Curriculum Intent and Rationale
Chemistry is the study of the composition and properties of matter. It seeks to investigate and explain why substances will react together via chemical reactions. Chemistry overlaps and supports the study of Biology and Physics and is often referred to as the central science. Chemistry is taught in five specialist laboratories by six specialist teachers and supported by a team of four technicians that work across the whole science department.
Our aim is to develop students’ skills in carrying out scientific investigations and answering scientific questions, this is rooted in learning scientific theory and conducting a range of practical activities. Our curriculum is designed to build students’ skills and knowledge, gradually moving from Year 7 through to the end of Year 13. To begin, students will learn how to carry out investigations, focusing on planning, writing, graph-work and forming conclusions and evaluations, along with how to work safely in a lab. They will use their chemical knowledge to then develop these skills as they progress through our curriculum, along with deepening their knowledge. We envisage our leaving students to be well-rounded scientists who have deep-rooted scientific skills that they are able to apply to new problems which have relevance in the wider world.
Implementing our curriculum
Key Stage 3
At KS3, we use a bespoke scheme of work based upon the National Curriculum.
In year 7, the theme is particles and the course begins with an introduction to working as a scientist that focuses on working in a laboratory and learning to use specialist equipment such as Bunsen burners. As the year progresses the topics covered are: particles and their behaviour, solutions and atoms, elements and compounds.
In year 8, the theme is reactions and the course begins with an introduction to chemical reactions by studying the differences between physical and chemical changes, writing word equations and explaining conservation of mass. As the year progresses the topics covered are: acids and alkalis, metals and their reactions, chemical reactions and energy and the Earth and rocks.
In year 9, we bring the ideas of particles and reactions together. The year begins with an introductory course that aims to reinforce fundamental principles as well as developing key skills such as naming compounds, working out chemical formulae, knowing general equations and writing balanced symbol equations. As the year progresses, the foundations for GCSE are set by studying key topics such as: atomic structure, the periodic table and rate of reaction.
Our aim is that the students enjoy the subject while developing the skills and knowledge to equip them for learning science at a higher level.
Students are supported by science homework club that takes place once a week.
There is also a weekly science club, giving students an opportunity to carry out experiments that are more unusual or discuss ideas beyond the curriculum.
Key Stage 4
Specification: AQA (Single and Trilogy)
The GCSE specifications include a basic grounding in important chemical principles and students are encouraged to understand and apply these concepts to new situations.
Practical work plays an important role in chemistry and students will be encouraged to work safely and independently in the laboratories and to gain experience in handling a wide range of apparatus.
There are 10 topics and they are taught in the following order:
- Atomic structure and the periodic table
- Rate and extent of reaction
- Chemistry of the atmosphere
- Structure and bonding
- Energy changes
- Quantitative chemistry
- Chemical changes
- Organic chemistry
- Chemical analysis
- Using resources
Students are supported by chemistry workshop which takes place twice a week
The course is assessed via two written examinations taken at the end of Year 11, which include questions on the practical work they have covered throughout the course.
Key Stage 5
Specification: AQA
A level Chemistry is an extremely popular A-level subject that has more than 100 students studying it in each year of the Sixth Form. A well-respected and rigorous academic subject that provides many transferable skills for those who study it.
Throughout Year 12, students extend their understanding of topics such as amounts of substance, patterns in the periodic table and equilibria, and are introduced to ideas such as oxidation states and organic mechanisms.
In Year 13, the course builds on this foundation by extending the students’ ideas about organic, inorganic and physical chemistry.
It is a practical subject and throughout both years, the students develop an array of skills based on the experiments completed in class.
Students are supported by chemistry workshop that takes place twice a week. There is also a medics’ society to support aspiring medics.
All Year 12 chemists can apply to attend lectures at the University of Birmingham to extend their wider knowledge of the subject and allow them the opportunity to hear some extremely well-respected speakers. Our students can also choose to participate in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge and the Chemistry Olympiad, both consist of a written paper set to spark interest in the subject and provide challenge for the brightest students.
At the end of Year 13, students will sit three written examinations that make up 100% of their final mark. Approximately 15% of the total A-level marks available are focused on practical skills, and all students will be required to complete 12 key practical activities throughout the two-year course.