Chemistry
Key Stage 3
Year 7
Students will study concepts that include particles and their behaviour, elements, atoms and compounds, simple chemical reactions and acids and alkalis. Each topic is studied through a mix of investigation, theory and practical work. It is an opportunity for students to become familiar with scientific equipment and carrying out experiments.
Year 8
Students will build on the concepts of year 7 by studying topics including the Periodic table, separating techniques, metals and acids and the Earth. Through practical investigation and theory students are able to understand the foundational concepts that they will need later in GCSE chemistry.
Year 9
The topics and style of investigation is to support the transition from key stage 3 chemistry into GCSE chemistry. The practical work and write up is to enable students to develop skills they will need in their GCSE chemistry. They will also study concepts that include air quality, pollution and how human activity contributes to the impact of climate change.
Key Stage 4
GCSE Chemistry 2016-18 (Year 10)
| Course Title | Chemistry B |
|---|---|
| Examination Board | 21st Century OCR |
| Qualification | GCSE |
| Specification | J258 |
| QN Code | 60013464 |
| Link to specification | http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/234599-specification-accredited-gcse-twenty-first-century-science-suite-chemistry-b-j258.pdf |
| Summary of course content | C1 – Air and Water C2 – Chemical patterns – The Periodic Table and the patterns and properties of elements. C3 – Chemicals of the natural environment –bonding, structure and properties and electrolysis. C4 – Material choices – investigating polymers and new technology. Discussing bonding, structure and properties of materials. C5 – Chemical analysis – looking at how scientists find the composition of unknown chemicals. C6 – Making useful chemicals C7 – ideas about science – making conclusions from data, how does science and technology impact society. C8 covers 10 set pieces of practical work which will feature in the exam. These practicals are carried out through the other topics. |
| How will I be assessed? | The GCSE (9–1) in Chemistry B (Twenty First Century Science) is a linear qualification with 100% external assessment. 2 exam papers at the end of year 11. A breadth paper and a depth paper. Breadth paper (50%): this paper can assess content from across the whole specification. The paper will include short answer response questions. These will include structured questions, calculations and questions based on practical skills. Depth paper (50%): this paper can assess content from across the whole specification. The focus of the Depth paper is to allow learners to demonstrate their depth of understanding of specific aspects of the content. This will be achieved by the inclusion of some short answer response questions. These will include structured questions, calculations and questions based on practical skills. The paper will have at least two extended response questions, marked using Level of Response mark schemes, each with a total of 6 marks. |
| What type of activities take place in lessons? | The lessons will include practicals, investigation, demonstrations and chemistry theory. There will be discussion around ideas about science and technology. |
| What type of homework tasks will be set? | Homework will include research tasks and practising longer responses to questions. |
| Useful links | http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zs6hvcw |
| How will this help students in the future? | This course will enable students to confidently continue to take chemistry at A level, it also great precursor to Forensic science and engineering. Many of the practical and investigative skills learnt are transferable to other Science and technology subjects. |
| How will this course build on Key Stage 3? | Key stage 3 touches on many of the concepts of the GCSE programme but in year 10 and 11 this knowledge is developed further and is more complex. |
| What Skills will I develop? | Investigative, practical, problem solving and writing longer scientific responses. |