Chemistry What does GCSE Chemistry offer me? GCSE Chemistry occupies a central position amongst the sciences. Almost any science-based course or career (where in the Food Industry, Health Care, Environmental Control, the Chemical or Pharmaceutical Industries) requires a basic qualification in Chemistry. The terminal assessment is designed to ensure the maximum amount of time to teach the syllabus. The teaching of the GCSE specification is now started in Year 9, including some of the required practical content. The content is completed in Years 10 and 11, leaving time to practice AQA examination material. What does the course entail? Course Breakdown and Assessments • 8462 GCSE Chemistry • 2 written papers are taken, of 1 hour 45 minutes, each as terminal examinations at the end of Year 11. • The GCSE specification is now started in Year 9 and the specification content is completed in Years 10 and 11, leaving specific time to practice AQA examination material. • There is no assessed practical element. Each written paper constitutes 50% of the qualification including questions that are multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response. Some of these relate to the class required practicals. • For a PDF version of the draft specifications see www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462 • General topics: Atomic structure and the periodic table, Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter, Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes, Organic chemistry, Chemical analysis, Energy changes, Rate of reactions, The Atmosphere and Using Resources. Beyond GCSE Grade requirements 7-9 in GCSE Chemistry and a minimum of grade 6 in Mathematics. Chemistry is essential for Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Biochemistry, Physiotherpay and Biomedical Sciences. Also useful for many other scientific (Biological Sciences, Radiology, Nursing) and nonscientific (Law, Journalism, Archaeology, Geological Sciences) university and vocational courses. Curriculum Enrichment Stretch and Challenge extension activities are embedded within the curriculum; pupils are encouraged to read around the subject that includes topical issues such as global warming and renewable energy . Links with the Royal Society of Chemistry and Liverpool University include the annual “Top of the Bench competition”, where a small number of pupils get to compete against other schools in the North West. National Science Week has been used as an opportunity for keen Chemistry students to take part, for example in an on-line debating forum with prestigious Chemists entitled “I am a Scientist – get me out of here”.
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