. Teaching methods will encourage students to research and discuss the important scientific questions of today, and will develop their abilities to present their arguments cogently and debate these issues in an informed and accurate way.
Assessment
Students will take two exams at the end of the course. Both papers are 1 hour 45 min long and consist of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response questions. Paper 1 covers topics 1-5 and Paper 2 covers topics 6-10.
Key Stage 5
All students follow the AQA Chemistry A level specification which provides an excellent grounding for students who are interested in further study in other science related disciplines after A level. The course has experimental work at its core – wherever possible, students are encouraged to use their practical experiences to link theory to reality. At the end of the course, students sit three examined papers which test the full range of skills and knowledge they have developed over the two-year course.