Chemistry
GCSE
In Year 9 some care is taken at the outset to merge the experiences of those who come from various scientific backgrounds elsewhere and those who have been through our own Junior Department. For the first few months the pupils are introduced to elementary ideas of atomic structure and chemical bonding and the importance of the Periodic Table.
Later in the year emphasis is on the use of symbolic chemical equations to describe a wide variety of chemical reactions. All this leads to a firm foundation of theory and fact upon which to building experience necessary for high performance at GCSE examinations.
Finding ways to soften hard water
Through the five years, Chemistry is taught by graduates who are fully involved in teaching the subject through to University entrance standard so that progression is assured and pupils can learn the skills, facts and essential ideas at appropriate times in their development.
All lessons are taken either in a laboratory or in our modern lecture-room/audio-visual centre. We attach importance to practical experience and use our laboratory facilities extensively. All of our laboratories are also equipped with computing facilities.
There is no coursework within the new GCSE Science specifications. It has been replaced by a 45 minute assessment paper carried out in the lesson, under supervised conditions. Each subject provides pupils with the opportunity to attempt two assessments during the course. The best mark is then submitted, representing 20% of the GCSE.
In Years 10 and 11 we follow the AQA GCSE Chemistry Specification. This is strongly based on applications of Chemistry but we think it important that the Chemistry should come first, the applications afterwards. The course is intended to be satisfying in itself for those who do not intend to take the subject further, and a very good preparation for those who will choose to study it for A Level.