CHEMISTRY

Aims

Chemistry is a fascinating subject, which allows students to investigate and understand the world around them. The department aims to stimulate students’ curiosity and cultivate a life-long interest in the central science by looking at how our everyday lives are touched by Chemistry. For example, each time we light a match, cook a meal or simply breathe in and out, we are performing chemical reactions. Our homes are manufactured using materials obtained by chemical processes and we use chemistry to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems, including how to feed our growing population and how to take positive steps to tackle climate change.

Chemistry is not studied in isolation; students will often find topics overlapping with biology and medicine, with physics and engineering, and with geology and earth science. 

It is a challenging yet rewarding subject to study, as demonstrated by the popularity of the subject at Key Stage 5. Many of our students go onto read Chemistry or chemistry related courses, including Pharmacy, Dentistry and Medicine, at the UK’s top universities as well as non-related courses such as Law and Accountancy.

Staff

We have a group of four highly trained and experienced specialist teachers, who are easy to approach and have excellent subject knowledge. The department is supported ably by a full time laboratory technician.

• Dr R Sagar (Head of Department)
• Dr R Perrins
• Miss G Gosall
• Miss S Jerome
• Mrs B Smith (Laboratory Technician)

Curriculum

KS3 (years 7, 8 and 9)

In Year 7 pupils begin studying the WIKID Science course with one science teacher. During Year 8 they are taught by two teachers. In both years pupils have six lessons a fortnight. In Year 9 pupils begin studying GCSE level Chemistry with a subject specialist during their weekly Chemistry lessons.

Year 9s made several types of concrete; they investigated the strength of their concrete mixture in a class competition.

What topics your daughter will study.

Year 9:  In the past pupils have concentrated on the following topics:

• Metals
• Fuels and combustion
• Environmental Chemistry
• Energy from reactions

Since the introduction of modular GCSE courses, Year 9s have begun studying GCSE Chemistry in January. At present, this will continue under further notice.

What your daughter may do in lessons

The lessons are fast paced and packed with lots of activities. All students are encouraged to participate in all areas of each lesson. Students very much look forward to practical work and there is lots of it at Key Stage 3. Students work independently or in small groups to complete the tasks with an emphasis on BLH.

How your daughter’s progress will be assessed.

 A variety of assessment techniques are employed by the Chemistry department. Constructive feedback is an essential way to help students improve and this is given regularly as verbal and written feedback during class tasks and homework assignments. Girls are encouraged to reflect on their progress and take action after each summative assessment period. There is also an end-of-year examination.

KS4 (GCSE)

Girls study AQA Chemistry (4402) with one specialist teacher. In Years 10 and 11 students have four lessons a fortnight with homework set after each lesson. The focus is on studying processes, making links and applying knowledge rather than rote-learning facts.

Year 10s investigate the absorbency of nappies filled with smart polymers called hydrogels.

What topics your daughter will study.

 The Chemistry curriculum is organised in four units, one of which is based on practical skills.

Unit C1

• The fundamental ideas in chemistry
• Limestone and building materials
• Metals and their uses
• Crude oil and fuels
• Other useful substances from crude oil
• Plant oils and their uses
• Changes in the Earth and it atmosphere

Unit C2

• Structure and bonding
• How structure influences the properties and uses of substances
• Atomic structure, analysis and quantitative chemistry
• Rates of reaction
• Exothermic and endothermic reactions
• Acids, bases and salts
• Electrolysis

Unit C3

• The periodic table
• Water
• Calculating and explaining energy changes
• Further analysis and quantitative chemistry
• The production of ammonia
• Alcohols, carboxylic acids and esters

Unit 4 – Controlled Assessment

• Plan practical ways to develop and test candidates own scientific ideas
• Assess and manage risks when carrying out practical work
• Collecting primary and secondary data
• Select and process primary and secondary data
• Analyse and interpret primary and secondary data
• Use scientific models and evidence to develop hypotheses, arguments and explanations

What your daughter may do in lessons

Teaching is dynamic and outstanding; all students are encouraged to participate in all areas of each lesson. Due to the nature of the subject, students will find that practical work is embedded in the lessons. Students work independently or in small groups to complete the tasks. They are always encouraged to ask questions in order to extend their knowledge and understanding.

How your daughter’s progress will be assessed.

A variety of assessment techniques are employed by the Chemistry department. Constructive feedback is an essential way to help students improve and this is given regularly as verbal and written feedback during class tasks and homework assignments. Girls are encouraged to reflect on their progress and take action after each summative assessment period. External examinations are supported by internal mocks, which take place in lesson time.

Post 16 (A Level)

Girls study AQA Chemistry (2420) with two specialist teachers. There are nine lessons a fortnight, two of which form a double lesson that is usually used for practical work. The focus is on studying processes, making links and applying knowledge rather than rote-learning facts.

Year 12s carrying out a kinetics practical.

What topics your daughter will study.

The Chemistry curriculum is organised in six units, two of which are based on practical skills. Three units are taken in Year 12 and make up the AS Level award. To gain an A Level, students must complete the remaining three units, which are called the A2 units.

AS Unit 1 – Foundation Chemistry

• Atomic structure
• Amount of substance
• Bonding
• Periodicity
• Introduction to organic chemistry
• Alkanes

AS Unit 2 – Chemistry in Action

• Energetics
• Kinetics
• Equilibria
• Redox reactions
• Group 7 (17), the halogens
• Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
• Extraction of metals
• Haloalkanes
• Alkenes
• Alcohols
• Analytical techniques

AS Unit 3 – Investigative and Practical Skills in AS Chemistry (EMPA)

This is an externally marked piece of work which includes practical work and examination style questions.

Group work is an important aspect of practical work.

A2 Unit 4 – Kinetics, Equilibria and Organic Chemistry

·         Kinetics

·         Equilibria

·         Acids and bases

·         Nomenclature and isomerism in organic chemistry

·         Compounds containing the carbonyl group

·         Aromatic chemistry

·         Amines

·         Amino acids

·         Polymers

·         Organic synthesis and analysis

·         Structure determination

A2 Unit 5 – Energetics, Redox and Inorganic Chemistry

·         Thermodynamics

·         Periodicity

·         Redox Equilibria

·         Transition metals

·         Reactions of inorganic compounds in aqueous solution

A2 Unit 6 – Investigative and Practical Skills in A2 Chemistry

This is an externally marked piece of work which includes practical work and examination style questions.

Year 13s investigate a hydrogen fuel cell.

What your daughter may do in lessons

Initially, students consolidate GCSE Level work in the first unit and then study key processes in more depth. Lessons are delivered using a variety of methods – the onus is making the students independent learners. Students are expected to work on their own or in small groups to solve problems, identify links within and between topics and develop their practical skills. They are always supported by staff, who provide a range of activities to stimulate discussion within lessons. Homework is regularly set to consolidate learning.

How your daughter’s progress will be assessed.

The department expects all students to work hard for all unit assessments, though there is the opportunity to re-sit examinations later in the course. As a result, staff are always on hand during lunch times to help students who require more support.

How to improve

• Read the teacher comments in your exercise book and where relevant act on them.
• Follow the advice given in your assessment folder.
• Refer to the level or grade descriptors for your age group, these will be in your folder (Y7+8), in the specification (GCSE and A Level).
• Use the textbook to read ahead to be ready for new topics.
• Make revision materials at the end of each topic.
• Review your work frequently.
• Use the textbook to consolidate classroom learning.
• Use the internet sites suggested later to research unfamiliar topics.
• Explain your lessons to your parents.
• Ask your teacher for a more detailed explanation.
• Ask for help when you need it – be ready to ask questions.
• Talk to your friends to find out how they revise – maybe they have a technique that could work for you.
• This is not a full list; the techniques you use in other subjects will also work with Chemistry.

Chemistry opportunities out of lessons

Moodle, the school’s VLE, allows students to direct their learning on topics of their choice by providing extra resources.

• Chemistry Quiz team
• Chemistry lectures for Key Stage 5 students at the University of Birmingham
• Activity Days include events with a science focus.

STEM based activity during a summer activity day where pupils designed, built and presented their buildings of the future

Chemistry opportunities parents can provide

• Taking an active interest in your daughter’s work by looking at her exercise book / textbook and asking her questions about it.
• Encouraging your daughter to watch science related programmes (e.g., Bang Goes The Theory, Brainiac, Horizon).
• Encouraging your daughter to read scientific literature, which is available in the school library or science articles in newspapers or on the BBC News website.

Applications of Chemistry

The skills developed while studying for a chemistry qualification are highly desirable to employers in all sorts of sectors. Skills like:

• Logical thinking
• Communication
• Creativity
• Analysis
• Data handling
• Observation

A degree in chemistry opens the door to a wide range of career options – far more than you may have realised. Chemists are not just confined to the lab! Chemists play a vital role in developing many of the everyday products we take for granted and help to sustain and improve our quality of life.

Many of the jobs chemists do cross the boundaries between chemistry, biology and physics and many chemists work with other scientists, not to mention other professionals in marketing, law, ICT and other areas.

Nanotechnology – designing structures on an atomic scale for use in medicine, communication and industry

Environmental science – understanding and safeguarding our environment

Sustainability – developing alternative energy sources for a cleaner, healthier planet

Innovation – developing exciting new technology products

Product development – improving our cosmetics, toiletries and household cleaning products

Forensics – helping to solve crimes

Archaeology – dating and analysing artefacts

Drug discovery – discovering new medicines

Biotechnology – seeking treatments for diseases, experimenting with new energy sources and creating the next generation of consumer chemicals

Marine chemistry – reducing pollution and discovering new natural compounds for use in food production and medicines

Sportswear development – producing smart new materials for trainers, lightweight materials for bike frames and racquets, or aerodynamic suits for cycling and athletics

Teaching – inspiring the next generation of chemists

Food technology – inventing new foods or flavours

Whether you know what you want to do after university or you’re still unsure, a chemistry qualification stands you in good stead for the future.

Studying chemistry is also great training for careers in:

• Sales and marketing
• Consultancy
• Central and local government
• Business and finance
• Law

Independent research* shows that the average chemistry graduate earns substantially more over a lifetime than graduates of many other disciplines:

• £190,000 more than those with two or more A-levels (no degree)
• £60,000 more than most other graduates – including those with degrees in subjects like History, English and Psychology.

* The economic benefits of higher education qualifications. Price Waterhouse Coopers LLP January 2005

Chemistry web links

Examination board for GCSE and A Level Chemistry: http://www.aqa.org.uk

Royal Society of Chemistry: http://www.rsc.org/education/

Chemistry world blog: http://www.rscweb.org/blogs/cw/

Periodic Table videos: http://www.periodicvideos.com/nyt/index.htm

BBC News (science and technology): http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science_and_environment/