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Chemistry

Year 9 (Block 3)

Chemistry is studied using skills similar to, and co-ordinated with, those in Biology and Physics. At the start of the course, emphasis is placed on developing good practical, observational and recording skills. In addition, good practice in scientific writing and diagram drawing is encouraged. Some experiments will involve the use of ICT and so the possession of a school laptop computer will be a distinct advantage.

The topics studied are: the periodic table and the metal non-metal division; the reactivity series through oxygen affinity and the extraction of iron; REDOX reactions; word equations, naming and applying formulae to compounds; electrochemistry, cells and electrolysis.

Progress through the course is assessed by the performance of pupils in weekly prep and through end of topic tests.  Other techniques widely employed include question and answer in class and also general discussion, and the use of library reference material.

Years 10 & 11 (Blocks 4 & 5)

All Block 4 and 5 students study a Dual Award IGCSE. The aim of this course is to provide a good grounding in the sciences for anyone who is a citizen of the twenty-first century, and also to do the same for those who wish to continue with the sciences to AS level and beyond. The students are set according to their performance in Block 3 tests and exams, though these sets remain flexible.

We use the following examining boards, depending on the set:

Examining Board: Edexcel 'Double Award' IGCSE 4437/4325/4335/4420

Sixth Form

During this course students will extend their knowledge of the fundamental chemical concepts and study contemporary issues such as climate change, green chemistry, pharmaceuticals and chemistry research. The study will be primarily chemical but will also touch on ethical and sociopolitical questions.

Understanding the key ideas comes through practical laboratory work, class lectures and discussions, with lots of practice of chemistry problems. Each set is taught by two members of staff.

The AS exam consists of units 1-3. Units 4-6, studied in 6.2, complete the full A Level course.

• Unit 1 The Core Principles of Chemistry
• Unit 2 Application of core principles of chemistry
• Unit 3 Chemical Laboratory Skills
• Unit 4 Rates, Equilibria, and further organic chemistry
• Unit 5 Transition Metals and organic nitrogen chemistry
• Unit 6 Chemical Laboratory Skills

To embark on the course, students should have achieved at least a BB at dual award GCSE. It is recommended that, because students will struggle in the A2 course without at least an AS in maths, Mathematics is part of their 6.1 programme. Chemistry coupled with Physics and/or Biology helps the study of all the subjects involved, and is hugely beneficial and strongly advised for anyone contemplating taking a Chemistry-related degree. Chemistry is an essential A Level for Biological sciences, Dentistry, Medicine and Veterinary sciences.

Examining Board: Edexcel

Head of Department: Michael Newman

See the Publications section for the range of student publications including B-Sci, the Bedales science magazine.

Download a guide to the Sixth Form Curriculum.

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