Chemistry

What is the nature of Chemistry at IGCSE level?

IGCSE Chemistry is a two year course that will allow students to acquire chemical knowledge, understand concepts, learn to process information in various ways, solve problems and develop their practical experimental and investigative skills. In common with the other IGCSE Sciences courses it aims to further develop abilities such as evaluation, interpretation and effective communication; enabling students to recognise the place of Science in today’s world.

What is the approach to learning?

The chemical concepts studied will be placed into a ‘real world’ context to allow students an understanding of the work undertaken by chemists and the impact of chemistry on people’s lives. The course aims to provide a broad range of teaching and learning activities to encourage student development in all areas of scientific study. Students will be exposed to scientific procedure and learn how to analyse and evaluate data, including looking at the strengths and limitations of scientific claims. Activities in the lessons will be varied and students will learn Chemistry through set practicals, investigations and theory.

What is the subject content?

The specific topics studied are: 1. The particulate nature of matter 2. Experimental techniques 3. Atoms, elements and compounds 4. Chemical changes and Chemical reactions 5. Acids, bases and salts 6. Carbonates 7. The Periodic Table 8. Stoichiometry 9. Electricity and chemistry 10. Metals 11. Air and water 12. Sulphur 13. Organic Chemistry

What is the nature of assessment?

Throughout the two years the students will be assessed by a variety of methods. Each of the modules will have an End of Unit Examination which will be composed like their final examination. As well as this formative assessment the students will also be continuous assessed by completing assessed task. This will be varied and include activities such as posters, presentations, investigation reports and assessed past paper questions.

The final assessment and grade awarded by CIE will involve candidates completing three exam papers at the end of the two year course. These are summarised in the table below.

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Paper 4 Theory (Extended) extended answer questions 50%

Paper 6 Questions based on experimental processes and techniques 20%

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