CHEMISTRY

Year 9 Course Outline

The course starts begins by a better understanding of matter, quickly proceeding to the structure of the atom, which is taught alongside the language of chemistry: symbolic formulae and balanced equations. The more conceptual and theoretical work is accompanied by a study of structure and bonding. Here pupils learn the fundamentals that allow them to explain concepts that they encounter later in the course. By the end of the academic year pupils have a sound grasp of the basic tools of chemistry and are ready to undertake study of more complex chemical systems.

Years 10 and 11 Course Outline

The course builds on the knowledge gained in Year 9 by allowing pupils to apply their knowledge to topics ranging from crude oil and fuels to electrolysis, rate of reaction and environmental aspects of chemistry.

Skills required and developed

The course assumes only basic mathematical skills and prior knowledge. In this course pupils will also learn to be scientifically literate. This involves, amongst other things, learning to question experimental evidence, engaging in informed debate and learning how to use evidence to make decisions. The course will develop experimental skills through practical work and provides an excellent foundation for further study.

External Assessment

At PGS about 80% of pupils are entered for each of the three sciences separately for AQA GCSE. The remainder of the cohort is entered for a qualification called Combined Science GCSE. Although the pupils take examinations in each of the three sciences separately, the results in these examinations are combined to give a total score that is converted to a double grade. Typically, pupils in the Upper and Middle band sets take separate science qualifications, but the final decision for individual pupils is made based on performance during Year 10 and the Year 10 summer examination. The separate science qualifications at PGS provide an additional level of challenge that many of our pupils find stimulating and can help pupils demonstrate high academic ability in Science. However, we are sensitive to pupil attainment and the reduced content of the Combined Science course means that there is a greater chance for success as there is more time to focus on the challenging concepts. Pupils following the Combined Science route can also devote greater focus to their attainment in other subjects. Furthermore, the summation process can be useful in helping gain a better overall grade than would be obtained separately. The Combined Science examination does not disadvantage in terms of the opportunity to take any form of science education further at A Level.

Beyond the classroom

There are cross-curricular links with Maths, English, Biology, Geography, Physics and Technology. The course also aims to highlight potential careers. Trips are arranged to appropriate exhibitions and competitions.

Further information

Mr M Shields, Head of Chemistry, Tel 023 9236 0036, Email m.shields@pgs.org.uk Dr M Smith, Second in Chemistry, Tel 023 9236 0036, Email m.smith@pgs.org.uk

Exam Board Website https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse